Pilates was invented in the early years of the 20th Century by a German, Josef Pilates. He was not strong as a boy and developed his exercise regime to improve both strength and flexibility. He gained a reputation in his teens as a boxer.
He moved to the UK shortly before the outbreak of the Great War and found himself interned on the Isle of Man as an enemy alien for the duration. He used his time as an internee to perfect his regime, which he taught to fellow inmates. During an outbreak of flu on the island, those who had worked with Pilates found their resistance to the illness far greater than others.
After WW1, Pilates relocated to New York where he worked with the dancers at the Metropolitan Ballet and others including boxers and other athletes.
Today, the exercises that Pilates devised have been refined and extended. They can be tailored to suit people of any age or physical ability and Ronel Byleveld is expert in this area. She can structure sessions to suit the participants and adjust mid session as necessary.
Churt resident, Stephen Newton, commented: “I have been pretty active all my life, but following retirement, my various sports injuries became troubling. After doing Pilates with Ronel for the last year, my core strength and flexibility have improved tremendously.”