Pilates was founded by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1883. He studied various forms of exercises in both Eastern and Western forms and influenced his practices with ancient Grecian and Roman regimens. In 1912, Joseph Pilates travelled to England. Here, he began teaching physical fitness - being influenced by various forms of yoga on the movements of animals. During the time of the First World War, he began to rehabilitate the injured, disabled and sick prisoners of war.
In 1926, he moved to New York City, setting up the first Pilates studio. He had diverse
clientele; however, the dance community were the early appreciators of his work. Over the years, he developed over 600 exercises for mat-based and equipment-based forms. These include, the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, and the spine corrector. During this period, ‘Pilates’ was known as ‘Contrology’.
Joseph Pilates was more focused on stabilising the core muscles (also known as the
‘Powerhouse’ in Pilates) to correct positioning and promote good alignment. Pilates is an exercise form widely used in Physiotherapy today for a specific individual or group of patients and their conditions. Exercises are identified based on their clinical evidence and an individual’s specific aim/goal. Pilates itself can be used for general wellbeing but also for treating injuries/preventing recurrence.
