Some people like to use their weekend getaways to relax and take some time off the hustle and bustle – perhaps even interning themselves in the comfortable facilities of a spa.

Well, this time that was not the case for me, as I flew to a small nation located in the Irish Sea to quite literally discover the roots of one of the trendiest workouts.

The Isle of Man is so close to the UK it only takes 20 minutes to reach via plane from Liverpool, but despite its proximity, many Brits are unaware of its beauty and its importance in the creation of Pilates.

Known as a demanding physical workout that not only strengthens the muscles and promotes flexibility, but also enhances the mind-body connection, this exercise has garnered a fair amount of attention over the last few years.

But what many may not know, is that this invigorating workout has a much darker origin, precisely in this self-governing British Crown Dependency.

Pilates was created by in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, who was born in Mönchengladbach, Germany, to a gymnast father and naturopath mother.

The idea for his method came to him during World War I while he was interned at the Knockaloe camp on the Isle of Man.

Over the four years he spent there, Pilates worked with other detainees, refining his system of exercises designed to enhanced both the mind and body.

He believed that mental and physical well-being were deeply connected, and his method aimed to enhance both through a series of controlled movements.

That’s why my trip kickstarted with a walking quest across the quaint little coastal town of Peel, where I discovered the science behind this challenging-yet-efficient form of exercise while hiking up to its glorious castle.

And because body and mind are inherently connected, the next thing that seemed natural to do, was to follow the arduous four-hour hike with a breath work and cold plunge sessions that would help me settle into a deep relaxation and meditative state.

It may be easy to overlook, but accompanying intense physical activity with mindfulness and meditation is key to achieving a better understanding of Pilates as a practice and how it enhances certain functions of the body.

My tour of this magical isle brimming with mythological lore and tradition ended on a high with my first mat Pilates class, a slowed down, guided version of the more intense exercises I have often seen on social media.

With slow movements and calculated stretches, this practice helps invigorate the muscles while giving that feel-good dopamine hit – not to mention the long-term benefits achievable through regular practice.