Pilates originates from the work of Joseph Pilates born in 1880 near Düsseldorf , Germany . His determination to overcome the ailments he suffered as a child led him to become a competent sportsman and to develop a method of exercise designed to strengthen and balance the body whilst increasing flexibility.

During World War 1 he used his knowledge to develop a fitness programme to suit and benefit not only himself but also his fellow camp members, many of whom had suffered severe injuries during the course of war. Due to the small confined space from which they could work Joseph Pilates invented the original ‘Matwork’ exercises that provide the foundation for the Pilates Matwork exercises taught today.

After the war he returned to Germany where he worked for the Hamburg Police Force teaching self defence.

Joseph Pilates emigrated to New York in the early 1920’s and set up a studio with his wife Clara, who also shared his passion for fitness. The studio become very popular with dancers, athletes and actors and his work was soon recognized as an excellent form of fitness that improved overall strength and posture of the body without building bulk.