Progress Test 11

Many of us have heard of the fitness classes called 'pilates' which are on … in gyms under the supervision of personal trainers.

Few, however, know the remarkable story of the … of these exercises.

Born in Germany in 1883, Joseph Pilates was a weak and sickly child, who was often … by others.

He became obsessed with health and improving his muscular … .

By the age of 14, he had … his own method of exercise, which focused on breathing and and controlling one’s movements.

Later, Joseph joined the army and trained people with the … of making them fitter when they left the camp than when they came in!

One day, a group of soldiers arrived who were so sick they couldn't get out of bed.

So Joseph invented machines for them to … their exercises in bed.

These were … models for the equipment we see in gyms today.

In 1925, Joseph … to the US and opened a studio to train ballet dancers.

It became a very fashionable way of keeping … and even losing weight.

Joseph called his method 'contrology', but it became known … his name.

Perhaps if he hadn't been so unhealthy as a child, he would never have … it!