Joseph Pilates was born in 1883 in Germany. He lived in England for a short time and worked as a boxer, circus performer and self defence instructor. He was also involved in the rehabilitation of injured during the first world war and adapted beds using straps, pulleys and strings to aid recovery of muscles, strength and control. After the war he moved back to Germany and then to America. He developed and adapted his apparatus ; the universal reformer. He set up a studio i

Pilates is great for the body and mind. One of Joseph Pilates most famous sayings is 'Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.’ In these unusual times it is particularly important to take care of ourselves and keep moving. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental and physical health. Pilates is a whole body work out suitable for most people. It involves controlled, precise and coordinated movements teaching you how to use your body to benefit you.