Pilates is the unique complete body conditioning method developed by fitness guru Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1900's.  Pilates uses a series of movements on the mat and specially designed apparatus that are performed in a specific order and cadence to improve strength, flexibility and balance.  A persons body weight, gravity and springs were used to create resistance as opposed to weights which he believed could do more harm than good.  A low number of repetitions and focus on the core of the body make Pilates suitable for most people at any age.  Pilates can revitalize your body by naturally ridding it of toxins if the movements are performed with proper form. Pilates can improve the quality of your life by making you look and feel your best.

Joseph H. Pilates taught his fitness system from his original studio in New York City for decades until his death in 1967.  The only living relative of Joseph H. Pilates who taught at the original studio in New York is his niece, 84 year-old Mary Pilates. 

Mary Pilates is the daughter of Joseph Pilates brother, Fred Pilates, who lived in St. Louis and also started a Pilates Studio in the mid 1900's.  Fred was also a craftsman and manufactured most of the the original Pilates equipment for his brother - the design that is used in some of the Pilates equipment in use today.  Mary Pilates lived with her uncle Joe in the 1940's and is committed to continuing the legacy and practices of her uncle in its original form.  The Original Pilates method is well documented. There are many claimed "types" of Pilates and many "knockoff" brands, but there is only one way Joseph Pilates taught and this is a matter of history, published in his books and writings and recorded in photographs and videos. Most experienced Pilates Instructors will not do the exercises along with the class.  They will monitor students for safety and proper form.  All one needs to do is to look at any instruction video of Joseph Pilates or one of his decipels Romana Kryzanowska to clearly illustrate how a Pilates class should be correctly taught.

MJ has personally trained with Mary Pilates for the last six years and has practiced the Original Pilates Method in its purest form.  Today, there are many variations of Pilates, but Joseph H. Pilates taught only one method and that is the method we teach in our mat classes at our Pilates Studio in Coral Springs, Original Pilates®. Our Tower and Reformer and small equipment classes also use some Classical Pilates as well.  Body Sculpting classes are also offered, but are not considered 'Original Pilates' although they may contain some Pilates moves.

Original Pilates Studio, New York City, 1942.

Left to Right: Joseph H. Pilates, Mary Pilates (niece at age 19) & Clara Pilates (Joe's wife)

The story of Mary Pilates and her life with her uncle, Joseph H. Pilates,
was recently featured in the Sun Sentinel (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
See photos of Mary Pilates teaching on the mat, (1962)

Mary Pilates (85 years old) at MJ's Open House, May 6, 2006.
Mary Pilates was honored at MJ's Sign-Lighting Event

Original Pilates® is a registered trademark of Mary Pilates