The Origins and Development of Pilates

Pilates, originally called Contrology, is a workout focused on muscle tone, posture, and building abdominal strength. It was created by Joseph Pilates, who developed the method while interned in a camp during World War I. Inspired by the movements of feral cats, Pilates aimed to reconnect the mind and body through a series of exercises. Pilates went on to train dancers, actors, and other enthusiasts, gaining popularity in the 80s and 90s. However, its popularity declined in the 2010s due to the emergence of new fitness trends and perceptions of it being dated and expensive.