81 Quotes by Joseph Pilates

Civilization impairs physical fitness.

You must squeeze every atom of impure air from lungs until they are almost as free of air as a vacuum.

Time and progress are synonymous terms--nothing can stop either. Truth will prevail and that is why I know that my teachings will reach the masses and finally be adopted as universal.

The lungs cannot be completely deflated at first without considerable effort. With perseverance, however, the desired results can be accomplished and with increasing power, gradually and progressively develop the lungs to their maximum capacity.

As a heavy rainstorm freshens the water of a sluggish or stagnant stream and whips it into immediate action, so does the Pilates Methods purify the bloodstream.

You're only as old as your spine.

Ideally, our muscles should obey our will. Reasonably, our will should not be dominated by the reflex actions of our muscles.

Breathing is the first act of life, and the last.

Normal muscles should function naturally in much the same manner as do the muscles of animals.