History of Pilates

In 10 sessions you will feel a difference, in 20 you will see a difference and in 30 you will have a new body.
- Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates was born near Dusseldorf, Germany, in 1880. As a child he was plagued with illness, and this led him to explore and practice bodybuilding, gymnastics, diving and other physical pursuits.

During World War I he was interned in a camp on the Isle of Man along with other German nationals. During his internment he taught and practiced his physical fitness programme and began devising equipment to aid the rehabilitation of the injured, disabled and sick.

After World War I

After the war he eventually settled in the United States, where he met Clara his wife, and opened his first studio in New York in 1926. This attracted a diverse population of socialites, gymnasts, circus performers and athletes.

Here, the members of the dance community quickly recognised his deep understanding of the workings of the human body and embraced his method known as Contrology. This was the foundation of what we now call Pilates.

The legacy of Joseph Pilates

Over the course of his career Joseph Pilates developed more than 600 exercises. His ideology was that in order to achieve good health, the whole body, mind and spirit must be addressed. This was pioneering at the time.

Many years later, this approach has spearheaded a revolution in the world of fitness. Pilates is now widely recognised as a great way to build up core strength and stability in conjunction with improving posture and back alignment.

We care highly about each individual and aim to encourage and guide you to become empowered and confident in your own body.