The History of Pilates
The History of Pilates:
From Rehabilitation to Modern Movement…
Unless you have been living under a rock, I'm sure you have noticed the word ‘Pilates’ everywhere at the moment! With studios cropping up around every corner and videos circling the internet of famous footballers’ feet tied up in freaky looking sex machines! But what actually is ‘Pee-La-Tays’? Why are people so obsessed with it? Where has it come from? and is it just a ‘trend’ or is there more too it?
In this article I endeavour to answer all of these questions in a quick and simple manner. Whilst the history is extensive - and I could waffle on forever - I aim to keep this short and sweet for the sake of our poor attentions spans… have I lost you yet?
Pilates is often associated with long, lean muscles and low-impact workouts, or ‘spicy yoga’ (my friend, 2025) — but its origins are far more powerful and fascinating than many people realise.
Behind every reformer class and mat session is a story of rehabilitation, resilience, and intelligent movement design.Pilates is not just about “core workouts.”
Who Was Joseph Pilates?
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. As a child, he suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. Determined to overcome physical weakness, he dedicated his life to studying anatomy, bodybuilding, martial arts, yoga, gymnastics, and movement disciplines from around the world.
He believed that physical and mental health were deeply connected… long before that idea became mainstream.
During World War I, Pilates arrived in England. It was here that his method truly began to develop. He worked with injured soldiers, helping them regain strength and mobility. With limited equipment available, he attached springs to hospital beds to create resistance-based rehabilitation exercises.
This innovation later evolved into what we now know as the Pilates Reformer.
The Birth of the Reformer
The Pilates Reformer was originally designed as a rehabilitation tool.
Using springs, pulleys, and a moving carriage, it provides controlled resistance while supporting proper alignment. Unlike traditional strength equipment, the reformer challenges stability, coordination, breath control, and deep muscular engagement simultaneously.
Contrology
Joseph Pilates originally called his method “Contrology” — emphasising control, precision, breath, and concentration rather than mindless repetition.
When he moved to New York in the 1920s, his studio quickly became popular among dancers, particularly those seeking injury recovery and performance enhancement. From there, the method spread worldwide.
Classical Pilates & The Series of Five
One of the most well-known mat sequences in classical Pilates is the “Series of Five.” These exercises are designed to strengthen the deep core while maintaining control and alignment.
The Series of Five includes:
The Single Leg Stretch
The Double Leg Stretch
The Single Straight Leg Stretch
The Double Straight Leg Lower/Lift
The Criss Cross
Although they look simple, they require:
Deep abdominal activation
Breath control
Pelvic stability
Coordination
When performed correctly, they challenge the transverse abdominis (deep core), obliques, hip flexors, and spinal stabilisers.
The key in pilates is not speed — it’s control.
What Makes Pilates Different?
It focuses on:
Postural alignment
Breath mechanics
Deep stabilising muscles
Controlled, mindful movement
Injury prevention and rehabilitation
Unlike high-impact training, Pilates strengthens without compressing the joints, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.
It bridges the gap between rehabilitation and performance.
So, why is Pilates so popular today?
Over 100 years later, Joseph Pilates’ principles are more relevant than ever.
In a world where many of us sit for hours, experience back pain, or train intensely without balancing mobility and control, Pilates offers:
Stability before strength
Control before load
Awareness before intensity
It reminds us that quality of movement matters more than quantity.
And perhaps that’s why it has stood the test of time.