The History of Pilates Based Exercise

During World War I, German expatriate Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), a former gymnast turned nurse, created a series of exercises and equipment that enabled prisoners of war to maintain their strength and flexibility during captivity.

After opening a studio in New York, his training became a staple among professional dancers for developing strength and endurance while simultaneously achieving long, even muscle tone. As advances in physical therapy and knowledge of anatomy progressed, a handful of experts in the field improved the original movements for added safety and better results.

Pilates developed more than 500 exercises, emphasizing torso strength and proper breathing to improve posture and develop strong, flexible muscles without adding bulk.

Routines feature stretching and strengthening exercises and introductory movements that can be performed with or without equipment. Because of the precise nature of the routines, and the breathing techniques and concentration needed, Pilates-based programming keeps the mind more in tune with the body, which is why it has been classified as mind/body exercise.