More interestingly, in 1918 the influenza epidemic roared through England killing thousands of people, however, Joseph Pilates trainees weren’t as effected and none of them died from the influenza outbreak. Once the war was over he was released and went back to Germany where his exercise system “Pilates” gained traction in dancing communities. In 1926, Joseph Pilates immigrated to the United States and took up residence in New York City where he and his wife Clara Zeuner opened a fitness studio. Overtime, he began teaching students, dancing communities and other influential people. His exercise system spread like a wildfire and was coined “Pilates” after the man who created it.