Joseph Pilates was born near Dusseldorf in 1880. As a sickly child who suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever, he was determined to make himself strong and improve his health. He researched and practised many fitness regimes and by absorbing various methods and selecting the most effective features he was able to devise a system which had the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. Having proven their worth on himself, he began to teach the techniques to others. In 1912, aged 32, he left Germany for Great Britain, where he became a professional boxer, an expert skier and diver. He taught self-defence to Scotland Yard detectives and found work as a circus acrobat.

At the outbreak of World War I, Joseph Pilates was interned due to his German nationality. With time on his hands, he helped out in the camp infirmary and further developed his techniques training his fellow internees with amazing success. Much of his knowledge of rehabilitation comes from this period.

He returned to Germany after the war and then moved to America where he opened a studio in New York. His method of exercise became sought after by dancers who found his exercises the best way to recover from injuries and to prevent their recurrence. His clients were boxers, top ballet dancers, actors, gymnasts and athletes. Gradually, a wider audience began to hear of Pilates.

The 'classical' Pilates exercises may take many years to perfect. Body Control Pilates has broken down the exercises so that clients can enjoy the benefits whilst working safely and effectively towards the more advanced exercises.