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Who was Joseph Pilates?
Born
in Germany in 1880, Joseph H. Pilates had a lifelong interest
in body conditioning. As a frail child dedicated to becoming
stronger, he later grew to become an accomplished skier, diver,
gymnast, and boxer.
While
interned in England during World War I for his German citizenship,
Joseph became a nurse. During this time, he designed exercise
apparatus for immobilized patients by attaching springs to
hospital beds. This system formed the foundation for his style
of body conditioning and specialized exercise apparatus, which
he brought to New York City when he opened the first New York Pilates
Studio® in 1926.
Currently,
the Pilates Method is used internationally by individuals
at all levels of fitness as well as by dance companies, Broadway
shows, students at performing arts schools and universities,
sports teams, spa clients, and fitness enthusiasts at private
health clubs and gyms.
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