What is Pilates?

Pilates, originally called Contrology, is a system of exercises created by Joseph Pilates in the 20th century. It is full body workout that will build your strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina. Joseph himself said his system of exercises "develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit." These exercises can be practiced on Pilates apparatus like the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and also on the mat. 

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Joseph Pilates was born in 1883 near Dusseldorf, Germany, with health problems from rickets to asthma. As a result, he dedicated his life to improving his physical strength and wellbeing, excelling in gymnastics, boxing, and other forms of movement. During WW1 Joseph was in England and was put in an internment camp with other Germans. This is where his method of Contrology began to really take shape, with influences from numerous interests of Joe's, from yoga to the behavior of animals. After the war, Joseph briefly went back to Germany but eventually found himself in New York City in 1926. He opened his studio on Eighth Ave the same year and began teaching and refining Contrology.