His observations on the human physical condition now seem like an unerringly accurate prediction of life in the 1990s. Joe's chosen name for you bodywork system, Contrology, never caught on. As a fitting tribute to this remarkable, eccentric man the exercise system is now universally known by his own family name, Pilates.
Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.
Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure. All in all, we do not give our bodies the care that our well-being deserves. Admittedly, it is rather difficult to gain ideal physical fitness under the handicap of daily breathing the soot-saturated air of our crowded and noisy cities. Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit. In childhood, with rare exceptions, we all enjoy the benefits of natural and normal physical development.