was born in 1883 near Düsseldorf, Germany. In 1926, Joseph and his wife Clara created the first Pilates studio in New York City, U.S. During his career, Joseph developed over 600 exercises for the various devices he invented. Its guiding philosophy was that with the device, the whole body had to be exercised in order to be healthy. Pilates equipment is designed to condition the entire body using positions and movements that ultimately correct body alignment and balance.
Extract from “Study Guide for Comprehensive Course, Body Arts and Science International, BASI”, Rael Isacowitz, Founder BASI Pilates