Visiting Joe Pilates in Becket

Reporter Finds He's a Physical Wreck After Visiting Joe Pilates in Becket

Body Builder, 72, To Establish Class Here Next Summer By JOHN VANDER VOORT

BECKET-"Me, take exercises? Oh no! In fact, I've never believed in them."

That was my comment before going out to visit Joe Pilates at the new physical education center he's building near Jacob's Pillow on Route 20 in this town.

An hour and a half later, after Joe insisted I undergo a series of back breaking, muscle-stretching contortions, I left, promising to return, convinced I was a physical wreck.

Joseph H. Pilates, who celebrated his 72d birthday Saturday, is as tough a man for his age as you would ever see.

He believes the human body needs building up and is deeply concerned because people "spend millions each year to breed better cows and horses but nothing to perfect their bodies." Joe, a white-haired, 175-pound superb physical specimen, should know what he's talking about. He has been in this body-building business since he was 14, both in his native Germany and since 1925 in this country.

Except for the color of his hair and a slight paunch around the middle, he looks just like he did in pictures taken many years ago.

Jovial, Aggressive Figure

Pilates the teacher wasn't at all what you'd expect. Instead of a quiet, studious type of individual, I was greeted by a jovial, aggressive figure, the power of his muscles rippling with every movement.

The living-room in his cottage at Becket is jammed with trick beds. spring tension builders, backless chairs and exercising machines. I was shoved from one gadget to an- other as Joe showed me how the machines work and what they are supposed to do.

The most pain-racking implement of all was what Joe called his barrel stretcher, a board with a hump in the middle designed to stretch the muscles and relieve arthritis and bursitis. Then there was his patented "Bednasium," which Joe says will "sleep you to health."

He also has a unique chair made for added comfort and relaxation in the movies. The back is straight and movable and there's room underneath to tuck in your feet when the next person gets up to leave.

But, despite all those devices which appear strange to the un trained eye, Joe Pilates is an accredited, recognized authority in his field. For the past 26 years, he has operated a studio in New York City, where he has helped thousands of persons build them- selves up. Among the better- knowns are such people as Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, the Jacob Pillow dancers for whom Joe worked for 10 years. Paul Draper, Paula Stone, Cilfton Webb, Cobina Wright Jr., Mrs. Ernest Heming- way, Chester Bowles and many others.

Hopes To Reach 97

Born in Dusseldorf, Germany. Joe came to America in 1925. He left his country as head coach of the German military police force after he got a hint of what the Germans were up to. Now, he wants to start a new foundation in the Berkshires, which he hopes to complete in his last 25 years. Joe says he expects to live to be 97.

Already a small gymnasium has been constructed which should be ready by spring. Joe intends to start with a group of high school students whom he can teach to become good physical education men. He's turning over the New York studio to a niece and nephew who now run a center in Denver, Col.

As Joe paced about his little room, puffing incessantly on long. black cigars he told how he has treated people for all diseases, which he believes stem from improper body development. He seldom wears a shirt or pants and even works outdoors on his new place in tights. "I never get sick, because I stay in shape," he comgented with a grin.

Even now, Joe can still do all his prescribed exercises, is a good skier, boxer and fencer. He runs, throws the shot and discus and, during the warm weather, practices fancy diving.

So take a tip from Joe Pilates. He really means it when he says, if you're under 80, its not too late to learn to live properly. (The Berkshire County Eagle 1951 Dec 12 )

When he can get away from his New York studio, Joe Pilates drives up to the Berkshires to get the grounds around his new gymnasium in shape for next year. Braving the Berkshire weather, he was found over the week end pushing a wheelbarrow around his place, dressed only shorts.