Pilates History
The person behind Pilates.
Before it was the name of an exercise method, Pilates was a person. Here’s a little of Joseph’s story, and how his ideas found their way into studios like ours.
Joseph Pilates
Creator of Contrology
1914–1919
A practice takes shape
During World War I, Joseph Pilates was interned as a German national. He led exercise sessions for fellow internees, developing his ideas about physical training and gaining experience as a teacher.
1920s
An idea becomes a studio
After returning to Germany, Joseph continued developing his method and equipment. He moved to the United States in 1926, and he and Clara Pilates went on to teach in New York. He called the method Contrology.
1945
Sharing the method
His book Return to Life Through Contrology brought his mat exercises to a wider audience. Alongside this floor work, Joseph designed equipment such as the reformer, using springs and straps to support and challenge movement.
Then and now
Matwork and equipment.
These two parts of Pilates complement each other. You’ll find both at our studio today.
On the mat
Floor exercises use your own body weight to build strength and control. Breath and careful movement are at the heart of the practice.
On the equipment
Springs, straps, and supports add resistance and assistance. The reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair offer different ways to explore movement.