Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Humbertus Pilates was born in 1883 to a Gymnast Father and a Naturopath Mother. Joseph was a sickly child, and determined to become physically healthy he dedicated his time to studying gymnastics, yoga, meditation, and circus performing.

He moved to England in 1912, working as a self-defence instructor at Scotland Yard, as well as a circus performer and professional boxer. 

However at the outbreak of world war 1, he was interned on the Isle of Man due to his Nationality. He used this opportunity and went on to develop his own system of exercise from his study of movement, which he called ‘contrology’. Based on good posture, core strength, flexibility, breathing and co-ordination, he used it to rehabilitate his fellow inmates – improving their health and well-being. 

The system was later adapted by dancers, and was re-named Pilates. It has grown in popularity ever since and is practised worldwide.