Pilates has

been a growing trend in fitness centers and gyms across the country recently,

though its origins date back 90 years. Now, Fayette County's two World

Gym locations offer classes on the activity once known as contrology,

and people are seeing and feeling the results.

Joseph H. Pilates

was born in Germany in 1880. He was a sickly child but determined to become

an athlete. Pilates studied Eastern and Western fitness philosophies,

learned the musculature of the body and created a series of mat work called

contrology. Scotland Yard hired Pilates to train its officers in these

techniques. When arrested and detained during World War I as an "enemy

alien," Pilates stayed strong and helped other prisoners stay strong

After the War,

Pilates emigrated to the United States. He soon opened the first Pilates

studio, which still stands, and began to train dancers. Pilates died at

the age of 87 and never got to see the popularity of his techniques nor

the difference he made. Fitness centers around the world are trying to

train enough instructors to fulfill the demand of students.

World Gym's

two Fayette County locations have just begun to offer Pilates classes.

Pilates is a way to work the body from the inside out, activating all

the muscles that attach to the hip and spine, which is known as one's

powerhouse or core. The workout not only builds strength but also helps

one's alignment, is good for injury prevention and promotes flexibility.

There is no equipment used in the class, which can last between 30 and

45 minutes, and the abdominal area gets a good workout.

"It is

not like yoga at all," says Meg Williams, one of the instructors.

"Pilates is faster paced."

Williams also

wanted to clear up the misconception that it was a workout strictly for

the abdominal muscles. "They definitely get a workout, but it's for

every muscle from your ribcage to your quads."

Pilates classes

are available at World Gym in Fayetteville and Peachtree City several

days a week at a variety of times. Phone 770-716-5755 or 770-631-8004

or visit World Gym in Peachtree City's Web site www.worldgympeachtreecity.com .

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