The Man Behind the PILATES Method

"Change happens through movement, and movement heals."

- Joseph Hubertus Pilates -
(Monchengladbach 1883 – 1967 New York)

Few people know that Pilates was invented 100 years ago by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. Born in 1880 in Monchengladbach, Germany, his father, of German origin, was a renowned gymnast, applauded and awarded, and his mother, also of German origin, was a naturopathic doctor. Despite coming from a family that promoted and valued health in a special way, Hubertus was a sickly child suffering from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. For him, it was an extraordinary challenge, just as extraordinary was the way he managed to turn this problem into a fight with a happy ending. Pilates began studying and delving into methods of improving health. Over time, he realized that incorrect posture, improper breathing, and negativity are the roots of poor health. So, he decided to develop a method and sets of exercises aimed at significantly improving well-being and physical condition. Although at the beginning of his journey towards sports Pilates was a gymnast, diver, and bodybuilder, when he moved to England in 1912, he made a living as a professional boxer, circus performer, and self-defense instructor at police schools in Scotland Yard. Unfortunately, the First World War began, and the British authorities interned him and other German citizens on the Isle of Man. In this unexpected and unwanted situation, Pilates began to develop a set of exercises that he called "Contrology." He studied Yoga and trained his colleagues with fitness exercises. In 1918, these prisoners survived a pandemic due to their good physical condition. After the Second World War, he returned to his homeland, but he always trained other Germans. Because this was not in accordance with his principles, in 1925 he decided to emigrate to the USA. On the ship, he met his wife Clara and together they founded a studio in New York.

Pilates exercises mean awareness of breathing, alignment of the spine, and strengthening of the trunk and abdominal muscles. Slowly but surely, his health became a certainty, and his physical condition became enviable. For him, it was an extraordinary challenge, and just as extraordinary was the way he managed to turn this problem into a fight with a happy ending.

ADDRESS:

Shaya Pilates

Strada Turbinei 16, Parter Floreasca, Bucuresti, Romania

SCHEDULE:

Monday / Friday - 07:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday - 08:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Sunday - CLOSED

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