Joseph Pilates (1883–1967) was a German-born physical trainer who created the exercise method he called Contrology, now known as Pilates. He developed his ideas and early apparatus in the 1910s, opened a New York studio with his partner Clara in the 1920s, and trained a generation of students who carried the method worldwide. His reformer, Cadillac and chair remain the foundation of Pilates equipment today.
Written by the Elemental Movement Lab and reviewed by Samantha Giam, certified classical Pilates instructor. Updated 30 September 2026.
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1883 | Born in Mönchengladbach, Germany |
| 1910s | Living in England when the First World War begins; interned as a German national, where he develops his exercise system |
| c. 1926 | Emigrates to New York and opens a studio with Clara |
| 1934 | Publishes Your Health |
| 1945 | Publishes Return to Life Through Contrology |
| 1967 | Dies in New York; his students continue teaching the method |
Early life
Pilates was a sickly child who set out to build his strength through gymnastics, boxing, body-building and the study of anatomy and both Eastern and Western movement practices. That determination to rebuild the body became the heart of his method.
The origins of the apparatus
During his internment in the First World War, Pilates is widely described as experimenting with springs attached to beds so that people could exercise while recovering. That idea, using springs to both assist and resist the body, led to the apparatus we know today.
Joseph Pilates' apparatus
- Reformer: a sliding carriage with springs, straps and footbar; the most widely used apparatus today.
- Cadillac (Trapeze Table): a raised table with a frame, bars and springs overhead.
- Wunda Chair: a compact box with a spring-loaded pedal.
- Barrels: curved supports for spinal extension and flexion.
- Smaller props: including the magic circle and foot corrector.
Read A Guide to Pilates Apparatus.
Contrology: the method
Pilates called his method Contrology to emphasise the mind's control of the body. He believed in whole-body health, fresh air, and exercise woven into daily life, and famously photographed himself exercising outdoors. See The Six Principles of Pilates.
The elders and the spread of Pilates
After his death, students including Romana Kryzanowska, Ron Fletcher, Kathy Grant, Lolita San Miguel and others taught and developed the method, creating the lineages that exist today. Over time, contemporary schools adapted it further. Read Classical vs Contemporary Pilates.
Why this history matters to Elemental
Joseph Pilates designed equipment to fit how people lived and healed, and he valued fresh air and the outdoors. The Elemental Movement Lab studies his original apparatus as the starting point for new designs, including TerraFold™, a reformer made to move with life, indoors and out. Read Movement Beyond the Pilates Studio.
FAQs
What did Joseph Pilates call his method?
Contrology.
When was Pilates invented?
Joseph Pilates developed the method from the 1910s onward, refining it in New York from the 1920s.
Who was Clara Pilates?
Joseph's partner and collaborator, who taught alongside him and continued teaching after his death.
