"In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference,
and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body"
Joseph Pilates

Born: 1880 in Germany

Died: 1967 aged 87

Married: Clara, a nurse he met on his voyage to the USA

Health Issues: asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever - overcoming these by developing his own exercise programmes

Brief History: Joseph Pilates (Joe) lived in the UK from 1912. During WWI he was classed as an enemy alien whilst a self-defence instructor at Scotland Yard. He trained internees, like himself, with his own exercises; rigging up springs to hospital beds and enabling patients to exercise against resistance. None of his trainees died during a flu epidemic in 1918. 

Joe returned to Germany after his release and then emigrated from Germany to USA in the 1920's.

Joe and Clara opened a fitness studio and shared an address with New York City Ballet. They taught Pilates to their pupils and many other students.

His legacy and method of teaching continue in strength.