Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and began his career in the circus. He was a gymnast and pugilist who had creative and indeed brrilliant ideas about physical fitness and rehabilitation following injury. During World War I, when Joseph Pilates was stationed in England as a civilian nurse, he continued developing his exercise method by rigging a hospital bed so patients could begin their recovery. The idea evolved into the "Cadillac", one of the main components of what was to become a whole method of exercise. By 1926 he had moved to the United States, where he opened his own physical fitness studio.
In the early days of his studio, most of his clients were men, many of them boxers, wrestlers and skiers. His work then also attracted prominent members of both the modern and classical dance community.
Joseph Pilates died in 1967, at the age of 87. He left a legacy that has continued to flourish well into the 21st century.
In the early days of his studio, most of his clients were men, many of them boxers, wrestlers and skiers. His work then also attracted prominent members of both the modern and classical dance community.
Joseph Pilates died in 1967, at the age of 87. He left a legacy that has continued to flourish well into the 21st century.