Originally trained as a gymnast, Joseph Pilates believed that mental and physical health are intertwined. During World War I, while living in England, he put this theory into action as he began developing a system of conditioning exercises, implementing a few precise movements that emphasize control and form and that strengthen, stretch, and stabilize key muscle groups. He went on to create the Pilates Principles to condition the entire body and soon became a sought-after trainer in the world of dance and athletics.
Joseph Pilates opened a studio in New York and was constantly called upon to aid in the training and rehabilitation of dancers
and other athletes. It was in this context that Romana Kryzanowska became a devotee of the Pilates Method. At the age of 18, Romana was dancing under the direction of George Balanchine with the New York City Ballet. When she sustained an injury, Mr. Balanchine turned to Joseph Pilates and his proven techniques for Romana’s recovery. During the rest of her career as a dancer, Romana worked closely with Joseph and his wife, Clara, learning the techniques and helping other clients. Romana continued her commitment to the Pilates Method after retiring from dance, and she continues to maintain the method and the successful techniques taught to her by Joseph himself. Romana and her daughter, Sari Mejia, who also had the opportunity to learn directly from Joseph, have traveled the world, sharing their passion for Pilates and teaching the skills that were handed down to them by Joseph Pilates.
Pilates Challenge follows in this tradition, ensuring that its clients are taught the classical form of Pilates as developed and refined by Joseph Pilates over the course of several decades and conveyed by Romana to instructors throughout the world. All Pilates Challenge’s instructors have been trained and certified in Romana’s method and meet not only the requirements of Romana’s Pilates but also the exacting standards of Pilates Challenge.