Joseph Pilates was a German-born boxer who developed a system of training called controlology which eventually became known as Pilates.  He moved to London in 1912 to train British detectives in self-defense but was interned on the Isle of Man at the beginning of World War 1.  It was in the POW camp that he perfected his system of movement to aid his inmates rehab from injuries inflicted during the war.   While the Pilates system has been refined and developed further over the years, Joseph’s 34 movements are still the basis of the classical Pilates system.

Pilates developed over the years and today is considered an intelligent way to workout by challenging the body to improve strength and reduce weaknesses.  The method is focused on posture and core strengthening whatever level of fitness you are starting from.