On 19th July 2026, Ramsey Crookall, in collaboration with 34Moves and Visit Isle of Man, plans to establish not only the world record for the largest Pilates class but also to host a global Pilates homecoming to Knockaloe on the Isle of Man.
This attempt to break the current world record of 3,486 participants will be led by top instructors from around the world, offering an enjoyable, inclusive, wellness-focused experience for beginners and experts of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come together in unity and movement.
Pilates and the Isle of Man: People may be unaware that Pilates' origins are closely linked to Knockaloe and the Isle of Man. Knockaloe holds a prominent place in the Island’s history, demonstrating the impact of global conflicts on individuals and ideas. It was home to the world’s largest civilian internment camp during WWI, bringing together extraordinary men with diverse skills, creativity, and resilience through their detention.
Among these men was Joseph Pilates, who began developing his physical training system rooted in physical and mental wellness, which eventually became known as Pilates and is now practised by millions worldwide.
Knockaloe exemplifies how hardship can lead to innovation, cultural exchange, and a lasting global influence, and how one man’s commitment to health and discipline ignited a movement.
The Event: This world record attempt aims not only to bring together people of all ages but also to showcase the Isle of Man as a destination where nature, wellbeing, and community come together. It is more than just a fitness event; it aims to establish the Isle of Man as a centre for mindful tourism and contemporary movement culture.
Alongside the world record attempt, the venue will host a Wellness Festival & Charity Village that will offer a vibrant range of physical, mental, and emotional well-being activities. The Village will emphasise local producers, businesses, and charities, with stalls showcasing Manx food, drinks, crafts, products, wellness services, and charitable initiatives. The Village aims to promote connection, balance, and sustainable living, while proudly highlighting the Isle of Man’s unique UNESCO Biosphere status and its commitment to safeguarding people, place, and environment.
Ramsey Crookall is the Isle of Man’s longest-established independent family-owned firm of stockbrokers and investment managers. The Crookall family has a long-standing history of service and care within the Manx community, including a direct connection to Knockaloe during the First World War, when family members supported welfare and day-to-day care on the site. This investment reflects both the firm’s heritage of stewardship and its forward-looking commitment to initiatives that enhance wellbeing, culture, and community life. Holding the event at Knockaloe gives special resonance to the firm’s 80th anniversary year, turning a historic site into a setting for connection, renewal, and a positive new chapter for the Isle of Man.
34Moves is a wellbeing community and magazine centred on the connection between mind, body, and collective spirit. Founded on the Isle of Man by Ruby Griffiths and Stephan Baum, the movement was created to strengthen people, places, and purpose. 34Moves aims to establish the Island as a global destination for wellbeing and to reconnect Pilates to its birthplace. As the creative force behind 34Moves, Ruby utilises her MSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health and 600+ hours of Pilates equipment training to ground movement and mind in scientific rigour. Complementing this vision, co-founder Stephan Baum provides the strategic and financial expertise necessary to deliver world-class wellness events. Together, they are integrating wellbeing into the Island’s cultural fabric, positioning it as a premier destination for wellness tourism and impactful human connection.
Visit Isle of Man is the Island’s dedicated visitor economy Agency, championing the development of a vibrant, sustainable and year-round tourism sector. As part of its ten-year strategy, the Agency is focused on growing the Island’s appeal through extraordinary experiences that celebrate its natural beauty, rich heritage and strong sense of community.
As the world’s first entire UNESCO Biosphere nation, the Isle of Man offers a rare blend of stunning landscapes, cultural authenticity, and wellness-centred experiences that encourage visitors to slow down, reconnect, and feel part of something special. Visit Isle of Man is committed to harnessing these strengths and continuing to champion wellness tourism as a core growth area, recognising the Island’s unique potential to inspire balance, resilience and wellbeing. By supporting initiatives such as the World Record Pilates Class, the Agency aims to spotlight the Isle of Man as a destination for mindful travel, where movement, history, natural beauty and community come together to creative transformative experiences.
Joanna Crookall, CEO of Ramsey Crookall, said: “As Ramsey Crookall celebrates its 80th anniversary on the Isle of Man, we’re truly delighted to be organising an event that celebrates our Island’s rich history, lively community, and promising future. Since our beginnings in 1946, my grandfather was driven by a genuine passion for providing exceptional service and a heartfelt commitment to treating each client like family, values that have carried us through eight wonderful decades. Being proud members of the Manx community, we’re committed to supporting initiatives that enhance wellbeing, celebrate our unique culture, and improve quality of life.”
Ruby Griffiths, Founder of 34Moves, said: “I feel so proud to be one of the organisers of this world record attempt and wellness event. Having dedicated my life to studying the human mind and movement, it feels very special to honour the Pilates method in the location where it was first shaped. Through 34Moves, everything we do is grounded in a simple belief: wherever you are in life, there is always something you can do to support your body and mind. Through this Festival, we hope to create an experience that supports overall well-being by connecting all attendees with wellness-related initiatives. Working alongside partners with such a strong heritage, including Ramsey Crookall and Visit Isle of Man, adds real depth to this moment, and we are proud to be developing the event together.
Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, said, “ We are incredibly proud to support this landmark event, which beautifully reflects what makes the Isle of Man such an extraordinary place to visit. Our Island’s story, its landscapes, its people, and its heritage create a powerful foundation for meaningful, wellness-driven experiences like this. To welcome a global Pilates homecoming to the very place where it was first conceived is both deeply symbolic and wonderfully inspiring. It aligns perfectly with our long-term vision to grow a visitor economy rooted in authenticity, wellbeing, and our UNESCO Biosphere values. We look forward to sharing the Island’s spirit of community, creativity, and connection with participants from near and far.”
This landmark event aims to unite history, movement, and community, transforming Knockaloe into a global stage for wellness and connection. By honouring Pilates’ origins while looking boldly to the future, the Isle of Man invites the world to come together in mindful movement, shared heritage, and lasting wellbeing.
More information is available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pilates-world-record-attempt-wellness-festival-charity-village-tickets-1982437258205
