German-born Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), a sickly child, developed a series exercises to improve his health.
He taught these exercises to his WWI command, successfully overcoming a flu epidemic and later improving rehabilitation of the hospitalized wounded.
In 1926 he and his wife opened his Pilates Studio in New York City where devoted followers like Martha Graham and George Balachine studied.

Joseph Pilates at 57 years old
Romana Kryzanowska, as a young dancer, went to Joseph Pilates and became a devotee. She became Pilates’ protégé, and with her daughter and grand-daughter continues to perpetuate the original Pilates system, certifying instructors dedicated to the work of Joseph Pilates.
Romana Kryzanowska