More on Classical Pilates

Joseph was born in 1883 in Germany.

As a child he was ill and became early interested in the body & anatomy. He drew inspiration from gymnastics, yoga, bodybuilding, martial arts and Greek architecture & began to develop "Pilates" which he initially called "Contrology"

During the First World War he was interned and began to develop what was later called "Caddilac & Reformer" by tightening springs from hospital beds & helping patients build strength & agility with resistance.

In 1926, Joseph and his wife Clara moved to the United States, where they opened their first studio in New York, followed by several studios around the United States. They worked a lot with dancers. Joseph died in 1967 and Clara continued to instruct until her death in 1977.

In the 80's, many of Hollywood celebrities discovered pilates and the media paid attention to pilates, then the training came to "ordinary people".