Pilates went on to become a skilled boxer, gymnast, circus performer, skier and diver. He also incorporated Yoga and Zen meditation with his Western form of exercises.

In 1912, Pilates left Germany for England where he earned a living as a professional boxer among other things. When WWI broke out, Pilates was interned in a prisoner of war camp. It is during this time that he began to work with bed-ridden patients and developed his method of rehabilitation exercises. This was the origin of “Contrology” which we now call Pilates.

In 1925, Joe left for the United States. En route, he met his wife Clara. They opened a gym in New York City in a space shared with the New York City Ballet. Initially dancers were drawn to “Contrology” because of the conditioning, balance and rehabilitation. But soon Joe and Clara were training actors, athletes, rehabilitation professionals and others.

Joe passed away in 1967 at the age of 87. Clara continued to teach and run the studio until her death 10 years later. At the time of his death, Pilates had no idea that his method would someday be recognized and practiced worldwide.

“The brilliance of my work will not be recognized for 50 years.” Joseph Pilates