Pilates is named after its German-born creator, Joseph H. Pilates: a boxer, martial-artist and dancer who also studied yoga and Zen meditation. His extraordinary technique encompasses more than 500 controlled, precise movements which are designed to stretch and strengthen muscle without adding bulk.

Joseph Humbertus Pilates enjoyed incredible fitness, muscular strength and vitality as a robust and vital 87 year old icon. He died in a tragic accident due to the effects of smoke inhalation during a fire, in the restaurant below his studio on 8th Avenue in New York City.

Pilates was born near Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880. His unusual last name is actually derived from his Greek heritage and would have been Pilatos. Much controversy surrounds the correct pronunciation of his name; however, nearly all publications show it as (Pi –LAH – teez).

"People won’t understand the brilliance of my work for 50 years.” That surprising quote was made by Joseph almost 50 years ago. Mary Pilates LeRiche says that her uncle would be quite happy and surprised at the impact his work is having on the world. Today, healthcare professionals are studying and implementing his work into their healing therapies. Medical doctors are writing Pilates prescriptions for their patients.

As a child, Pilates suffered with asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. But as a young adolescent he made a life-altering decision to restore his own health. He studied the Eastern disciplines of yoga and martial arts and blended them with Western forms of physical activities such as bodybuilding, gymnastics, boxing, and recreational sports. At the young age of just fourteen years he had sculpted his physique so well that he was posing for anatomical charts.

As a young man he moved from Germany to England where he became a boxer, circus performer, and self-defence instructor. When World War One erupted he, and other German nationals, were interned in Lancaster as “enemy aliens.” Pilates influenced the other detainees to follow his exercise regime which he called, “Contrology.”

His fitness program was so beneficial that he and his fellow compatriots survived the 1918 influenza epidemic that took the lives of thousands of people. He attributed their survival to their physically fit lungs! Hence, the Pilates Principle of Diaphragmatic Breathing.

After the war Joseph returned to Germany but became disillusioned by the political direction his country was taking. He decided to immigrate to the United States of America. He met his future wife, Clara, on the ship. Clara was a nurse and they realized that they shared the same interest of wanting to restore the good health of others. When they arrived in New York they decided to open up a physical fitness studio.

Joseph Pilates’ method of physical and mental wellness has been one of the best-kept secrets of the dance and entertainment world since the 1920’s when his studio was discovered by Martha Graham, the mother of modern dance, George Balanchine, the artistic director for the New York City Ballet, and Rudolf von Laban, founder of Labanotation. Dance companies all over the world use Pilates’ exercises to keep their dancers in top form and to prevent injury. Many dancers go on to become Hollywood celebrities; Patrick Swayze and Madonna to name only two. Due to the attention the mainstream public gives to Hollywood celebrities the name Pilates is now a household word. If Madonna does it, it must work.

Joseph and Clara operated their exercise studio for over 40 years. He had dedicated his life’s work to restoring the health and vitality of others. Gone now for thirty-five years, the essence of his work continues on into the 21st century through many different forms of expression and with many different influences.