Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility.

Pilates was founded by Joseph Pilates, who was born in 1880 in Germany. 
He grew up plagued by rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever and through his 
determination to overcome his health problems he studied and developed an 
exercise programme that assisted in restoring him to optimal health and through
his programme he gained enough strength to become an accomplished body builder, 
diver, skier and gymnast.  
 
When the First World War broke out, Joseph was interned by the British authorities in 
a camp, and during that time he continued developing his interest in health and 
physical fitness. While he was at the camp he trained other interns, many of whom 
needed serious rehabilitation. 
 
Joseph Pilates observed that where there was a weak or misaligned area in the body 
a person tended to over compensate or over develop another area. Therefore it was 
critical not only to correct the misalignment but also to re-educate the body so that 
the injuries did not repeat themselves. He also believed that true well-being could be 
achieved through physical fitness and positive mental attitude. 
 
In the early 1920s, Joseph Pilates moved to the USA and on the journey over he met 
Clara, his future wife. In 1926 they established a studio in New York City, which they 
shared with the New York City Ballet. It was here that he taught his method of 
exercise, which he named Contrology. 

The slow controlled flowing movements primarily strengthen the ‘core’ muscles that 
stabilise and support the spine, realign the body and help correct postural problems. 
Pilates brings mind and body together, focusing strongly on total concentration, 
balance, precision and breathing.

The original name of this unique method was changed from ‘Contrology’ to Pilates after his death in 1967.

In 1934 Joseph Pilates published his first book ‘Your Health’. These 34 exercises were designed for advanced clientele as they were performed together in a specific order, making the session very intense. 

Today Pilates has become very popular with the general public of all ages and levels 
of fitness, due to the introduction of adaptations, modifications and progressions which make the exercise accessible for all abilities.