Evolution of Pilates Through the years the Pilates Method has gradually evolved and integrated current bio-mechanical thinking, including utilising modern pieces of equipment. However, the roots of the technique are steeped in the philosophy and movement patterns designed by Joseph Pilates over 90 years ago.

History. Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates from Mönchengladbach, Germany. His father was a gymnast and his mother a naturopath. Pilates said that the inspiration for his method came to him during World War I, while he was being held at the Knockaloe internment camp in the Isle of Man.

In Pilates, the focus is on the most effective recruitment of motor units which places the emphasis on energy efficiency and quality of performance. Each exercise is repeated a few times, usually three to five, rarely more; so the body is constantly being exposed to new muscular and kinesthetic challenges (4).

Yes! Pilates was originally created by a man, for men. Men have always done Pilates but it became mainstream with women when Gym Culture exploded in the 1980s; men mostly opted for weights, women mostly opted for cardio/Yoga/Pilates classes.