Who is Pilates?

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1881 (died 1967). He developed the Pilates exercise system (previously known as Contrology) in the 1920s. His interest in physical fitness stemmed from a determination to strengthen his own body and improve his health after a sickly childhood. With a background in yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts and other ancient fitness techniques plus success as a gymnast, diver and boxer, Joseph Pilates devised a unique sequence of movements that worked the mind and muscles in harmony.

When he was interned in England during the First World War, he claimed that the system had helped him and his fellow internees resist an influenza epidemic. Working as an orderly at an infirmary, he engineered a way to rig springs on hospital beds to offer light resistance exercises to bedridden patients, and thus the seed for Pilates equipment was planted.

After the war, Joseph Pilates moved to New York and with his wife Clara opened up a studio near the New York City Ballet in 1926. It wasn't long before he drew a following of dancers who took to Pilates for its ability to create long, lean muscles and a strong, streamlined physique. Legends Martha Graham and George Balanchine were among his clientele.

In 1945, Joseph Pilates published Return to Life Through Contrology (ISBN 0-9614937-9-8), which described his philosophical approach to exercise. Soon, some of his students began opening studios of their own - some making subtle adaptations to the method - and word of Pilates slowly spread.

Since the 1990's it has grown in popularity and had enjoyed a boom of interest along with the long standing interest in mind-body techniques of training such as yoga, tai chi and meditation. Seen as a path to health and well being, even businesses are recruiting Pilates instructors to do early morning and lunchtime sessions for stressed workers.

Practised by Hollywood celebrities and top athletes it was heralded the new 'in thing'. And rightly so with the benefits it can have!

The appeal of Pilates ranges from teenagers to 80 year olds and it is often recommended by physiotherapists and osteopaths. Used to trim body shape, provide general strength and well-being or even rehabilitate the most tricky back problem, this is more than a passing fitness fad. It is the antidote to our stressed and physically rigid lifestyles.

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