Joseph Hubertus Pilates (9 December 1883 – 9 October 1967) was a German-born physical trainer, writer, and inventor. He is credited with inventing and promoting the Pilates method of physical fitness. He patented a total of 26 apparatuses in his lifetime.

As compared to other forms of fitness training where instructors can be certified via a weekend course, without a practical exam, Pilates certification courses require much more effort, time and money. This is one of the key reasons why Pilates classes are more expensive than most group fitness classes.

In a systematic review of multiple studies published over the years, it was found that Pilates was an effective rehabilitative form of exercise for those struggling with different kinds of body pain, such as multiple sclerosis, non-structural scoliosis, hypertension, and chronic neck pain.

Since Pilates focuses on activating core muscles, it strengthens the abdominal region. As a result, athletes who tone those muscles can better maintain proper form during workouts. 2 In addition, stabilizing the body during exercises reduces the risk of injury and improves overall performance.