PILATES – HOW SHOULD I RELATE TO IT AS A CHRISTIAN?

Pilates is a method for bodily development through physical means, which was developed by German Joseph Hubertus Pilates, AKA ”Joe” in the early 20th century.

Joseph was born in Germany in 1880 and was often ill as a child. In an effort to help himself get well, he experimented with various ways of strengthening his body and mind. He was infatuated with both martial arts, gymnastics, yoga, and meditation, thereby inventing his own method of “healing”.

Joseph Pilates called his method Contrology, which means control, because he believed that the program uses the brain of the person exercising to control muscle mass, and because he could also control his mind and spirit with his program.

In the process of developing the Contrology concept, Joseph Pilates also designed his own training equipment, which includes things like Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, and Ladder Barrel, all equipment that is still made and used all over the world today.

Part of  Joseph Pilates’ big dream was to realize his visions of “mind body fitness” for all ages in society – from children to adults.

Since Yoga and meditation were among the main sources of inspiration for Joseph Pilates, the similarities between Pilates and Yoga are readily noticeable – and no, there is really no significant difference between the two ”types”.

Pilates quite simply stole Yoga exercises, which were then changed slightly, and something was added, such as a ball or rubber bands. Pilates have its own exercises as well, however, and today Pilates is a great many things – and it is not as it was developed originally. You may also encounter the term “Yogaletes”, which is a total fusion of the two forms.

So yes, Pilates is basically Yoga in disguise and with another name – therefore you will also find that many Pilates instructors also teach Yoga and Tai Chi, as they are all very similar.

If you do a quick Google search for “Pilates Chakra”, you will also quickly discover how Pilates, in the same way as Yoga, is used to open the spiritual chakra points.

Read more about why Yoga and faith in Jesus Kristus are NOT compatible.

Read more about Chakras here.

Andreas Slot-Henriksen
July, 11, 2018

Translated from Danish
by Lisbeth Agerskov Christensen