A Potted History of Pilates
Joseph Hubertus Pilates born in Mönchengladbach, Germany
9 December 1883
1912
Joseph Pilates moves to England
1914
Outbreak of WW1. Pilates is interned in Lancaster Castle as an "enemy alien". He reportedly taught wrestling and self-defence whilst there.
1915
Moved to Knockaloe camp, Isle of Man. Here he began refining and teaching his "Contrology".
11 November 1918
Armistice signed.
1919
Pilates returns to Germany upon his release from the camp.
c. 1924
Joseph files a patent in Germany for a "Foot Corrector"
Pilates files a patent in Germany for a "Body Exercise Apparatus", an early version of the reformer.
c. 1924
1924
Files a patent in U.S for a "Universal Reformer"
1925/6
Migrates to USA. He meets Clara onboard the ship.
Joseph and Clara open a studio at 939 Eighth Avenue in New York to teach his Contrology method.
1930
Files a patent in U.S for a Wunda Chair
1934
Wunda Chair patent granted.
"Your Health" published
1930 - 1940
Filed patents for:
Tenso-o-meter
Spine Corrector
Ped-o-pull
Ladder Barrel
Catapult.
During this time, the Bed Board or Mat with Pole has appeared in Pilates' studio, but it is not patented.
By the mid-30s the High Chair/Electric Chair has been developed.
The weighted Pole is shown in photos
The Bean Bag roll up device is invented (weighted pole???)
The Sandbag/Weighted bag appears in photos (is this generic or pilates?!)
The Foot Exerciser appears, this is distinct from the Foot Corrector
The Leg Springs Board and the Arms Springs Board evolved into the Cadillac
He designs the Guillotine; these are still used in a few Classical Studios, but they are very rare. This is the precursor to the Tower.
Joseph invents the Resister and possibly patents it, but this is not confirmed.
Late 1930s - Early 1940s
The Neck Stretcher appears
The Breath-a-cizer is invented
1940s
The Cadillac, as we know it, has evolved, but it is not patented as a singular/specific invention
The Toe Corrector or Toe Gizmo appears
The Hand Corrector appears
1945
"Return to Life" published
The Baby Chair appears in photos, mainly used for arm and shoulder girdle work.
1940s - 1950s
The Small Barrel Chair/Arm Chair appears
The Tower/Half Cadillac has evolved from the Cadillac, again no patent exists
1950s
Carola Trier Studio, New York opens. She was the first person he allowed to open an independent studio. Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel train here.
1960s
Jay Grimes trains with Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates died in New York City. Contrology is continued by Clara and the "Elders"
9th October 1967
1970
Alan Herdman brings Pilates method to the UK, having training initially with Robert Fitzgerald in 1969. He opens a studio in London at The Place.
1971
Clara stops teaching at the Pilates Studio, NY. Romana Kryzanowska takes over the studio.
Ron Fletcher opens his Ron Fletcher Studio for Body Contrology, Beverly Hills.
1972/3
Dreas Reyneke oens the second studio in the UK
1977
Clara dies.
Romana stops teaching at the Pilates Studio (or does it become Romana's Pilates?!)
1989
1990s
Pilates, as it has now become known, is receiving a lot of worldwide interest.
Eve Gentry co-founds the Institue for the Pilates Method
1991