The Full History
The Plot Thickens
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, he originally named it Contrology. The definition of this is quite literally the study of control, meaning everything about pilates relies on controlled movement. After Joseph's death, his followers informally started referring to the practice as Pilates to honor his memory. After it became common to call Contrology Pilates, in the mid 90's, it was officially recognized in the Merriam Webster.
Contrary to popular belief, pilates did not start with the broadway ballerinas, it started from a hospital bed in World War I. If anyone ever tries to tell you that your body can't do pilates, they are lying.
Pilates started as a way to improve physical strength, flexibility, and mental awareness.
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany and during World War I, he was living in the UK. The UK started internment camps for German nationals, and thats where the method really started taking shape. Joseph was interned in a camp on the Isle of Man (in the UK) as a German national. While there, he worked as an orderly in the hospital. He saw injured soldiers and other patients wilting away in hospital beds. So he refined his exercises and even created makeshift equipment using hospital beds and their springs—an early version of what we now call the Reformer. The magic circle, was created later using the ring of an old beer keg. Prost!
Later, in the 1920s, Joseph moved to New York City and opened a studio with his wife Clara. That’s where Pilates really took off, especially with dancers and performers who loved its injury-preventing and body-conditioning benefits.
The Principles
Pilates has 6 founding principles. They are the following:
Concentration
It's not about doing more, it's about doing better. To safely move our bodies and heal, we need focus and become aware of our body and how/why it moves.
Control
This emphasizes how important it is to control every movement, this aids in mastering precision & coordination. This facilitates safe and healthy movement.
Centering
Pilates uses the word “powerhouse” a lot, this refers to your core muscles (abs, lower back, hips and glutes). Every movement we make originates from our “powerhouses”. We “center” ourselves through movement by strengthening these
areas. When our center is strong, we move more stably and with internal strength.
Precision
-Every move has a purpose, this is why the tiny moves and adjustments matter. Purposeful movement translates to functional movement. Functional movement
means we move around in life with more ease, stability and safety. It makes adventuring around the cobblestones in Europe less scary and more enjoyable ;)
Breath
Breathing throughout pilates supports the movement, helps fully engage the core [here’s looking at you, pelvic floor;)] and keeps a flow-y rhythm to the movement.
Flow
Movements are less jerky and sudden in pilates, and should be smooth, graceful and continuous. Transitions matter just a s much as the movement!
Feel it to Heal it
Pilates is where movement meets mindfulness. It’s not just about stretching and strengthening—it’s about showing up for yourself, breath by breath. Each move invites you to tune in, quiet the noise, and reconnect with your body on a deeper level. It’s that sweet spot where focus turns into flow, and your breath becomes the rhythm that guides your movement. Think of it as moving meditation—a moment to align your body, clear your mind, and feel fully you.
