Description
Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy
The surprising story of Pilates—the man and the method.
Part biography, part history, and part memoir, “Caged Lion” untangles for the first time Joseph Pilates’s opaque life story and the perilous journey of his exercise program known the world over as Pilates.
This is the story of Joseph Pilates, a gifted man who immigrated to the United States at forty-three with no assets or credentials. He not only invented an exercise regimen—which today is practiced by more than ten million people—but in the process, reinvented himself.
John Howard Steel brings Joseph Pilates and his eponymous exercise regime to life from his unique perspective as a student, friend, and confidant. Joe’s influence profoundly changed Steel’s life; in turn, Steel was crucial for the survival of the Pilates Method and Joe’s legacy. Steel’s vivid account traces the expansion of Pilates from a small cadre of dedicated adherents, through two periods of near extinction, to the global sensation it is today. Steel describes Joseph Pilates’s years as a prisoner during World War I, Joe’s motivation to discover his system of exercises, his inspirational teaching technique, and the unique attraction of the Pilates Method. It’s quite a story.
Lalaland –
This is a well-written, entertaining story about the evolution of a life-changing exercise regime and the man who created it. I couldn’t put it down.
Larry Silverstein –
Yes, I am into Pilates so perhaps that made the book more enjoyable for me. To hear from someone that knew Joe and Clara Pilates brought him to life, even if he only knew him in his final years. What the author did to help keep Pilates going is inspirational. The fitness world owes John Steel a debt of gratitude!
Joe –
A very interesting read that allows one to understand Joseph a little bit more than what is written in other books. It’s important to understand history and to learn about how others have made it possible to have this great form of physical rehabilitation available to us today. I even bought a shower brush (when you read the book you’ll know what I mean). Thank you for taking the time to research and write this book!
V. Plummer –
I have practiced Pilates for nearly a decade and recently became a Pilates instructor. Pilates has truly changed my life. If you are fortunate enough to have experienced Pilates you know how special it is. This book gave me extraordinary insight into Joe Pilates and the origin of the exercise method I have grown to love.. Well written, easy to read. I highly recommend.
nadine –
Fascinating! I loved reading about Joe and Clara, what a special gift they left for the world. How wonderful we can all know about the elders who kept Pilates going. I’m very grateful for that.