The founder of Pilates is Joseph H. Pilates, born in 1880 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
He was a sickly child and suffered from Asthma, Rickets and Rheumatic Fever. In order to overcome his diseases, Joseph Pilates dedicated his time to becoming physically stronger through bodybuilding, diving, skiing and gymnastics.
In London 1912, Pilates earned a living as a circus performer, boxer and a self-defence trainer of English Detectives. During World War I, he interned in a camp on the Isle of Man. During his stay, Pilates devised, taught and trained his physical fitness program to other interns.
It was here that he began to look at forms of apparatus to incorporate into his fitness routines. He used his programs to aid the diseased and disabled.Pilates is widely credited for his role in aiding those affected by the Influenza epidemic which killed thousands of others in England in 1918.
After the war, Pilates moved to the United States. During this transition, Pilates met with many of the great Eupropean movement innovators of that time, which led to his method of Contrology being introduced into the dance community.
Used by some of the greatest dancers such as, Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Ted Shaw and Hanya Holm, Pilates methods grew in popularity. It was later used to train professional athletes and artists.
