Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in1880.

He was a sickly child, suffering from asthma and rheumatic fever.

He dedicated his life to become physically stronger. In his youth he studied and became proficient at body building, diving and gymnastics.

Joseph Pilates came to England in 1912 teaching English detectives the art of self-defence.  During the 1st world war he was interned in a camp in Lancaster where he worked as a nurse and trained the other interns in physical fitness.  He was widely credited when none of his other inmates succumbed to an influenza epidemic that killed 1000s.

Joseph Pilates by that time was working on his own fitness program with the emphasis on strengthening your core. Working with the deep abdominal muscles, which will keep your back safe during exercises. Pilates found the perfect balance between strength and flexibility.

Joseph Pilates died in 1967. At that time his method was barely known beyond the elite of professional dancers and actors.  He dreamt of a day when “Pilates” would become a household name.

“I am fifty years ahead of my time” he once said.  He was right! 

It is now one of the fasted growing exercise method.

Pilates exercises have proven again and again to help people become more flexible, helping to stay agile and reducing the risk of recurring injuries