Joe's Return To Life On The Isle Of Man

Mo Sherring was the first person to teach Pilates on the Isle of Man since Joseph Pilates was released from the Knockaloe internment camp 100 years ago. Here, she shares how she helps keep his legacy alive on the island she calls “the true spiritual home of Pilates.”

- Kerry Sharpe

PILATE STYLE What’s the connection between Joseph Pilates and the Isle of Man?

MO SHERRING At the outbreak of the First World War, Joe was living in London, teaching self-defense to Scotland Yard detectives. As a German national, he was arrested and sent, along with other “enemy aliens,” to the Knockaloe internment camp here. He lived here, as prisoner number 14001, until the end of the war.

PS How did you end up on the Isle of Man?

MS I grew up here during the Second World War. I left for London in the 1950s, where I worked for a dress designer, a catering manager and later as an exercise teacher. When I heard about Pilates, I knew I wanted to teach it. I did all my training with Michael King of MK Pilates in London.

PS How did you celebrate the 100th anniversary of Joe’s release?

MS Michael and I arranged a Pilates Heritage Weekend here with classes hosted by instructors from across the globe. They included Roberta Rose Kirschenbaum (from Rolates Pilates in New York City), Elisa Withers (from the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute), Malcolm Muirhead (from MK Pilates) and Kateryna Smirnova (from Kiev, Ukraine).