Pilates Exercise

Joseph Hubertus Pilates 1880- 1967

Pilates developed his exercises over many years and incorporated into them what he considered the most important elements of yoga, gymnastics, skiing, self-defence, dance, circus training and weight training. While an internee on the Isle of Man during the first world war, he worked with wounded war veterans and developed the rehabilitation aspect of his system.

Later, in New York, he geared his work to the needs of the individual client, rarely teaching the same exercise in the same way two days running. Like Alexander he was constantly developing his working method, placing great importance on the harmony and integrity of the body, the lengthening of the spine (axial elongation) and the strengthening of the lower back (core control).

Pilates never set up an official training programme.

His early students went on to teach what they had learned from him, but in their own way.  Some of his followers came from a medical background, whilst others came from a dance background so there is great variety in what is offered under the umbrella term of “Pilates Exercise”.