Even after Joseph Pilates’ death in 1967, the method was not as widespread as it is today. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that the name Pilates really picked up speed as the latest workout regimen. Classes at the gym or the local YMCA began to call their “Stretch and Strengthen” classes “Pilates” classes. This was because of a landmark case during that year. Before that time, the name Pilates was trademarked by one man. He would not allow anyone outside his organization to use the term. In 2000, he was countersued and lost. And so, Pilates was reborn.

Regardless of who was right or wrong in the case, there are arguments for both sides. The side that won the case claims that it wasn’t fair the word be trademarked because it is an exercise; and that would be like putting a trademark on “yoga” or “aerobics.” Others argued that allowing just anyone to teach Pilates would result in inexperienced instructors spreading poor forms and methods to the masses. Both arguments were valid, but the judge ruled that Pilates was now an exercise, and not to be trademarked.

Nowadays, there is no regulation whatsoever to becoming a Pilates Instructor, and there are all kinds of certification programs. I have even found those that will certify an instructor to teach a mat class in one weekend! These are very dangerous and more often than not, these instructors may know how to do the exercise, but cannot teach the exercise properly and safely to everyone.

Doing Pilates safely and effectively is difficult. Personal attention is the key to getting what you need out of every exercise. At Pilates Corps, we are dedicated to keeping the method true and original. We specialize in private and semi-private (2 or 3 clients per instructor) sessions, mat classes and recently began adding Reformer classes. These group classes are kept small so you still get all the attention you need. We are proud to be a “Romana’s Pilates” studio. Romana Kryzanowska started taking lessons from Joseph Pilates in her teens and has carried on Joseph Pilates’ method for most of her life and is still teaching today, well into her 80s.