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-- Born 1880 in Germany. A sickly child determined to overcome his various afflictions.
-- Studied yoga, Zen meditation and rigorous exercise regimens of ancient Greeks and Romans.
-- By age 14, gained enough strength to become accomplished skin diver, skier and gymnast.
-- Went to England in 1912 and became boxer, worked as a circus performer and trained detectives in self-defense.
-- Was interned, along with other Germans, at outbreak of World War I. Taught fellow prisoners a series of exercises combining physical fitness with breath control and mental acuity to increase strength and flexibility.
-- Spent latter part of war on Isle of Man working as a hospital orderly; helped rehabilitate patients through resistance exercise using equipment fashioned from bedsprings, among other things.
-- Returned to Germany after war and continued pioneering unique approach to physical fitness. When government insisted he train the new German army, he immigrated to the United States and established the Pilates studio in New York City with his wife Clara.
-- Designed a series of more than 500 mind-body movements or exercises to develop strong, flexible muscles without adding bulk. An emphasis on breathing and torso strength ensured improved posture and reduced stress and risk of injury.
-- Early devotees of Joseph Pilates included such dance legends as George Ballanchine, Hanya Holm and Martha Graham. Today followers include dancers, athletes, physiotherapists, fitness trainers, health care professionals and those interested in optimal health and fitness.
-- It is said that Mr. Pilates believed "we are as old as our spines." Died 1967.
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-- Moira Merrithew, co-founder of STOTT PILATES*, trained extensively in Mr. Pilates’ method at his studio in New York City. The STOTT PILATES approach preserves the essence of Mr. Pilates’ teachings while enhancing them with contemporary knowledge about the body and how it functions.
As adapted bya team of professionals under the direction of Ms Merrithew, the system of mind-body exercise known as STOTT PILATES involves more initial pelvic and shoulder girdle stabilization exercises than were present in the original method. As well, the anatomically-based concepts of "neutral" spine and pelvis are incorporated to help restore the natural curves of the spine – a departure from the original technique and other forms of fitness that incorporate a "pelvic tilt" to flatten the back.
In addition to being instrumental in the development, production and marketing of STOTT PILATES products and services, Mr. Merrithew oversees Merrithew Corporation’s strategic growth as the only vertically integrated organization of its kind worldwide. He also executive produced the company’s video line and new television series “STOTT PILATES with Moira,” which aired nationally on WTSN in 2003.
In addition to his duties as president and chief executive officer of STOTT PILATES and Merrithew Corporation, Mr. Merrithew has appeared on stage, in film and on television. He executive-produced and starred in the Hurly Burly Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth at Berkley Street Theatre and played Brutus in a filmed version of Julius Caesar, aired on Bravo. Other U.S. and Canadian acting credits include lead roles in such feature films and television shows as the Harlequin Romance series for CBS, Traders, Murder Times Seven with Richard Crenna and Family Pictures with Angelica Houston.
A member of Ontario’s prestigious Innovators Alliance for elite entrepreneurs, Mr. Merrithew is consulted regularly by the fitness trade and business media.
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