The story of the man who developed Contrology — the system of controlled movement that later became known throughout the world as the Pilates method.
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. Little is known about his early life, but he appears to have been a frail child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever.
His determination to overcome these conditions led him to study physical fitness and develop his body. He later became a competent gymnast, diver and skier.
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany and experienced several childhood illnesses. His desire to improve his strength and physical health helped shape his lifelong interest in movement and exercise.
Pilates moved to England, where he worked as a circus performer, boxer and self-defence instructor.
During the First World War, Pilates was interned alongside other German nationals. He continued developing his approach to physical fitness and taught exercises to his fellow internees.
During the latter part of the war, he served as an orderly in a hospital on the Isle of Man and worked with patients who were unable to walk.
Pilates emigrated to the United States during the early 1920s. In 1926, he opened a body-conditioning studio in New York with his wife, Clara.
The studio included apparatus designed to support his rehabilitation work and improve strength, control and movement.
In 1932, Pilates published a booklet called Your Health.
He followed this in 1945 with Return to Life Through Contrology, which explained his principles and approach to controlled movement.
Joseph Pilates died in 1967 at the age of 87. His exercise system was originally known as Contrology.
Following his death, it became more widely known as Pilates or the Pilates method.
While working with hospital patients who were unable to walk, Pilates attached bed springs to hospital beds to support and exercise their limbs.
This work contributed to the development of the apparatus now known as the Cadillac.
Much of the equipment Joseph Pilates designed, although adapted over time, is still used in Pilates studios today.
A method created through observation, rehabilitation and a belief that controlled movement could help people become stronger.The beginnings of Contrology
The New York studio soon became particularly popular with the dance community. The method offered dancers an opportunity to improve their technique and recover from injury.
Its reputation spread quickly, attracting performers and celebrities of the time.
Joseph Pilates used the name Contrology to describe his method because of its emphasis on controlled, precise and mindful movement.
His work was passed on by his students and continued to develop after his death, forming the foundation of the Pilates methods taught today.
Historical information on this page has been provided with acknowledgement to the Pilates Foundation.
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