A Long History
Pilates has been around since the 1920’s. It is now more popular then ever. There is a good reason why.
Joseph Pilates – The forefather of modern day Pilates
Joseph Pilates was born near Dusseldorf, Germany, in 1880. As a child he suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever and looking for a way to improve his condition and after studying various forms of exercise, he developed a special regime which allowed practitioners to strengthen and elongate their muscles.
By the 1920's Joseph Pilates was an athlete, boxer and Tai Chi master. He arrived in New York and opened a studio where he trained dancers, entertainers and athletes. He developed his system over many years taking aspects which he considered effective from disciplines such as Yoga, dance and gymnastics. With injured pupils in mind, he constructed a number of machines designed to support the body whilst training and strengthening it. The best known being the Reformer.
AeroPilates is the brand that brings the benefits of reformer pilates, as developed by Joseph Pilates, into the comfort of your home. This system makes a lifestyle focused on physical and mental wellness accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Marjolein Brugman and the accident that changed everything
Following a road accident when Marjolein Brugman was hit by a car and after months of rehab at The Pilates Institute, it struck her that the wonders of reformer Pilates should be available to everybody, not just the rich and famous. Her quest for the affordable home reformer was born. This was over 25 years ago, now a million people of all ages and walks of life workout on her AeroPilates reformers, changing their well-being and outlook on life.
Joseph Pilates himself said that Pilates is the "fountain of youth". Marjolein is evidence itself, each year she appears to have more youth, energy and vitality. You can't spend time with Marjolein and not become an instant convert to the world of AeroPilates.