History

Joseph Pilates 1880 - 1968

Born in Germany, Joseph H. Pilates (pi-lah-teez) suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever as a child. Determined to overcome those ailments he studied both Eastern and Western forms of exercise including yoga, gymnastics, and wrestling. Incorporating those traditions, the Easter emphasis on controlled breathing, controlled movements, and highly focused attention, and the more Western use of resistance.

Working with his wife Clara (a nurse), Pilates developed a series of controlled exercises that engage the mind and body. During World War I, he conceived the first prototypes of his equipment as he used his method to rehabilitate disabled and bedridden patients. This equipment was later refined to provide both resistance and assistance in developing strong, flexible muscles without adding bulk.

In the 1920's, Pilates brought his unique method of physical and mental conditioning to the United States. In New York, the dance community including Martha Graham and George Balanchine embraced his techniques. In 1964 the New York Herald Tribune noted "in dance classes around the United States, hundreds of young students limber up daily with an exercise they know as a pilates, without knowing that the word has a capital P, and living, breathing namesake."

Today, the technique is practiced for fitness and rehabilitation by an ever-increasing number of people from all walks of life including actors, elite athletes, and a wide variety of "ordinary" people. Hospitals and physical therapy centers worldwide use the Pilates technique to rehabilitate injured athletes and dancers. Many athletes - including football players - incorporate Pilates into their training. Pilates fitness studios are teaching the technique to an increasing number of people who are tired of the "pumping iron" atmosphere of conventional gyms and aerobics studios.