When you hear the word Pilates, you might think of group fitness, toned abs, or stretching on a reformer. But at our studio, we teach classical Pilates—not a trend or a fusion class, but the original method as created by Joseph Pilates. It’s a living, breathing system rooted in his vision and carried forward with integrity.
Long before wellness became an industry, Joseph Pilates developed what he called Contrology—a complete system of physical and mental conditioning designed to restore health, vitality, and balance. His work was exacting, passionate, and deeply philosophical. And it’s that original system we are proud to teach and preserve.
About Our Classical Pilates Studio
When I took over the studio in 2019, I had one clear goal to share the Classical Pilates method as Joseph intended. I committed to honoring the original exercises, equipment, and precise sequencing of the method. That means using apparatus built to Joseph’s original specifications. It means teaching the full repertoire—not just bits and pieces. And it means guiding each client with care, precision, and respect for the system as a whole.
We’re not here to dilute or reinvent what works. We’re here to help you connect to your body, your breath, and your potential through a system that has stood the test of time.
Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates was more than just a fitness innovator—he was a thinker, inventor, and philosopher who believed in the power of movement to transform the human experience. Born in Germany in 1883, he developed Contrology, a physical and mental conditioning system rooted in breath, control, concentration, and precision. After immigrating to New York in the 1920s, he opened a studio with his wife Clara, where dancers, athletes, and everyday people came to rebuild their strength and vitality.
Joseph’s work was never about aesthetics—it was about function, alignment, and resilience. His method used specialised apparatus with spring resistance to guide the body into balance and integrity. Though his ideas were ahead of their time, they’ve since become a foundation for movement education around the world. Yet, much of what he created has been diluted over time. That’s why returning to the original method—the way Joe taught it—is so important.
Romana Kryzanowska and Jay Grimes were both personally taught by Joseph and Clara Pilates, and each played a vital role in preserving and passing on the original teachings of the Pilates method. Their direct connection to the source of the work gave them a unique insight—not just into the exercises themselves, but into the philosophy, rhythm, and intent behind the method.
Romana Kryzanowska: The Guardian of the Work
Romana Kryzanowska was entrusted to carry on their legacy after Joe passed away. A former dancer with George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet, Romana first came to Joe after an ankle injury. She quickly became one of his most devoted protégés and later the director of his original studio.
Romana taught with passion, discipline, and a deep understanding of the work. She emphasised the sequence, rhythm, and energy that define classical Pilates. And her teaching preserved the full integrity of Joe’s method. Through her decades of instruction, she trained a new generation of teachers—ensuring the original system would survive and thrive.
Jay Grimes: The Voice of Experience and Simplicity
Jay Grimes was a professional dancer in New York City. He began training with Joe in the 1960s and continued his practice with Clara after Joe’s passing. He didn’t just learn the exercises—he absorbed the spirit and intention behind the method.
Known for his calm presence, dry wit, and devotion to the work as it was taught, Jay has been a powerful voice in the classical Pilates world. One of his most quoted principles is:
“Don’t change the work—let the work change you.”
His teaching avoided unnecessary complexity, encouraging students to trust the system, the springs, and their own bodies.
Jay mentored many teachers through his program at Vintage Pilates in Los Angeles. His legacy continues to inspire a global community seeking authentic Pilates education grounded in experience, not invention.
Why We’re Starting This Blog
This blog is an extension of our mission. It’s a place to explore and reflect on the deeper purpose of Pilates—beyond the buzzwords and trends. We want to educate, inspire, and start conversations about why the original method matters.
Through these posts, we’ll share insights into Joseph Pilates’ writing, classical equipment, historical context, and the principles that shape our teaching. Hence, we’ll also spotlight elements of studio life, client stories, teacher training, and what it means to move with purpose in today’s world.
Whether you’re a lifelong practitioner, a curious newcomer, or a teacher seeking clarity, we hope this blog gives you a window into the depth, beauty, and transformative power of the classical method.
A Living Legacy of Classical Pilates
Pilates isn’t just a series of exercises—it’s a philosophy, a system, and a legacy. We’re proud to be a studio that holds that responsibility close. Our goal isn’t to gatekeep the work. It’s to open the door to something deeper, something true to its roots and full of possibility.
So if you’re ready to explore Pilates as it was meant to be practiced, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to the studio. Welcome to the blog. Let’s move forward—by honoring where it all began.
Ready to experience the difference?
Book a class with us and discover how classical Pilates—taught the way Joseph intended—can transform your body and mind.