Pilates - a surprising history.

Apr 27

When we think of Pilates, we think of a new trend involving active wear and trendy studios. The origins of Pilates , however, may surprise many.

“I’m fifty years ahead of my time” - Joseph Pilates

Pilates Timeline

Founder Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in !880
He was a sickly but determined child who used exercise to overcome his illnesses.
Joseph Pilates took interest in body building, yoga, tai chi and meditation. He left Germany for England in 1912 where he became a boxer and acrobat in the circus.
Joseph Pilates was taken as an intern for being a German enemy during WW1. During this time, Pilates was employed as a nurse. He attached springs to hospital beds to help the injured and ill to build muscle strength. It was here the basis of the Pilates Reformer was formed.
After the war, Joseph Pilates moved to New York and in the 1920’s opened his first studio. The “reformer” and other apparatus were used in his technique he called “Controlology”
Pilates was popular amongst dancers in the 50’s and 60’s. It gradually became more accessible to the general public as more studios began to open and spread the Pilates method.
Hollywood got hold of the Pilates method and its exposure grew.
In the 90’s Mat Pilates and TV/video adaptations made it possible for everyone to dress in lycra and get involved from the living room (or park)

Today, Pilates is a part of mainstream exercise. It has many benefits including improving posture and balance, toning muscles and preventing injury, especially back pain.

“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old
If your spine is completely flexible at 60, you are young” - Joseph Pilates

Steven Laybutt