The History of the Pilates Method: A Personal Connection
The history of Pilates is a subject that resonates deeply with me. I was born and raised on the Isle of Man—a small, serene island in the middle of the Irish Sea.
This is the same island where Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method, found himself during a pivotal period of his life. It was here, amidst the challenges of internment during the First World War, that he began to develop what would eventually become the globally recognized Pilates method.
Michelle, practicing Pilates in the serene landscape of the Isle of Man, where Joseph Pilates developed his ground-breaking method.
The Joseph Pilates Story
Joseph Pilates was born in 1883 near Düsseldorf, Germany. His early life was marked by significant health challenges; he suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, which left him frail as a child. However, these challenges ignited in him a determination to overcome his physical limitations. Through rigorous training, he became a skilled gymnast, diver, and skier—activities that undoubtedly laid the foundation for his future work in physical fitness.
By 1912, Pilates had moved to England, where he worked as a circus performer, boxer, and self-defence instructor. However, when World War I broke out, his life took an unexpected turn. Along with other German nationals, Pilates was interned on the Isle of Man, at the Knockaloe Internment Camp. It was during this time of confinement that he began to refine his ideas about physical fitness and movement, teaching his fellow internees and creating a series of exercises that would later form the basis of the Pilates method.
The Birth of a Revolutionary Method
While interned at Knockaloe, Pilates developed a movement system Joseph Pilates initially called “Contrology.” This system consisted of 34 exercises aimed at improving physical strength, flexibility, and mental awareness. His approach was revolutionary, emphasizing controlled movements, deep breathing, and a strong mind-body connection—concepts that were far ahead of his time.
During this period, J. Pilates penned an essay titled “Your Health,” in which he expressed his belief in the enduring power of his method:
“All new ideas are revolutionary. When their underlying theory is proven through practical application, it becomes a matter of time for them to develop and to flourish. Such revolutionary ideas simply cannot be ignored. They cannot be kept in the background. Time and progress are synonymous terms; nothing can stop either. Truth will prevail. That is why I know my teachings will reach the masses and finally be adopted as universal.”
— Pilates/Miller 1934, republished Gallagher/Kryzanowska (2000)
After the war, Pilates returned to Germany but eventually emigrated to the United States, where he opened a studio in New York City with his wife Clara. It was here that his method began to gain recognition, particularly among dancers and athletes. Despite its growing popularity, the method continued to be known as Contrology during his lifetime. It was only after his death that it was renamed the Pilates Method, in his honor.
The Evolution of Pilates
Michelle, Founder of Yellow Pilates, at the famous Isle of Man landmark, Tynwald Hill.
Over the years, the Pilates Method has evolved, integrating new insights from modern biomechanics while staying true to the principles Pilates laid down in the early 20th century. Yet, despite these developments, the core of his method remains deeply rooted in the philosophy and movement patterns he developed over 90 years ago on the Isle of Man.
Today, Pilates is practiced worldwide, but its origins—both humble and profound—are never forgotten. The techniques that Joseph Pilates developed while interned have grown into a global fitness phenomenon, helping millions of people improve their physical health and mental well-being.
Michelle, founder of Yellow Pilates teaching outdoors in the Isle of Man.
Ready to try Yellow Pilates?
At Yellow Pilates, we offer Pilates classes in Glasgow City Centre and online. Private 1-to-1 Equipment classes, Group Equipment Classes, Mat Classes for Beginners to Advanced, you can find it all here.
Michelle is a keen history buff herself, so you can be sure to learn more interesting facts about the history of Pilates during classes. Wait till you hear about how important cats were in Joesph’s development of the method. For another blog….!
