Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy

Loved everything about this book. The only thing that I’m guessing is if this is honest information. There’s so much mystery.

If you're interested in the history of pilates, this book is for you. The author studied with Joe Pilates. They became friends and he was one of the leaders of the small group responsible for ensuring that pilates survived and flourished after Joe's death. He recounts the lawsuit that was brought to try to trademark the name "Pilates," the teachers who continued to teach it and, often, change it, the equipment, and the benefits of this form of exercise.

Very entertaining read on some of the history of Joe Pilates and a well informed illustration of the evolution of Pilates. The author writes without ego despite his personal relationship with Pilates and delivers a balanced, intimate account. Enriching and deepened my knowledge of the method as a practitioner and instructor.

I thought this was a very insightful look into the early days of Pilates, written by one who both worked with Joe and saw the continuation of Pilates to what it is today. The author also offers an up close viewpoint of the trademark laws. Written from his own viewpoint, it doesn’t paint Romana in a very positive light. There were some shocking revelations in this book - the story Joe touted concerning the origins of his exercise method may not actually be true - being one of them. I really enjoyed reading this book and while it answered some questions about Pilates and his exercise method, it also raised other questions for me. I recommend this book to all Pilates instructors.

I too read this in one sitting like another reviewer. I was intrigued by so many things I would have loved to have been present for: the revelation about the Magic Circle-LOL, the lack of instruction given during sessions, the way the practice was saved again and again by its disciples after Joe made it so difficult to keep a flourishing business although he wanted the world to know the wonders of his regimen. It was interesting to hear about the Pilates litigation issues, the new narrative about what Joe’s life may really have been like and why he may have developed Contrology, even the pictures and sketches leant a veracity to much of those possibilities. This was a fascinating inside look at the man so few knew well. It also gave an interesting look at a famous teacher who was no doubt talented but whose legendary persona was created out of necessity for the business. She then apparently and easily came to believe her own hype - from the perspective of the author, of course. We are grateful to you, Deborah Lessen, Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Endelman & Mr. Steel for helping to preserve Mr. Pilates’ legacy for all the rest of us despite litigation which may have worked against so many us and kept this work out of the light.

I'm a beginner practitioner but the area I live in - almost all the classical studios are run by Romana-trained teachers. There's always been an air of elitism in the sessions, but it's so eye-opening to read a different account of what happened in the history of pilates. It's also validating that one of my personal goals (to be able to practice independently without constant instructor supervision) is actually closer to Joe's original vision for Contrology. As someone who has a hard time finding instructors in my area - this book is just freeing. Now, I feel like there's this whole other world of Pilates to explore - not just classical (or in my case, Romana).

As a long-time Pilates practitioner and teacher, I was happy to get the low-down from someone who actually knew and worked a long time with Joe and Clara Pilates, and was even befriended by them. So many people think that Pilates is what Romana made it into. That is not the whole story. This is written by a man who just seemingly tells what actually went on, without agenda. I enjoyed the book very much. Thank you, John Steel for sharing your experiences with us!

As a Pilates teacher since 2001, this book reminded me of why I love Pilates and what a gift it has been in my life in many ways but mostly that it connected some dots for me, as I have also had a daily art practice for quite a few years, which I call my daily meditation, but is also a FLOW experience, just like Pilates. Makes sense.

I could not put this book down!! Such an interesting and well written book by the author who was actually trained by Joseph Pilates. If you have an interest in Pilates, then this book is a must read. Would highly recommend!!!

All was good

Este livro deve realmente entrar na lista de todos os amantes de Pilates. Joe como nunca visto antes. História intrigante.

Chegou muito bem embalado e o envio foi rápido. Recomendo.

Best book on Joseph Pilates