Cover Story

What is Pilates, and why is it so popular?

Pilates is an exercise focusing on strengthening the body through controlled movements. Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates. He was a German-born fitness guru who moved to the United States in the 1920s with his wife, Clara Pilates. There, in New York City, Joseph and Clara Pilates founded the first Pilates studio. Joseph Pilates developed Contr...