Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Born in Germany in 1883, Pilates was a sickly child who dedicated himself to improving his physical strength and health. He drew inspiration from various movement disciplines, including yoga, gymnastics, and martial arts, to develop his method. During World War I, Pilates worked as a nurse and developed his exercise techniques to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. He used springs attached to hospital beds to create resistance for patients’ exercises, laying the foundation for some of the equipment used in modern Pilates. After the war, Pilates moved to New York City, where he opened a studio and began teaching his method, originally called Contrology. His approach gained popularity among dancers and athletes for its focus on core strength, flexibility, and body alignment. Over time, Pilates’ method evolved and gained recognition as a holistic form of exercise. Today, Pilates is practiced worldwide, both in traditional mat based classes and using specialised equipment like the reformer, Cadillac, and chair. It continues to be adapted and expanded upon by practitioners and instructors around the globe.