A short history of Pilates

Pilates was created by a German called Joseph Pilates in the early 19th Century. He suffered as a child from a variety of illness but his drive and determination led him to overcome his ailments and he became a gymnast, skier and diver. 

Joseph moved to the UK in 1912, where he worked as a circus performer, boxer and self-defence teacher. During the latter part of World War 1, he was confined with other German nationals to the Isle of White where he helped soldiers who were unable to walk. He used bed springs to help support the patients’ limbs which led to the development of equipment such as the reformer, circle, Cadillac and many others. We still use these items today in studios seen around the country. 

Joseph emmigrated to the USA in the 1920s and during his travels he met his wife, Carla. With Carla by his side, he opened their first studio in New York which proved to be extremely popular among professional dancers, athletes, boxers and anyone looking to recover from injury. 

Pilates today has evolved and is not just for elite athletes to practice. It should and can be for anyone to practice at the correct level for them. Pilates practices can now be found worldwide and there are still many classical concepts in use but also there are many modern techniques being introduced. The same principles apply:  

Breath, Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision and Flow.