As a true visionary, Joseph Pilates’ life’s work was to teach the modern man and woman that human movement is powerfully effective in creating healthy bodies, minds, and spirits.  Sparked from an innate drive to heal himself from physical aliments, Joseph Pilates from a young age followed his intuitive sense to perform a series of originally created exercises and movements that addressed the strength, mobility and flexibility of  the whole body through the entirety of its movement ranges and capabilities. Originally calling his unique method, Contrology, Joseph Pilates’ movement creativity was inspired by observing the naturally controlled and harmonious movement behaviors of the animal kingdom.  He was further influenced by studying the physical demands and needs of various athletic activities.  As a result, many athletes from all genres have found their skills greatly improved by practicing the Pilates method and philosophy. Understanding  that his work was well suited for rehabilitation, Pilates found great success in helping  those who suffered from physical ailments and injury.  A man far ahead of his time, Pilates had a passion for teaching illness and injury prevention.  It is documented that those who trained with Joseph Pilates and practiced his philosophy of whole body health survived the influenza pandemic of 1918. The Pilates Method explores how body movement,  a sound mind, and a strong spirit relate to the human life being lived to its greatest capacity. Joseph Pilates states that his method, “develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.”