Joseph Hubertus Pilates. The Biography

by Javier Pérez Pont

Javier Pérez Pont and Esperanza Aparicio Romero were professional dancers for more than 15 years, working as soloists and principals in several European companies. In 1994 they discovered the Pilates method of body conditioning. Javier and Esperanza moved to New York to study with the legendary Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter Sari Mejía Santo. They stood for a time beside these two teachers in order to improve their knowledge and reach Level II, becoming international trainers of the organization. At the end of 1999 decided to return to Spain and settled in Barcelona. Making this city the seat of the first Pilates Studio in Spain, endorsed and supported by his two teachers. In 2002 launched the Teacher Certification Program in Spain under the tutelage of the two teachers mentioned. In 2005 they published "The Authentic Pilates Method, The Art of Control" with Editorial Planeta, having been a bestseller not only in Spain but throughout Spanish-speaking America. In 2012 Javier and Esperanza published a collection of seven e-books under the general title of "Contrology Pilates Physical Culture" with HakaBooks e-Ditions about the technique of the method and apparatus. Available in Spanish, English and Portuguese. In this moment Javier Pérez Pont still working on the second part of "The Biography" and on a new book dedicated to finding the ethical, moral and personal estate of Contrology. A dive into the depths of the origin and development of this art, which closely links author and work as a whole. A new book that aims to regain lost the true spirit of Contrology. For the first time ever we have the chance to find out the truth about Joseph Pilates. A Book that will dispel the false myths concerning this historical figure, bring us closer to who Joe really was and what his Contrology meant.

522 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiene un inicio tedioso pero que aporta a la construcción de nuestro personaje. Es un libro para leer con atención, lápiz en mano y si se puede un bloc de notas. Idealmente este tipo de obras son para releer muchas veces. Entender el contexto histórico y la evolución del método ha sido sumamente enriquecedor a la vez que motivante para seguir entrenando y profundizando el método.
Si bien, en varias decisiones y conductas que narraron a través de las documentaciones, Joseph me resulta un fanfarrón, hasta un personaje algo egocéntrico y exagerado (para no decir mentiroso), es innegable el aporte y la visión adelantada que tuvo para su época.
Anteriormente pensaba que a diferencia del yoga, el mundo del pilates carecía de filosofía. Tras leer esta biografía entiendo cuan equivocada estaba. Resalto sobre todo la importancia del método como un conjunto integral de la combinación entre aparatos y ejercicios.

[Julene · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself is a difficult read due to poor translation. Plenty of facts and citations to be had through most of the book, including refutations of some of Mr. Pilates' more boastful claims.