Following the war he went back to Germany but after a brief spell training the German police and the newly formed German army he decided he did not like the way Germany was developing so he left for America . He had met his wife Clara and they opened an exercise studio where he started teaching his exercise technique. The style of exercises attracted the dancers of the time. Martha Graham who was also developing her radical approach to movement and had a reputation as a revolutionist in the dance world allowed her dancers to attend Pilates’ studio. Later she would not be so keen, stories are told of these strong personalities clashing, but it is because of the popularity of Pilates’ method that it quickly became known as a dancers technique and through the years dancers have always used it not only to strengthen their bodies but also to rehabilitate after injury. Pilates never danced himself but the people around him obviously influenced his teachings, later in video footage of social gatherings with Pilates it is always dancers who were around him.  

Pilates instructors continue to take the principles that Joseph Pilates originally developed and apply them to movement adding their own ideas and beliefs. I think this is the most exciting side of the technique, for me it has never been just about thirty four movements but a way of working. We now know so much more about how the human body works and I am sure that if Joseph Pilates was still with us he would be right there adapting and changing what he taught.

There are two main elements to a comprehensive Pilates programme. Matwork and Equipment based sessions. Matwork can be carried out in the same studios that are utilised for other group exercise programmes. The only equipment you would need is a mat for each client. A Matwork programme is the perfect way to introduce Pilates to a club.  

The obvious benefit of such a large repertoire is that all levels of ability can be catered for over time. However clients need to take on board that although they may be able to run a marathon, they may have little or no core strength and as such need to start with the basics of the technique before moving on to the more challenging levels. In a group format the instructor will play a vital role in setting the pace of the class. A skilled instructor can run a mixed ability group well and safely, but they also need to appreciate the limitation imposed on them from working with larger numbers.