Who were Joe and Clara Pilates?

During World War I Joseph H. Pilates had already shown he was a master at conditioning the human body. In England when the war broke out he, being German, was interned for the war's duration. Using the time to develop his method, he systematically exercised the other internees of the camp. No member of the camp fell ill from the great flu epidemic which killed many thousands in England.

Returning to Germany after the war his reputation preceded him, and he was invited to condition the police. Whether by intuition, good sense, good luck or all three Joe chose to leave Germany for America. It was the early1920's.

On the crossing he met and fell in love with Clara who became his wife. Together they set up a studio in N.Y.C. for the practice of Contrology. The structure and principles of their work is now called THE PILATES METHOD.

Joe and Clara were a team. He was the front, colorful, flamboyant, inventive. She was the backup, equally as gifted, loyal and exceptional in her understanding and teaching of what each client needed.

What is the Pilates Method?

The Pilates Method is a philosophy of movement, experienced through the performance of over 500 exercises created by Joe and Clara Pilates. They designed unique equipment using the resistance of springs to exercise the whole body. Joe and Clara taught tirelessly for nearly 50 years. They increased people's strength, flexibility, alignment, concentration, awareness, overall health and well being.

Pilates is more than a series of exercises; it is an education in how best to inhabit your body. It integrates body and mind. Pilates is practical, enhancing the performance of your daily life. It builds endurance and is an insurance against injury.

The Pilates method is excellent from one's youth to old age. "When I first entered his studio in 1960, Joe was 80 years old and still going strong. He set an example. To seniors I would say that you can develop and improve as you age. I absolutely know that. For me Pilates is a way of life, a way to stay strong and healthy into the last years. For this to be so, there needs to be a discipline. The Pilates Method can offer that discipline." (Mary Bowen)