Learn

Have you ever heard of Pilates? Do you know who invented this exercise method? Well, you are about to find out!

Pilates is named after its creator, Joseph Pilates. Joseph was born in Germany and raised in England. Believe it or not, while growing up Joseph was an unhealthy child. In hopes of being healthier and stronger, Joseph sought inspiration from Eastern Yoga, Zen Buddhism, and Greek ideas of body, mind, and spirit. By the time Joseph reached the young age of 14, he had improved his health and strength. As a young adult Joseph Pilates earned his living through his various physical skills including circus performing, body building, wrestling, boxing and gymnastics.

During World War I, Joseph was placed in an internment camp with other German citizens. During his time in internment Joseph developed special floor exercises. He used easily available objects as athletic equipment to strengthen core muscles. He soon started training his fellow detainees with fitness exercises as a form of rehabilitation from injury and disease. In the 1920s Joseph refined his unique exercises and training techniques. He originally called his practice ‘Contrology’ because of the mind and body muscle control needed to properly perform the exercises.

Joseph migrated to the United Sates in 1925 and met his future wife Clara on the ship heading to New York City. When they arrived they opened a studio in New York City where they taught students with their training methods. Pilates thrived well into the 1960s and his practice attracted devoted followers, especially among dancers, performers, and athletes.

After Joseph’s passing in 1967 at age 87, his wife continued to run their studio for another 10 years. The majority of students he taught, referred to as Pilates Elders, have applied their own skills to the ‘classical style’ Pilates method. Some of his students have opened up studios around New York and have kept Pilates very much alive through teaching and training others in the Pilates method. Today, Pilates has become so popular that it is common to find Pilates classes offered at gyms and studios across the world.