THE PILATES STORY
Our story begins with the life of
Joseph H. Pilates. Growing up in
19th century Germany, Joseph
Pilates was often ill. He suffered
from a host of conditions, including
asthma and rheumatic fever, that
made him seem sickly and frail.
The exercises gave students
extraordinary mastery of their
own bodies. Pilates moved to the
United States in 1925, and his
system soon earned the loyalty
of many renowned ballet dancers
such as Martha Graham and
George Balanchine.
But he refused to let his ailments
define him. As a teenager, he trained
himself in yoga, weight training and
martial arts, to become stronger
both physically and mentally.
For more than one hundred years,
the work of Joseph Pilates, his
wife Clara and their early followers
have been transforming the bodies
and lives of millions of enthusiasts
around the world.
In 1912, he moved from Germany
to England, where he worked as a
boxer and self-defense instructor.
But as World War I raged across
Europe, he was among the hundreds
of German nationals detained in a
British internment camp. There,
he began to train fellow internees,
using the limited materials and
space that were available to him.
At Peak Pilates , we are continually
inspired by Joseph Pilates’ story,
and we believe in preserving
and advancing his mission. Our
equipment is meticulously crafted
and built from the finest materials.
We stay true to Joseph Pilates’
exact specifications while applying
the latest scientific research and
technology to make each apparatus
as smooth and effective as possible.
We want our instructors to become
extraordinary teachers and
ambassadors of the Pilates system.
Peak Pilates accepts all students
both into their classes and into
their hearts.
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With Pilates' instruction, bedridden
patients could strengthen their
muscles using the resistance of
their own bodies and springs from
their hospital beds. He studied the
movements of animals in nature and
drew on his knowledge of yoga and
gymnastics to refine a system of
exercises that allows practitioners
to gain strength and endurance that
stems from the human core.
Whether our students are beginners
or elite athletes, we carry out our
mission in the same way Joseph
Pilates carried out his: with respect
for the practice, love of the student,
and an unwavering belief in the
power of every human body.
He called his technique “Contrology”
because it was just that: a wholistic
workout that required mindful
control of both muscle and breath.
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PEAK PILATES ®