Return to Life through Contrology

This talk will explore the uniqueness of the movement methodology Joseph Pilates labelled “Contrology”—known today as “Pilates.” In his books Your Health (1934) and Return to Life through Contrology (1945), Pilates described how his exercise system restores physical fitness through the “complete coordination of body, mind, and spirt.” This presentation will dissect the role of Contrology/Pilates within the context of American physical culture, compare Contrology/Pilates with western mind-body exercise methods, and discuss the current development of the Pilates industry.

Gabriele Klecok earned her M.A. from FU Berlin in 2002. Currently, she pursues her doctoral degree at FU Berlin, working on a dissertation on Joseph Pilates’ concept of “contrology” and agency. Klecok discovered Pilates in 2004 and completed her comprehensive teacher certification through Peak Pilates. She has co-edited Brockhaus Sport (2007).