Pilates has taken over the world by storm these past few years. In fact, Pilates was the most searched fitness term on Google in 2024 according to Puregym.
Perhaps you’ve tagged along with a friend to try Pilates, or perhaps you’re just so close to booking your first class. Regardless of which, let’s dive into 10 fun facts about Pilates that you probably never knew!
1. Pilates was invented by a man
Credit: The Pilates Way Studio
While the sport of Pilates is more popular among females today, the sport was actually invented by a German man with the name of Joseph Pilates.
He was a man of talents, having started being a gymnast and bodybuilder, then moved on to be a professional boxer and circus-performer before venturing into the invention of Pilates.
2. The practice of Pilates originated in prison
Joseph Pilates was confined by British authorities during World War I. It was during his confinement he started studying yoga and the movement of animals to improve the human body.
That was the beginning of Pilates as a workout and he taught it to his fellow inmates, promising they’d be stronger after being released.
3. The cat was an inspiration to Pilates
While Joseph Pilates was inspired by animal movements, one of his biggest inspirations came from cats.
He noticed when cats were targeting for food, their bodies related elastic while remaining a focus in their eyes.
“Watch a cat as it lazily opens its eyes, slowly looks around, and gradually prepares to rise after a nap.” He once wrote.
4. It was originally called “Contrology”
Credit: Pilates Live
As the name suggests, “Contrology” explored the power of mind-muscle connection, using the mind to control muscles.
It also focused on keeping a balanced body through postural muscles, and awareness in breathing and spine alignment to strengthen muscles. This helped many war veterans recover.
4. There is more than just Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is the simplest version of the exercise, but there are many other equipment such as the reformer machine.
While the equipment may differ, the focus is still the same in having a focused control on your body and breathing.
5. The Pilates Reformer was inspired by hospital beds
During Joseph Pilates internment, he got the chance to experiment with attaching springs to hospital beds, so recovering patients can still exercise and recover while resting on the bed.
This later developed into what would be known as the Pilates Reformer machine today.
6. It’s currently the most popular exercise in the world
A survey done by Puregym showed that Pilates is the most popular exercise in 2024, with it being the most searched workout in 40 countries.
It is followed by Yoga which was only the most searched in 26 countries.
7. Dancers LOVE Pilates
As dancing requires flexible and strong movements, Pilates has become a preferred way to build muscle and therapize their muscles after intense sessions.
Many of the Pilates movements are also mirrored in dance moves.
8. Some Pilates studios offer classes on floating boards
Credit: Aqua Sculpt
With the advancement of Pilates techniques, “Aqua Pilates” has become a thing. It becomes more challenging as the body requires more balance on water. Imagine doing a plank while floating!