Pilates is...
An elegant and effective method of exercise, capable of supporting and enhancing one’s mind & body health through all stages of life.
In the beginning...
Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in Germany, in 1883. His early life was marked by chronic illness, which inspired a lifelong devotion to exercise. Among various occupations, Joseph was a circus performer, a model for anatomical drawings, a diver, a pro-boxer, a self-defense trainer for law enforcement, and a practitioner of martial arts & yoga.
At the outbreak of WWI, Pilates found himself in a British internment camp, where he began developing a system of exercise which he named “Contrology”. Pilates used his techniques to help rehabilitate injured soldiers and ultimately, Contrology was credited with maintaining the overall health of the camp and warding off the devastating flu pandemic sweeping Europe.
Following the war, Joseph immigrated to the United States, meeting his future wife, Clara, along the way. Clara and Joseph set up their Contrology studio in New York City where they trained dancers and performers, while honing Joe's method. Joseph died on October 9, 1967. Since his death, his disciples have carried on his approach, naming it Pilates.
Pilates here and now...
Today, the Pilates method is practiced in various forms, world-wide. Praxis adheres to the STOTT PILATES® method; a contemporary approach to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates. STOTT PILATES incorporates modern bio-mechanic principles and current research in exercise science to keep the method relevant and safe for all practitioners.
While we agree that Joseph was ahead of his time in creating Contrology, we can appreciate that science and research has covered a lot of ground in the 45 years since his death. We believe a contemporary approach is merely the natural direction Joseph would have taken his method.
® STOTT PILATES is a trademark or registered trademark of / est une marque de commerce ou marque de déposée de Merrithew Corporation
