Pilates For Life, 26A Saybrook Road, Essex, CT 06426
Please contact Marlene Reynolds at 860-227-5790
Joseph Pilates, Clara Pilates & Romana Kryzanowska
Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in 1884 in Germany. As a child he was frail, suffering from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. As a young man he studied bodybuilding, yoga, and animal movement, while also exploring ancient Greek philosophies.
Learn more about the origins of the Pilates Method
In 1912, Joseph moved to England and worked as a professional boxer and police trainer. During World War I, he was interned on the Isle of Man, where he developed his system of exercises—Contrology. He taught his fellow internees matwork exercises and is credited with helping them survive the influenza outbreak.
His abilities were recognized, and he was transferred to a war hospital where he created his first equipment by attaching springs and pulleys to hospital beds to rehabilitate patients.
Marlene Reynolds with Romana Kryzanowska
Around 1925, Joseph emigrated to the U.S. During the voyage he met Clara, a nurse who became his wife. They opened a studio in NYC teaching his method, attracting dancers, skaters, and acrobats—including Martha Graham and George Balanchine.
Learn more about Marlene’s personal Pilates journey
Romana Kryzanowska came to Joseph with an ankle injury. He promised that if he could not correct it in five lessons, he would refund her money. He succeeded, beginning a lifelong relationship.
Joseph taught until his death in 1967. Clara passed soon after, leaving Romana as the “keeper of the flame,” entrusted with preserving the original Pilates Method.
Romana passed the flame to a select group of students, including Marlene Reynolds, owner/instructor of the Shoreline Pilates Studio – Pilates For Life. Marlene is honored and committed to continuing the Traditional Pilates Method as created by Joseph and carried forth by Romana.
Pilates For Life, 26A Saybrook Road, Essex, CT 06426
Call 860-227-5790 and start on your path to a stronger body and healthier life.