Pilates is a moving form of exercise that strengthens the body, increases flexibility and mental clarity. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, Pilates has grown into a global phenomenon with over 12 million practitioners worldwide as of 2023. Originally called “Contrology” Pilates was designed as a complete exercise system that combines physical fitness, dance and mindfulness. Joseph Pilates, a pioneer in physical education, created his method to help people achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Today Pilates is celebrated for improving posture, building core strength and overall physical fitness making it a staple in studios, gyms and rehabilitation centres around the world.
Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in 1883 in Mönchengladbach, Germany. As a sickly child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever he was determined to overcome his health challenges. Through dedicated body building, gymnastics, diving and other physical pursuits he transformed himself into a competent gymnast and physical fitness advocate. He also worked as a circus performer and self defence instructor, further highlighting his diverse physical background. Joseph Pilates was the first to combine Eastern and Western philosophies of health and exercise. His early life struggles fuelled his passion for physical education and inspired his lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing.
Seeking to combine Western and Eastern ideas – including martial arts, tai chi and Zen meditation – Joseph Pilates developed a unique exercise method that focused on controlled movements, correct breathing and engaging the whole body. This holistic approach was the foundation of what Pilates called “Contrology” a complete system of physical conditioning and mind-body health that would become the Pilates method.
Joseph Pilates himself said:
“Contrology is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. Through Contrology you learn to use your mind to control your muscles.”
His method was not just exercise but a way to “breathe correctly” and move with intention, engaging the “Powerhouse” muscles to support posture, balance and alignment. Pilates believed true physical fitness required a harmonious relationship between the mind and body, with an emphasis on quality not quantity of movement.
Joseph Pilates’ early life was influenced by various physical fitness traditions. He studied classical Roman and Greek exercise, body building, gymnastics and diving. He also dived into Eastern disciplines such as yoga, tai chi, martial arts and Zen meditation. He observed animal movements, particularly those of cats, to understand natural and efficient body mechanics. This mix of influences formed the basis of his exercise method.
During World War I Joseph Pilates was interned as a German alien in England. While at the Isle of Man internment camp he started to develop the first Pilates machines by attaching springs to hospital beds so bedridden patients could start to tone their muscles and maintain physical fitness despite their injuries. This was the origin of the first Pilates machines and the universal reformer. His work during this time was pioneering in using resistance and controlled movements for rehabilitation.
Pilates also worked with movement pioneer Rudolph Laban who developed dance notation, further influencing Pilates’ movement patterns for rehabilitation and physical fitness. Laban’s system helped Pilates to break down and analyse movement which he incorporated into his method.
His wartime experiences shaped his corrective system and physical education philosophy. He combined the following:
Joseph Pilates’ early work during World War I laid the foundation for what would become a revolutionary approach to physical conditioning combining rehabilitation with holistic health.
At the heart of the Pilates method are the foundational principles that set it apart from other exercise programs. Joseph Pilates emphasized the importance of controlled movements, precise breathing techniques and focused concentration during every Pilates exercise. Each movement is designed to engage the whole body, to balance strength, improve flexibility and posture. The Pilates method prioritises proper alignment, core muscle engagement and efficient movement patterns all of which contribute to a strong and resilient body. Influenced by martial arts, yoga and dance Pilates combines Western and Eastern philosophies to create a holistic approach to health. Joseph Pilates believed that by uniting the mind and body through mindful movement people could achieve greater physical fitness and overall wellbeing.
After the war Joseph Pilates refined his exercise method and started to invent equipment to enhance body conditioning. Over his lifetime he created over 600 exercises performed on the mat and on apparatuses such as the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector and Ladder Barrel. These pieces of equipment use springs and pulleys to create resistance, engaging the core stabilising muscles known as the “Powerhouse”. His philosophy was to exercise the whole body not just isolated muscles and he saw Contrology as a lifestyle not just an exercise program.
These apparatuses are still part of a typical Pilates class and provide varied and challenging workouts for all levels.
Some of the most famous Pilates equipment includes:
Joseph Pilates once said about his equipment:
“The apparatus is an extension of the mat work, designed to facilitate controlled movements and build strength.”
His use of springs and pulleys allowed for progressive resistance training that could be adapted for all fitness levels from rehabilitation patients to elite athletes. The equipment is still central to Pilates classes worldwide and continues to evolve with new innovations.
In 1926 Joseph and Clara Pilates opened the first Pilates studio on Eighth Avenue in New York City. This was the first time the Pilates method was introduced to the public and quickly became popular. The studio attracted a diverse clientele including dancers, circus performers, gymnasts, athletes and members of New York society.
The dance community in particular loved Pilates. Dancers such as Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Ted Shawn and Lolita San Miguel found Pilates invaluable for injury rehabilitation and performance enhancement. Pilates’ understanding of anatomy and movement allowed him to tailor exercises to the specific needs of dancers, helping them recover from injuries and improve technique.
Clara Pilates managed the studio and taught the Pilates method, ensuring its growth and longevity. She was known for her approachable teaching style and dedication to preserving Joseph’s vision.
Early adopters of Pilates included:
Joseph Pilates said about the studio:
“It is the mind itself which builds the body.”
The studio became a hub for the dance and fitness elite and helped to spread Pilates’ reputation and influence.
Joseph Pilates’ legacy lives on through a dedicated group of students who became Pilates teachers and ambassadors of the Pilates method. Among the most notable are Romana Kryzanowska who worked closely with Joseph Pilates and later ran her own Pilates studio and Eve Gentry who developed her own unique approach to Pilates. Ron Fletcher and Lolita San Miguel also played a big role in expanding Pilates, each developing their own style and teaching method.
These “Pilates Elders” have been instrumental in preserving the original teachings of Joseph Pilates and inspiring new generations of practitioners. The Pilates Method Alliance, a leading professional organization, was established to support Pilates teachers, uphold high standards in teacher training and promote the continued growth of the Pilates method worldwide. Through their dedication the work of Joseph Pilates continues to thrive in studios and classrooms around the world.
Pilates moved to America in 1923 and that was a turning point in the development and spread of his method. After Joseph Pilates’ death in 1967 his legacy continued to grow worldwide. Joseph Pilates died of emphysema at 83 and while Pilates died, his influence and teachings lived on through his students and the global Pilates community.
The Pilates Method Alliance was established to promote and standardize the method, supporting the training of Pilates teachers such as Mary Bowen, Bruce King, Bob Seed, Ron Fletcher and Robert Fitzgerald – many of whom were direct students or disciples of Pilates himself. These first generation teachers played a big role in taking Pilates out of New York and into the broader fitness and rehabilitation world.
Pilates spread beyond dance rehabilitation into physical education, health clubs and corrective exercise programs globally. The method’s emphasis on controlled movements, core strength and mindful practice appealed to a wide audience from athletes to those looking for injury prevention or rehabilitation. Pilates work has been carried on by his students and continues to evolve through their dedication and commitment to his principles.
The Pilates Method Alliance promotes:
Over the years Pilates has evolved with new equipment, different teaching styles and integration with other fitness modalities. But the core principles of physical fitness, body conditioning and mindful practice remain the same.
Today Pilates is practiced by millions worldwide with studios and classes growing every day. It’s recognized as a fitness regimen and also as a method for rehabilitation and overall wellness.
As Pilates has evolved the method has branched into different styles and schools each with their own approach while staying true to the original principles of Joseph Pilates. Contemporary Pilates, classical Pilates and fusion Pilates (blending Pilates with yoga, dance or other fitness disciplines) are just a few of the modern variations practiced today. Organizations such as the Pilates Method Alliance, the International Pilates Association and the National Pilates Certification Program provide structure and certification for Pilates teachers to ensure quality and consistency in teaching.
Many Pilates studios now offer specialized classes such as prenatal Pilates, Pilates for athletes and Pilates for rehabilitation catering to different needs and goals. Reformer Pilates which uses the Pilates reformer machine has become very popular for its ability to deliver a full body workout. Despite all the innovations the Pilates method remains rooted in its original focus on physical fitness, mindful movement and holistic well being making it a timeless and adaptable exercise method for all ages and abilities.
Joseph Pilates’ vision was daily, regular practice for physical health, emotional well being and self healing through mindful exercise. His impressive physique and dedication to the method continue to inspire practitioners worldwide. The Pilates method is a complete system of physical conditioning and mind body health and remains relevant nearly 60 years after his passing.
Pilates is preserved and promoted by institutions like the Pilates Method Alliance and studios such as True Pilates Camden NSW who maintain the original teachings and philosophy.
Joseph Pilates’ message:
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”
It’s more than an exercise system – it’s a lifestyle that encourages self awareness, discipline and holistic health. As research continues to uncover the benefits of Pilates and new generations of teachers carry on his work Pilates will remain a leading exercise method for years to come.
The history of Pilates goes back to Joseph Hubertus Pilates, a determined and innovative fitness pioneer who overcame childhood illnesses to create a revolutionary exercise method blending Western and Eastern philosophies. From developing the first Pilates machines during World War I to opening the first Pilates studio in New York City Pilates’ influence has grown globally.
His method, known for its corrective system and whole body movements has been adopted by dancers, athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. The Pilates Method Alliance and notable teachers continue to uphold his legacy. True Pilates Camden NSW maintains the history and teachings of Joseph Pilates preserving the integrity of this transformative practice for all who seek holistic physical conditioning and mind body wellness.
With this history and evolution Pilates is a dynamic and influential method celebrated worldwide for its holistic approach to health and wellness.
