The founder, Joseph Hubertus Pilates, was born in 1880 in Dusseldorf, Germany. Despite childhood fragility from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever he was determined to develop a strong and healthy body. Not only did he improve his health but his sculpted body was strong enough to pose for anatomical charts.

Pilates studied and combined Eastern and Western forms of exercise such as yoga , zen, plus Greek and Roman wrestling . Also drawing from his athletic training from bodybuilding, diving, skiing and gymnastics, he devised a series of exercises.

In the late 1920’s, Joseph Pilates opened his studio in the United States that became popular with athletes, dancers and actors. He died at the age of 87 years old in the flames of his studio, trying to save his documents.

Today in the 21st century, Pilates are firmly rooted from Joseph Pilates original teachings with the advances of exercise science and knowledge that we have.