Joseph Pilates lent his name to which system of exercise?

Joseph Pilates lent his name to Pilates, a mind-body system of controlled physical exercises. The method emphasizes posture, breathing, concentration, balance, flexibility and strength, especially through the muscles supporting the torso.

Pilates originally called his system “Contrology.” He developed it during the early 20th century, drawing on physical culture, gymnastics and corrective exercise. During the First World War, while interned on the Isle of Man, he refined exercises for fellow internees and later created specialized equipment.

After moving to New York in 1926, Pilates opened a studio with his wife, Clara. The Reformer and other apparatus became associated with the method, although many exercises can be performed on a mat. Pilates is sometimes confused with yoga because both involve controlled movement and breathing, but they have different histories and exercise traditions.