Joseph H. Pilates was a frail child who over came his limitations with varied exercise and sport. Diving, gymnastics, martial arts, yoga, & Zen meditation were some of the disciplines in which he participated.
Pilates used his exercises to maintain health and fitness of those interned in an English camp during WWI. Bed frames and springs were the tools utilized while refining his ideas and equipment design.
Joseph Pilates immigrated to New York in 1923 & set up a studio with his wife, Clara. Leading ballet dancers and many considered the ‘elite’ of the city worked with Joe.
His focus was the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks "with spontaneous zest and pleasure".
Pilates exercise has gained great popularity with the general public and rehabilitation community over the past 25 years.