Pilates Perspectives
Pilates Perspectives is your guide to how Pilates fits into real life, no matter your experience level. We unpack the method’s many approaches and history, where it sits in today’s wellness landscape, and simple ways to apply it day to day. Episodes range from building community through movement to using Pilates in physical therapy and rehab. We also explore timely topics, including education standards, diversity expansion across the field, and embracing Pilates as a lifestyle that supports both body and mind.
You’ll hear from seasoned teachers, clinicians, and thought leaders who share firsthand experience and evidence-informed insights; useful for curious beginners and long-time pros alike. Our aim is to offer practical knowledge, foster inclusivity, and widen perspectives so the practice continues to evolve for everyone.
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Pilates Perspectives
What It Was Like to Learn from Joseph Pilates
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In this Pilates history episode, Joy interviews John Howard Steel, author of Caged Lion, and Ken Endelman, founder and CEO of Balanced Body, for a rare firsthand telling of what it was like to train directly with Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates, in New York. John recounts the atmosphere of Joseph Pilates’ original studio, Joe’s focused teaching methods and classical Pilates training approach, and the principle he repeated again and again: “never stop moving.”
You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about John’s friendship with Joe and Clara, including Clara’s hospitality and the personal care that shaped the original Pilates studio culture. John also shares a powerful takeaway from learning with the founder of Pilates: you didn’t have to be perfect, you just had to try your best. The conversation explores Joe’s philosophy of the human body, functional movement principles, and why he believed that if people learned to breathe better and move better, society itself could improve.
If you’re interested in the origins of Pilates, the history of Pilates, Joseph Pilates’ original teaching style, Contrology methods, classical Pilates training, Pilates instructor education, and the legacy of the Joseph Pilates method, this episode offers essential insight and inspiration into authentic movement education.
This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.
