Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates (1883-1967) was a genius in his field and far ahead of his time. He was born in Germany in 1883 and was very sick as a child, so he devoted his life to fitness. During the First World War, he was interned with other German citizens in a camp near Lancaster, where he began to teach people his physical exercises. Then, the actual and proper Pilates exercises took their current form. After the war, he moved to the United States, and during that trip, he met Klara, his future wife. They founded their studio and guided students there until the 1960s.

Joseph Pilates’ exercise system, originally called “Contrology,” quickly attracted attention and interest in the performing arts. From their point of view, “Contrology” was the perfect holistic coordination for body, mind and spirit. Pilates practiced only his own system and lived a long and healthy life but died in 1967 at 87. Today, the Pilates system is practiced worldwide by performing arts, sports, and other people who care about their health. Undoubtedly, his fitness system can work wonders when performed correctly by certified Pilates instructors.