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Pilates History

Where it Began

Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It’s a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up.

Pilates consists of a series of exercises and movements with an emphasis on your core muscles – abdomen, back and buttocks (sometimes referred to as the “powerhouse.”) The Pilates method conditions the body through exercises which focus on breathing and proper alignment. This in turn engages the mind improving concentration and overall body tone. No muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and every day activity.

Pilates was developed by German Joseph Pilates (born 1880). As a child he suffered from a variety of illnesses which resulted in muscular weakness. He devoted himself to overcome his physical limitations by studying a variety of modern and ancient exercise techniques.

Working in England when World War 1 broke out, he was imprisoned for being German. Joe used this time to develop his ideas on health and body building. Using springs attached to prison hospital beds amongst other things, he used his methods to rehabilitate injured soldiers and return them to fitness.

After the war Joe returned to Germany before sailing to America in 1926 where he met his future wife onboard. Together, they established a studio in New York to teach and share his knowledge and fitness programs. When Joe died in 1967 his method was barely known beyond his elite clients. He once said “I am fifty years ahead of my time” and he was right.
Today, Pilates has become a household name due to the growing trend over the last decade. Stars like Madonna swear by it and it’s backed by leading physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths all around the world. Some 38 years after his death, Joe’s lost treasures are now being discovered as genius works of art.