Richard Bader Physical Therapy

Clinics in:

Norway 743 - 5493
Bridgton 647 - 5493
Poland 998 - 5493

We are proud to sponsor:

Richard Bader Pilates and Wellness Studio
260 Main Street Bridgton
207-890-5494

What is Pilates?

Joseph H. Pilates, born in Germany in 1880, combined his research studies with his personal physical experiences to create what is now known as Pilates. Most of this development occurred while Joseph was interned at enemy alien camps during WWI. He also adapted and "enhanced" hospital beds so that he could teach his exercises to patients as they recovered. After WWI, Joe began taking on personal clients for physical conditioning using the theories and exercises that he had developed. Max Schmelling, world heavyweight boxer, sought out Joseph Pilates and convinced him to immigrate to the United States where he later opened the first Pilates studio in New York City. Joseph coined the term “Contrology”, the process of coordinating body and mind to control physical movement, to name his work. Joseph died in 1967 but his work continued to develop and broaden through his students. However, in 1992, Sean Gallagher purchased the trademark and assets of the studio. Because of this trademark, companies and teachers could not use the term Pilates to describe their work for many years. Fortunately, this trademark was revoked in the year 2000 and has allowed Pilates to become a sought after method in fitness and rehabilitation.

Pilates is a form of exercise that is being recognized for its full body approach to strengthening and conditioning, focusing on muscle groups and components of exercise that many other forms of exercise miss. It is considered a body mind discipline and focuses on continually being aware of body alignment and movement control. The exercises need to be performed with concentration, stability, and precision. Pilates is better compared to a martial art than to a step aerobics or spinning class. These exercises will challenge the participant to hold their body in a neutral position and maintain recruitment of important core musculature while performing a series of movements.

Pilates Wellness Studio Brochure (.pdf format)