Classical Pilates is an Insult to Joe's Genius

Originally published November 8th to the PhysicalMind Institute Newsletter

The recent demise of TV personality Suzanne Somers made me reflect on the success of the Thigh Master.  In the 90s, Somers sold millions of these gadgets saying "You just put it between your knees and squeeze."  I remember the TV infomercial and exclaiming, “It’s just a copy of Joe’s Magic Circle!”  
 
When in 1991 we started the Institute for the Pilates Method, we began with Teacher Training as our primary focus. But soon I recognized that without publicity there would be no one for the newly Certified Teachers to train!! Fortunately Ron Fletcher’s LA studio had trained most of Hollywood. The print magazines were thrilled to name these Stars so very soon hundreds of articles were published. I tried when interviewed to make  these stories highlight Joe’s genius embodied in his patented inventions/apparatus. The articles showed photos of the Reformer and Cadillac, but described them as Medieval TORTURE Machines!!

Of course Joe’s brilliant inventions had been ignored when the exercise biz started in the 60s because the focus was “calorie burning.” Few could see these inventions were unique including Kathy Grant who was  certified by Joe. In 1992 Grant Santa Fe to give the very first Wunda Chair workshop. Attendees including Rael Iscowitz (see photo) and other studio owners who also didn’t seem to understand the apparatus. None commented on the design flaws of the Wunda Chair.

While Kathy was telling everyone, "Don’t muscle your way through…" I was watching as the Wunda Chair springs would fall off. Or the foot bar would torque given the spring attachments at three different points. Of course, the foot bar was not long enough for most shoulder widths. The  square footprint meant the apparatus was only stable because of its weight – a wider base makes this unnecessary. The closed frame limited the execution of many exercises. During the Workshop I was “redesigning” the Chair in my mind; it took a decade before I could get a workable prototype  and apply for a patent. But the other part was watching the learning process of those who would become Master Teachers and dominate Certification from 2000 until now. I saw how they spent the entire two days perfecting their own technique. No one made any attempt to understand that these exercises were the exact same ones as on the Reformer and Mat. The participants were unable to figure out the spring attachments or why one spring would be on heavy and another one in the middle for a specific exercise. The workshop was show and tell. Meanwhile, I was analyzing why Joe specified certain spring combos – remember there were only two springs – but three levels of attachment.

Those new to Pilates probably don’t know that back then everyone adhered to the original exercises and  ONLY changed the choreography to accommodate a client who couldn’t perform. We called this a Modification and showed six specific changes. We also came up with the concept of Variations – the  Original exercise made more difficult! Today when every exercise is sliced and diced for variety and do-ability because Reformer classes dominate the industry, few remember when this was heresy. Even “Classical” studios now have Reformer classes. In 1994, I choreographed the very first one and had Maya Ward in Santa Fe cue it; she stood in the “circle” of the four Reformers whose foot bars touched in a sunburst configuration so she could change the springs!!
 
So now why this title? It took me decades to become an inventor. I have nine patents. The process is almost a form of self-torture. It taught me that while inventors see the forest, they are usually surrounded by people  who are in the trees. If those we now call Elders had critiqued the Wunda Chair design, it would never have been manufactured. They would have told Joe about its flaws. Joe was so exhausted by the process – just to get some physical object made that never existed except in his head – is beyond description. So why did he do it?? Because he couldn’t stop. If he had stopped at the Universal Reformer, then he might have  succeeded in his lifetime. But then we would all be poorer without the Ped a Pull or Cadillac or Barrels or Toe Corrector and all the other inventions. Joe died broke and angry. We are the beneficiaries of his relentless drive. Memorizers actually believe that if Joe were here today he would not continue to invent more products or change his original designs.Wrong! Joe would not use his own Wunda Chair today!

Few know that Classical Pilates was created on October 20, 2000. On October 19 2000 Judge Cedarbaum  ruled that the Pilates trademark — the coveted Official REGISTRATION ® – was invalid. The new Classical name adopted by the LOSERS was appealing, but at the time the WINNERS never thought it would  galvanize so many since we underestimated how big Pilates would become.

Today “classical” types buy very expensive Gratz equipment with very strong springs. Don’t they know the limitations of 4 spring Reformers for today’s bodies? They may also follow the exact repertoire. If so they are teaching exactly how Joe did in the 50s. They prefer a Model T to a Tesla. As for the choreography, Joe cherry picked from Yoga and Martial Arts and calisthenics to design many exercises that showcased his inventions!! Yes he chose what worked on the apparatus he invented!!

Appreciating the Man is not to copy what he did 75 years ago. It’s not what an INVENTOR would expect from his devotees. The 497 words that follow resulted from my question to ChatGPT: Supply a definition of Classical Pilates. Nothing is wrong, but it still misses the point!

Classical Pilates According to ChatGPT  

Classical Pilates, often simply referred to as "Pilates," is a popular and well-established exercise method that focuses on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall physical fitness. Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this approach to exercise has stood the test of time and continues to be practiced by individuals of all ages and fitness levels around the world.

Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, originally called his method "Contrology." He developed it during World War I as a way to help injured soldiers rehabilitate and regain strength. His innovative approach combined elements of yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, and his own research into human anatomy and movement. Classical Pilates is the purest form of the Pilates method, following the principles and exercises as Joseph Pilates originally designed them.

Key elements of Classical Pilates include:

1. Core Strengthening: Classical Pilates emphasizes the development of a strong and stable core by engaging muscles like the transverse abdominis, obliques, and pelvic floor. A strong core is the foundation for all movements in Pilates and is believed to contribute to better posture and reduced risk of injury.

2. Breath Control: Proper breathing is central to Classical Pilates. Joseph Pilates believed in using deep, controlled breathing to oxygenate the body and facilitate the flow of energy throughout the exercises.

3. Precision and Control: Classical Pilates exercises are performed with great precision, focusing on form and control rather than speed or repetition. This attention to detail is said to be essential for achieving the full benefits of the method.

4. Whole-Body Integration: Pilates is designed to work the entire body, not just isolated muscles. It targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to improved balance, coordination, and overall body awareness.

5. Equipment and Matwork: Classical Pilates utilizes specialized equipment like the reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda chair, in addition to mat exercises. These apparatuses offer resistance and support to enhance the effectiveness of the exercises.

6. Progression: Classical Pilates is taught in a structured and progressive manner, with exercises becoming more challenging as the practitioner gains strength and flexibility. The goal is continuous improvement.

7. Mind-Body Connection: Classical Pilates promotes a strong mind-body connection. Practitioners are encouraged to be fully present during their workouts, focusing on the quality of movements and the sensation of muscles engaging.

Today, many studios and fitness centers offer Classical Pilates classes, led by certified instructors. These classes cater to a wide range of participants, from individuals looking for a low-impact workout to athletes and dancers seeking to improve their performance. Classical Pilates is valued for its ability to help with posture correction, back pain relief, injury prevention, and overall body conditioning.

In conclusion, Classical Pilates is a timeless exercise method that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and holistic well-being. By adhering to the principles and exercises developed by Joseph Pilates himself, practitioners can experience the many benefits that this practice offers, leading to improved physical fitness, mental clarity, and an enhanced sense of overall well-being.

Pilates Then and Now

Joe Pilates and Eve Gentry at his New York City studio

I have practiced Pilates exercises for almost 60 years. I was at the Pilates Studio in Bendels when Joe was still alive. When he died in 1967, his method and machines almost died with him. After Joe's death, his wife struggled to keep the studio running. It wasn't profitable, and those who trained with Joe -- Ron Fletcher, Kathy Grant, Bruce King, and Carola Trier, among others -- weren't interested in taking on a failing studio. Not even Eve Gentry, who was his very first teacher, was interested. In 1968, she moved to Santa Fe and developed her own version. The exception was Romana Kryzanowska, who had nothing and was delighted to take over, even though she lacked business acumen.

A decade ago, an Indian friend of mine remarked on the yoga craze in America, "In India, people aren't leaving their offices at six and going to a yoga class." Many people forget that even though these activities existed, they weren't something the majority of people participated in or discussed. Despite this, it's noteworthy that even today, only about 35 to 40% of people exercise regularly, which is surprising given how often people talk about it. But let's focus on what I know best, Pilates exercises.

When Romana was running the studio, a fraudulent trademark on the Pilates name she applied for and somehow gained led to fear and confusion. This trademark, which was ultimately cancelled on October 19th, 2000 by Judge Cedarbaum of the Southern District Court, made people unsure about whether they could teach or practice Pilates. There was even confusion about the distinction between a patent and a trademark. Joe only patented one of his many inventions, the Universal Reformer, whose patent had expired by then.

In the absence of understanding about the apparatus – the reformer with its leather straps, four equal-tension springs, and no risers – the focus shifted to the exercises. Romana claimed that there were 500 exercises, based on little photos that Joe had taken of himself. He loved being photographed. She copied all of these images, which included every piece of apparatus. Most people know about the reformer, but many aren't aware of the Cadillac, let alone the Chair and the Magic Circle. Additionally, there were numerous other apparatuses like barrels of different sizes, the electric chair, the Pedi-pole, and other foot contraptions. Joe even invented a bed. Such creativity!

In the 70s, 80s, and 90s, even with the claim of 500 Pilates exercises, people struggled to classify some exercises as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. The categorizations eventually developed, but many people still look for Pilates exercises for beginners without really thinking it through. If a person has never exercised, then yes, they are a beginner, but what if someone has been doing barre, calisthenics, or any other form of exercise and then decides to start Pilates? They're not really a beginner because they've already been moving. Most of the Pilates exercises are just like any other exercise.

People often search for Pilates exercises for the core, a term that became popular in the 90s when crunches and 6-pack abs were all the rage. For many in the industry, we are talking about the entire torso, not just the waistline. Unlike other forms of exercise, everything in Pilates initiates from the core or the powerhouse, which is now a given. Sophisticated Pilates practitioners focus on deep connections from the foot arch all the way up through the inner thigh, into the pelvic floor and abdomen, then up to the roof of the mouth and the top of the head. So, it's not merely about the navel to spine or just the powerhouse.

The fascination with the core or the powerhouse speaks to people's growing self-awareness, even if from my perspective, after 60 years in the field, it can seem rather fundamental. Nonetheless, Pilates is experiencing another resurgence. The publicity in the 90s, largely due to the trademark dispute, helped solidify its place in popular culture. Stories of Joe in internment camps during World War I, crafting exercise equipment from bedsprings, certainly captured the public imagination.

The "medieval torture device" that was Joe's apparatus became a part of the fitness conversation. People desired to learn Pilates exercises. And then it expanded and expanded, with growth rates at some points reaching 30% a year. Only the tech industry could compete with that. Now, in 2023, there's a renewed interest, with more and more people searching for Pilates exercises, particularly Pilates exercises for beginners.

Why this resurgence? That's something I can't answer yet. I'm still analyzing this phenomenon. When I understand it better, I'll write another blog post. But for now, thank you very much for reading.

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