Joseph Pilates

Did you know Pilates has been around since the early 1900's? As a child in Germany, Joseph was often ill with no explanations as to why. Through experimenting on his own, he discovered strengthening his body and mind resulted in improved personal health. He continued to explore this theory of physical activity as it relates to health and became a personal trainer. Joe was working as a personal trainer to a boxer in England when World War 1 began. Because he was not a native, he was held at an internment camp for the duration of the war. It was in this camp he developed a physical fitness program for his other fellow detainees. When the influenza in 1918 broke out, none of the men following his routine became ill. Joe's success was quickly noted and he was asked to tend to the wounded soldiers in the hospital. He was assigned more patients than he was able to work with individually, so he attached springs to each of the hospital beds to help aid patients in their daily exercises. This allowed each patient to exercise independently under Joe's supervision. This simple yet profound idea was the inspiration for the beginning pieces of Pilates equipment!

After being released from the camp, Joe was approached by an affiliate of the Nazi party and asked to train their police force. Because Joe had no interest in identifying with the Nazi group, he left the country and came to the United States. He immediately opened a Pilates studio in New York City and began working with various people, but mostly ballet dancers. He continued to engineer and build new pieces of Pilates equipment as well as train others to teach Pilates. Many of those he trained continued to carry on his legacy and passion for the mind/body connection of Pilates. Because of Joseph Pilates, we continue to enjoy this practical form of exercise beneficial to everyone in all walks of life.