The renowned exercise system now called Pilates was invented over 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates, who had named his method "Contrology". He was a German national who first developed his mat exercises for his fellow inmates while interned in England during WW I. After briefly returning to Germany, he emigrated to New York prior to World War II and continued developing his method there, assisted by his wife Clara, until his death in 1967 at the age of 83. Pilates believed that the key to optimal health was the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. His system, which we now call "Pilates" is inherently more than just an exercise program; it is a movement education system designed to promote healthy movement for the whole body. Pilates' exercises combine stretching with strength and control, and honor the body's inherent potential for improving movement. The focus is on moving the joints through a healthy range of motion, while progressively building functional strength and coordination. The principles that Pilates' work evolved from can be adapted to a variety of populations, and today you will see many derivations of his method that build on his original ideas. Pilates' original Mat Work exercises evolved into a large repertoire of exercises on equipment that he invented over several decades, many of which use springs to create resistance. This additional weight loading with springs amplifies building strength while increasing flexibility and coordination. His equipment designs have stood the test of time, and while some of the materials used today have been updated, his original designs remain largely unchanged. The Reformer is the most well known Pilates apparatus, consisting of a moving platform on a long rectangular frame with springs for resistance and long straps for connecting to hands or feet. Pilates studios today will typically also provide other specialized Pilates equipment, with names such as the Trapeze Table, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, Ladder barrel, Ped-a-Pull and Tower, as well as some of his smaller apparatus (Magic Circle, Foot Corrector, etc.) His favorite was purportedly the Trapeze Table, which he nicknamed his "Cadillac" after the car that he most admired.