What is Pilates?

Joseph H. Pilates, a German-born man, began his career as a promoter and advocate of "physical culture" - physical education through exercise, mental discipline, and intentional breath work. Through his own experience, observational study, and teaching he created a system of corrective exercises that he called "Contrology", bringing it to the American market upon his immigration to the U.S. in the late 1920's. He invented several pieces of equipment, along with an extensive repertoire of exercises to be performed on them, for individuals to address physical dysfunction or injuries, as well as condition the body for better overall health and wellness. He strongly believed that by performing his exercises, and following the principles he set down for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, he could correct and improve anybody's posture and imbalances, help build strength, and increase flexibility- and therefore change their life for the better.

Prior to his arrival in New York City, Pilates learned from medical practitioners in Germany, worked with injured soldiers during the Great War, and thoroughlystudied all he could in the flourishing post-war intellectual era in Germany in which science, literature, philosophy, and the arts exploded. Holistic therapies from Europe such as hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, and breath work influenced Pilates' development of his ideas, as did meditation and modern dance. 

In the 1930's, New York became a mecca for dancers and Pilates developed a reputation for being about to "fix" many of their injuries. Luminaries in this up and coming dance world such George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Ruth St. Dennis and Ted Shawn all studied with "Uncle Joe" and referred many of their injuries colleagues to him. Shawn invited Pilates to create and teach an exercise program for his dance camp, Jacob's Pillow, in the 1940's; from this experience his signature Mat Series was developed. Many of the dancers he worked with became "first generation" teachers, and were instrumental in the continuation of his methods throughout and after his lifetime. Pilates did not only believe that top level athletes could benefit from his methods; he knew that proper application of his Contrology could positively change anyone's life.

Pilates' so passionately believed in his methods and exercises he published two books, Your Health in 1934, and Return to Life Through Contrology in 1945, where he further developed and defined his credo for whole body health. He deeply believed that if everyone adopted his methods, including as a part of the American education system, every corner of individual and societal life could be improved. He had a dream that a systematic, disciplined approach to physical and mental health could improve personal awareness, therefore positively impacting the world as a whole by reducing human suffering with his methods; lessening the need for hospitals, sanitariums, mental institutions, even prisons. 

By the 1960's the method had taken root in multiple Manhattan institutes, including New York University, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Katherine Dunham School. Modern dance choreographers were adding Pilates Mat exercises to their warm-ups, and the method traveled with the first generation teachers across the U.S. and into Europe. By the 1980's second generation teachers had built up their practices around the country, and the first dance medicine clinic opened in San Francisco in 1983, with the first medically-affiliated Pilates program. 

Joseph Pilates died in October 1967 at the age of 83, but his method and dreams for a universal acceptance of his work lived on, finding a strong following in the mid-90's as formalized teaching programs were established and new generations of teachers and practitioners were born. The growing interest in mind-body disciplines and whole body health of the early 2000's finally catapulted his vision into the global phenomenon it is today. Pilates' intuitive understanding of the body, along with his innovative designs for his equipment and the repertoire created on them, were elements of a larger vision for living, based on a daily practice of intention towards one's overall health. He knew firsthand that the practice of his methods would lead not only to physical improvements, but would enhance emotional well-being and improve one's ability to cope with stress and conflict, creating a better life for all who studied his work. 

Pilates' vision continues to remain as relevant in today's world as it was when he first developed it. In a world of conflict, crisis, and stress that can challenge even the calmest person, Pilates' method creates a space in our lives where we can find ourselves again and again, connecting deeply to the breath, the body, and the mind for movement and connection that takes us beyond the mat. With his work being taught and enjoyed across the globe and influencing millions of individuals to live a better life, Joseph Pilates' dream is finally being realized as he envisioned it, more than 80 years ago.