Last updated 19-10-08

What is Pilates?

 

The Pilates method is a form of exercise originally developed by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). As a child he was frail, sickly and not expected to live to adulthood, however, encouraged by his parents to play outside and get plenty of exercise his health improved. As he grew older he began to recognize the benefits of physical fitness. He devised his own exercise programme combining elements of martial arts, Yoga and gymnastics. Joseph moved to London and taught self defence to the police at Scotland Yard. When war broke out, his German nationality proved to be a problem and he was interned on the Isle of Man for the duration of the war. During this time he developed his exercise regime, removing bedsprings from the beds and attaching them to the walls above the beds allowing his patients to strengthen and mobilise by lying on their beds. This enabled even the seriously injured patients to exercise as, by lying on the bed, they remained stable and therefore safe.

 

Pilates was convinced that this technique improved the immune system. He lost none of his fellow internees to the 1918 'flu epidemic that killed more people than the War did!

After the war when he returned to Germany he introduced his exercises to dancers. He developed a technique that athletes and dancers found extremely effective for preventing and treating injury.

 

Joseph moved to New York in 1926 where he set up and shared his first fitness studio with the New York City Ballet with his wife Clara, where he taught ballet dancers and other athletes. Today, we have medical knowledge and understanding to back up his techniques and the Pilates method has now become a core part of the training for athletes and performers, it is supported by medical specialists as being appropriate for those with on going back pain.