Migration UK
Pilates, developed by a German in Britain
Pilates, was developed by German-born gymnast, boxer, diver, and body builder Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). He moved to England in 1912 where he earned his living as a professional boxer, circus-performer, and self-defence trainer at police schools and Scotland Yard.
When World War I broke out the British Authorities interned him together with other Germans first at Lancester Castle and than on the Isle of Man. In order to help his fellow prisoners to keep their strength and fitness during their internment he developed and taught early stages of his method, which he called "Contrology".
After World War I, Joseph Pilates returned to Germany and migrated to the United States around 1925 where he lived until his death in 1967.
Photograph by J. Vílchez via Wikimedia Commons
Pilates, developed by a German in Britain
Pilates, was developed by German-born gymnast, boxer, diver, and body builder Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). He moved to England in 1912 where he earned his living as a professional boxer, circus-performer, and self-defence trainer at police schools and Scotland Yard.
When World War I broke out the British Authorities interned him together with other Germans first at Lancester Castle and than on the Isle of Man. In order to help his fellow prisoners to keep their strength and fitness during their internment he developed and taught early stages of his method, which he called "Contrology".
After World War I, Joseph Pilates returned to Germany and migrated to the United States around 1925 where he lived until his death in 1967.
Photograph by J. Vílchez via Wikimedia Commons