It’s been 24 plus years since a Manhattan federal court decision recognized the name “Pilates” as a form of exercise, like yoga, versus a trademark. Joseph H. Pilates, the creator of an exercise system he called “Contrology”, never sought to trademark his system of exercise prior to his death in 1967. However, the plaintiff in this lawsuit attempted to monopolize and monetize on the Pilates name in the late 1990’s.
Fortunately, the October 2000 decision to recognize “Pilates” as a generic type of exercise allowed numerous teachers and practitioners to open Pilates studios and fulfill Joseph Pilates’ dream of enabling anyone to become healthy and fit for the challenges of modern-day living. However, the proliferation of Pilates studios and the practice of Pilates in various environments since 2000 has made the man, Joe Pilates, obscure. Who was Pilates?
Joseph H. Pilates was an athletic man who “…conceived and tested over a 40-year period with the idea of properly and scientifically exercising every muscle … to feed every fiber and tissue of your body,” (Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology). Contrology, his exercise system, was not a series of haphazard exercises but a well-crafted program from years of experience as a gymnast, bodybuilder, boxer, circus performer, self-defense trainer, and wrestler. After immigrating to America in the 1920’s, Joe opened a studio in New York City where he taught Contrology.
Contrology is a set of 34 mat exercises done in a specific order. Joe also adapted these exercises using equipment he designed and engineered. To this day, these apparatuses are found in Pilates studios throughout the world. He believed that “Contrology exercises build a sturdy body and sound mind capable of performing every daily task with ease and perfection,” (Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology). Hence, Contrology was all a person needed throughout life.
After Joseph Pilates died at age 83, his wife, assistants, trained teachers, and clients continued practicing and teaching Contrology. The method was strong and stable to continue as its own method of exercise. While these enthusiasts continued practicing and teaching Contrology, they began referring to it as Pilates (Steel, 2020).
Pilates became associated with the dance world, because the dancers who trained with Joe kept his Contrology method in tact through the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s. That’s how Joseph Pilates’ masculine approach transitioned to the more feminine reputation it has today. As dancer’s incorporated their interpretation of the exercises it appeared to be more about flexibility versus balanced strength. However, as more bodies practice Pilates it continues to get interpreted through the need of the person practicing and teaching.
Individuals in physical therapy engage in Pilates with a rehabilitative focus. More athletes cross train with Pilates to reduce injury rates and recover from events. Active agers do Pilates to maintain mobility, strength, and balance. Women in child bearing years practice Pilates to prepare for birth and to heal during the postnatal phase. Pilates enthusiasts enjoy the low impact Pilates exercises over other fitness options. While the purpose for doing Pilates may vary, the Pilates principles and philosophy are essential for a true Pilates practice.
Before you sign up for a class or private session ask your instructor about their training and approach to Pilates. Remember doing Pilates is different from experiencing Pilates. Also, know that the larger the class the harder for the instructor to observe and provide effective feedback on your form. Hopefully, when you do participate in a Pilates class, you resonate with the teacher, enjoy a positive movement experience, and acquire physical fitness.
Joe believed that “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. It is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body as well as a sound mind, fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure,” (Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology).
Ahhh … to live with spontaneous zest and pleasure!!
References
Pilates, J. H. & Miller, W.J. (2021). Return to Life Through Contrology. Mockingbird Press, Naples, FL.
Steel, J. H. (2020). Caged Lion. Last Leaf Press, Santa Barbara, CA.