History of Pilates

A Short History of Joseph Pilates

Born in Germany in 1880, Joseph Pilates was a sickly child who suffered from Asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He dedicated his entire life to becoming physically stronger.

By the age of 14 he was an avid body-builder with a well-sculpted physique. He practised all types of sports such as diving, skiing, boxing and gymnastics.

Pilates was interned in England during World War 1 for his German citizenship and worked as a hospital orderly. He trained other interns in Physical fitness. His efforts paid off as none of his trainees succumbed to the massive influenza epidemic that killed millions after the war.

He built exercise apparatus for immobilised patients by attaching springs to hospital beds. This formed the foundation for his style of body conditioning, which he took to New York when he opened his first studio in 1926.

By 1940 the dance community had become aware of his fitness programmes including George Balanchine and other members of the New York City Ballet.

Find a Pilates class in Bromsgrove on the Pilates class timetable