A Little History Lesson
Pilates (pi-LAH-teez) is not a new phenomenon, it is a form of body conditioning developed by Joseph H. Pilates during the First World War. Joe was in a London based intern camp for German nationals when he began to develop a system of original exercises that he later called Contrology. He was working in the infirmary when he devised an exercise and rehabilitation apparatus that provided resistance training for patients. The men Joe worked with became the strongest and healthiest in camp. Joe was also known to teach wrestling, boxing and self-defense to other interns.
Returning to Germany after the war ended, Joe trained the military police as he perfected his new exercise routine Contrology. Unhappy with the political direction of Germany, in 1925 he left for the U.S. en route he met his wife, Clara, and shortly after arriving in New York City, they opened their first gym, side by side with several dance studios.
Contrology, today known simply as Pilates soon became a staple for Broadway dancers with legendary figures such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine becoming some of his first and most devoted clients. The New York City Ballet and The National Ballet of Canada have their own private studios and staff only Authentic Pilates Instructors, as well as many other top companies. Clara and "Uncle Joe", as he lovingly came to be known, continued to train both dancers and clients for decades. Joe passed away at the age of 87 while Clara continued to teach and run the studio until passed away 10 years later.
His work has been carried on by Romana Kryzanowska, master teacher and protégé of Joseph Pilates which many of Urban Pilates instructors have met and trained with - including our very own instructors here at Urban. Watch an original video of Joseph & Romana here »
As the popularity of Pilates grows, health clubs and sports facilities are beginning to offer Pilates-inspired or Pilates-based programs. Authentic Pilates is different, a unique and powerful method that has stood the test of time and delivers long lasting results. At Urban Pilates, we offer only the Authentic Pilates method performed on the originally designed equipment the way Uncle Joe would want it.