Who was Joseph H. Pilates?

 Joseph Pilates was born in Dusseldorf, Germany. He was a frail, sickly child who would later devote his life to the development and conditioning of his own body. His efforts resulted in the creation of Contrology, the original name he gave his method. His new method would be a combination of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Boxing among other influences. Before moving to England in 1912, he had grown to be an accomplished athlete. He was held on the Isle of Mann. His first invention, The Universal Reformer, was one of 9 pieces of apparatus he would later develop. Pilates then relocated to New York City and opened the first "Contrology" studio in 1923 on Eighth Avenue. Over the past 8 decades, his method has received international recognition from health, dance, and sports professionals. 

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning is a progressive exercise system focused on core strength and stability. Each exercise is performed with an emphasis on proper breathing, alignment, flexibility, and coordination thus developing an improved mind/body connection for the student. A typical 60 minute session consists of a certified instuctor guiding the student theough a series of exercises on various pieces of apparatus (mat, reformer, Cadillac, chair, etc.) Utilizing the method's unique spring resistance one can strengthen and lengthen the entire body. 

"In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a completely different body." 

-Joseph H. Pilates