Origins Rooted in Protecting the Pilates Method
The Pilates Foundation was established in 1996 by pioneering UK Pilates teachers Hana Jones, Anne-Marie Zulkahari, Gordon Thompson, Alan Herdman and Andreas Reyneke. United by a shared passion for the Pilates Method, they sought to create an organisation that would uphold high standards of teaching, support the growing community of teachers, and protect the integrity of the work for future generations.
We promote the original works of Joseph and Clara Pilates, including honouring the original repertoire and principles, yet bringing current knowledge and research to the teaching of the Pilates Method.
Our community provides a platform to discuss Pilates and movement issues, catch up with old friends, make new ones and continue to develop and learn from one another in our shared passion.
Our teachers are passionate about providing the highest level of teaching to the clients they serve, and promoting the integrity of the method amongst the public.
Our Story
At the time, Pilates was still relatively unknown in the UK. There were very few teacher training programmes, and the profession was in its infancy. As interest in Pilates began to grow internationally, questions emerged around ownership of the method, its teaching, and who could legitimately use the name. The founders recognised the importance of safeguarding both the method itself and the teachers who had dedicated themselves to studying and sharing it.
As the UK's first Pilates Teachers' Association, the Pilates Foundation was created to provide a professional home for teachers committed to excellence. From the beginning, the organisation has championed rigorous teacher education, ongoing professional development, and a deep respect for the original work of Joseph and Clara Pilates.
While honouring the traditional repertoire and principles, the Foundation has always encouraged learning, enquiry and the integration of contemporary and evolving research. We believe that Pilates is a living method—one that continues to evolve while remaining true to its core philosophy.
Today, the Pilates Foundation is a vibrant community of teachers, trainees and movement professionals. Through accredited teacher training, workshops, conferences and peer support, we continue to promote Pilates as a comprehensive system of movement education that helps people better understand their bodies and move with greater ease, strength and confidence.
As the Pilates industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to protecting the integrity of the method and supporting efforts to define and uphold professional standards. This work continues in collaboration with organisations such as the Society for the Pilates Method (SPM), which advocates for a clear distinction between the Pilates Method and general fitness exercise.
Nearly three decades on, the values that inspired our founders remain at the heart of everything we do: excellence in teaching, respect for the method, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
