The History of Pilates
Who was Joseph Pilates?
Joseph Pilates was the founder of the Pilates method, although originally called Contrology, it was not called Pilates until after his death.
Pilates is a revolutionary approach to exercise that continues to be practised worldwide. His life was shaped by a deep passion for movement, health, and physical rehabilitation, which led him to develop a unique system of exercise that strengthens both body and mind.
Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in Mönchengladbach, Germany, in 1883. He was a sickly child, suffering from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, which left him physically weak. Determined to overcome these health issues, he dedicated himself to improving his strength and fitness. He studied a wide range of disciplines, including gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, and even ancient Greek and Roman exercise techniques. This eclectic background would later influence the development of his own exercise method.
By his teenage years, Pilates had transformed his body through disciplined training and was even working as a model for anatomical charts. His deep interest in anatomy and movement became the foundation of his lifelong work.
In 1912, Pilates moved to England, where he worked as a professional boxer, circus performer, and self-defence instructor. However, when World War I broke out in 1914, he was interned as an enemy alien along with other German nationals. During his time in an internment camp on the Isle of Man, he began refining his exercise system. He trained fellow internees using bodyweight exercises and basic equipment made from bed springs, helping them maintain their strength and recover from injuries. This experience played a crucial role in the development of his resistance-based training methods, which later evolved into his famous Pilates apparatus, including the Reformer.
After the war, Pilates returned to Germany, where he continued developing his methods. He worked with dancers and athletes, refining his approach to physical training. The German government invited him to train the military, but unhappy with the political climate in Germany, he decided to emigrate to the United States.
In 1926, Joseph Pilates moved to New York City with his wife, Clara. Together, they opened a fitness studio near Broadway, which quickly gained popularity among dancers, actors, and athletes. The Pilates method became known for its ability to improve strength, flexibility, and injury recovery. Legendary dancers such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham sent their students to Pilates to improve their technique and prevent injuries.
Joseph and Clara worked closely with their clients, refining and teaching "Contrology"—a method focused on controlled, precise movements that engage the mind and body. Pilates continued to develop new exercises and equipment, creating machines such as the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Spine Corrector.
Joseph Pilates continued teaching and practising his method until his death in 1967 at the age of 83. Though he did not achieve widespread fame in his lifetime, his work gained greater recognition in the decades following his death. His students carried on his legacy, spreading the Pilates method across the world.
Today, Pilates is practised by millions, from professional athletes to everyday individuals seeking better posture, core strength, and overall well-being. Joseph Pilates’ vision of a strong, balanced, and healthy body continues to inspire people over a century after he first developed his method.
If you want to try the Pilates method for yourself, simply choose a class. We host taster sessions and beginner classes to help get you started. Take a look at our range of Classes here.