5 Facts About Pilates You Didn’t Know

VFJ Pilates | Quick Reads

You might think you know Pilates, but behind the controlled movements and calm tone lies a history full of surprises.

1. It Was Created by a Man During World War I

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer who started building the method while interned during World War I. He originally used it to help fellow inmates maintain their health using bed springs and minimal equipment.

2. It Was First Popular Among Dancers and Athletes

Before it became mainstream, Pilates was mainly used by professional dancers and elite athletes to improve strength, flexibility, and control, including the New York City Ballet.

3. It Was Originally Called “Contrology”

Joseph Pilates named his method “Contrology,” reflecting the emphasis on controlled, precise movements. The term “Pilates” only became widespread after his death, when the method was passed on through his students. That is also why Pilates is always capitalised, it is his surname, unlike generic practices like yoga or aerobics.

4. It Was Inspired by Animals and Nature

Joseph Pilates often observed how animals moved with grace and strength. He believed humans should aim to move with similar natural efficiency, and he even drew inspiration from the way cats stretch and birds breathe.

5. There Are Only 34 Original Mat Exercises

The original Pilates mat sequence includes just 34 exercises, each with a specific purpose and order. These have been adapted and expanded over time, but many teachers still use them as a foundation.

Pilates has a rich and sometimes surprising history, and the more you learn, the more fascinating it becomes.

Wishing you curiosity and little moments of discovery,

Victoria xx

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Sources:

www.vfjpilates.co.uk