What is Pilates?

The six main principles of Pilates are:

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883.  He was a sickly child and teenager suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever.  As a result he was intent on building his body to become strong and healthy so he embarked on a number of fitness regimes including boxing, gymnastics, bodybuilding and yoga.

He moved to England in 1912 working as a circus performer and a professional boxer.  He was interned during the Great War where he developed many of the exercises which are still used today in order to keep himself and fellow internees fit.

He emigrated to the USA in the 1920’s and with his wife Clara, and went on to further develop and teach their method of ‘body conditioning’ or as it was known the ‘Contrology’.   It became a very popular form of exercise regime for ballet dancers in New York, as the exercises lengthen and strengthen the muscles, allowing greater flexibility. 

It later became known as ‘Pilates’ after Joseph Pilates’ death in 1967.