Following Joseph Pilates’ Footsteps: My New York Pilates Journey

New York has always held a special place in the history of Pilates - and in my dreams as a teacher deeply rooted in the authentic Pilates method. It’s where Joseph and Clara Pilates first opened their studio in 1926 at 939 Eighth Avenue (nearly 100 years ago!!!), and it became the birthplace of a movement system that continues to transform lives around the world.

This September, I had the chance to walk in Joseph Pilates’ footsteps, train with some of the most inspiring teachers in the world, and immerse myself in the history of Pilates method. It was a dream come true, and one that left me even more passionate about bringing authentic Pilates to my clients at Luna Collective.

Pilates with Elaine Ewing at Rhinebeck Pilates Studio

One of the biggest highlights of my trip was visiting Rhinebeck Pilates Studio, about an hour and a half north of New York City, run by Elaine Ewing - a third-generation, certified Authentic Pilates teacher through the New York Pilates Studio®. Elaine’s studio is a treasure: filled with original apparatus from Joseph Pilates’ own 8th Avenue Studio, lovingly cared for and still in use today.

I joined a Tower group class and then had a private session with Elaine, where she guided me through Joseph Pilates’ own personal Cadillac, Barrel, and Wunda Chair. To move on equipment that once belonged to Joseph himself was an experience beyond words - it felt like a direct connection to the origins of the method.

Rhinebeck Pilates Studio

Pilates Studio Reformer Cadillac

Pilates Electric Chair

Elaine’s depth of knowledge is remarkable. She teaches daily at her Rhinebeck studio, has taught at The New York Pilates Studio®, and co-created Pilates at the Pillow™ - the annual conference at Jacob’s Pillow, where Joseph himself once taught mat classes. Her commitment to preserving and sharing the “lost arts” of Pilates, such as the Resister and Ped-o-Pul, makes her one of the most important voices in the archival Pilates community today.

Teacher-Only Class with Cynthia Shipley at LifeSpan

Back in Manhattan, I had the privilege of joining a teachers-only class with Cynthia Shipley, Senior Master Instructor Trainer with Romana’s Pilates and co-owner of Lifespan Pilates, located at 33 W 46th St, 2nd Floor, New York.

The session was challenging, inspiring, and rooted in the purity of the method. We worked primarily on the Reformer, incorporated other apparatus, and finished with matwork that left me humbled to say at least! Cynthia’s background as a professional dancer, combined with over 30 years of teaching experience, brings an incredible energy to her classes.

Pilates Wunda Chair exercises poster

Pilates Reformer Class

Two Pilates electric chairs

Pilates Mat Class at Real Pilates, Upper East Side

Another great stop was Real Pilates Studio on the Upper East Side, Manhattan. Known for its commitment to authentic apparatus and the traditional method, Real Pilates is a beautiful space that feels both welcoming and deeply rooted in the lineage of Joseph Pilates.

I joined a mat class with Kimberly, where we returned to the fundamentals — simple, precise, and powerful. It was a reminder of how timeless Joseph Pilates’ original mat sequence really is, and how much strength and focus it can build when practiced with intention.

Pilates tower apparatus

Girl standing in the front of Pilates studio

Pilates reformers

Tower Class at Pilates Haus, New Jersey

To complete my journey, I visited Pilates Haus in historic downtown Jersey City, NJ. Founded in 2004 by Master Teacher Brett Howard and now co-directed with Tiffani Branch and Tetsuo Yoshida, the studio is a hub for classical Pilates in the area. Their mission is clear: to preserve and perpetuate Joseph Pilates’ original system while welcoming a wide range of people to experience its benefits.

Classical Pilates Studio

Pilates Cadillac apparatus

Pilates tower group class

I took a Tower class with Amanda, which perfectly blended precision with flow. The studio’s energy reflects its heritage - serious about the method, but also open and supportive. It was the perfect finale to my Pilates journey in New York.

A Dream Come True

Walking through New York, training in historic studios, and learning from some of the world’s most respected teachers reminded me why I fell in love with Pilates in the first place. It is not just exercise - it’s a living method, passed down from teacher to teacher, evolving yet still anchored in the genius of Joseph Pilates’ original vision.

New York is where it all began, and to stand where Joseph once taught, to move on his own apparatus, and to learn from those carrying his legacy was a dream come true. I return home to Kendal inspired, motivated, and even more committed to bringing authentic, high-quality Pilates to the Luna Collective clients.