History of Pilates

The Pilates Method was developed by a man named Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century. Born to an award-winning gymnast father and a mother who practised naturopathy, Joseph suffered from rickets, asthma, and rheumatic fever as a child. Determined to improve his health, he dedicated his life to studying anatomy and movement, developing his strength through gymnastics, boxing, self-defence, bodybuilding, and skiing. By the age of 14, he was already posing for anatomical charts.

The Pilates Method began to take shape while Joseph was interned on the Isle of Man during World War I. During this time, he continued refining his exercise system, teaching fellow internees and developing methods to support strength, mobility, and rehabilitation. His innovative use of springs to assist injured and bedridden patients is believed to have inspired the specialised equipment used in Pilates studios today.

In the mid-1920s, Joseph immigrated to New York, where he met his wife, Clara. Together, they opened a studio and began teaching what was originally known as Contrology - a method centred on the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.

It was here that a young dancer named Romana Kryzanowska was referred to the studio to rehabilitate an ankle injury. She went on to work closely with Joseph and Clara for many years and became one of the most influential teachers in preserving and passing on the classical Pilates method. Following Joseph's passing, Romana continued teaching at the Manhattan studio, dedicating her life to preserving the traditional teachings and philosophy of the method for future generations.

At House of Pilates, Amanda is proud to teach classical Pilates, having trained in the Romana's Pilates method under Level One Master Teacher Trainer Cynthia Lochard.