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JOE'S STORY HISTORY GALLERY |
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With timeless vision, Joseph H. Pilates developed an inspired approach to fitness that has proven to be effective and safe for more than 80 years. Born in Germany in 1880, Joseph suffered as a child from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever; and thus became the source of schoolyard bullying. Fortunately, these challenges planted vital seeds of change whereby he dedicated his entire life to becoming physically stronger. Joseph explored bodybuilding and gymnastics, and by age 14, his resulting fitness enabled him to pose for anatomical charts. Joseph’s diverse life experience and interests underpinned the foundation for his fitness methodology. He professionally boxed in England; taught self-defense to the Scotland Yard detectives; and performed with the circus. Also, he studied a wide range of philosophies from yoga and martial arts to ancient Greek and Roman disciplines. The First World War provided the context and setting for Joseph’s method to take shape. Again, what many of us regard as crisis, he viewed as opportunity, motivated to apply his studies to help others. Interned in a German camp, he trained his fellow inmates in fitness. Here, he developed a system of precise movements with emphasis on form and control, establishing the basis for mat work practiced today. Joseph then was a nurse in another camp where many internees were struck with wartime disease and injury. Always searching for a solution, he experimented with ways to promote rehabilitation for patients before they were ableto get out of bed. He attached springs to hospital beds to provide resistance for building strength and aiding recovery. Years ahead of doctors, who had not discovered the therapeutic effects of rehabilitation, he developed the original version of the modern day reformer.  Joseph immigrated to the United States in 1926 where he married his wife, Clara (a trained nurse). The couple founded a studio in New York City. Inspired by clients, he further expanded the exercises and equipment. Joseph andhis method, which he and Clara called Contrology, soon established a following in the dance and performing arts community. Well-known dancers George Balanchine and Martha Graham became devotees and sent their students to them for training. Contrology involves the complete coordination of the mind, body and spirit. Joseph believed in gradually acquiring control of your body and then, through proper repetition of exercises, developing a rhythm of movement in harmony with your subconscious. Contrology is the foundation for the Pilates Method of body conditioning. Today, athletes, dancers, fitness professionals and the general public practice Pilates around the world. Joseph’s long, healthy life exemplifies his method. He and Clara directly taught their students well into the 1960s. He died in 1967 at the age of 87. |
