We’ve worked closely with Pilates legends like Jay Grimes, Karen Frischmann, Kathi Ross-Nash, and others to bring the classical Pilates approach to life through our Contrology® suite of apparatus. This collaboration wasn’t just about recreating equipment—it was about restoring the subtle functionalities that make classical Pilates so unique. We listened, learned, prototyped, and rigorously tested to ensure every detail reflected the original Pilates vision.
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Style
Our goal with the Contrology line is to authentically replicate the function, style, and finish of the Pilates equipment from the early 1970s. To achieve this, we’ve sourced original materials and manufacturing techniques as closely as possible, staying true to Joe's legacy.
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Springs
Our springs are designed with the same classic details as those from the original era—neck-down, tapered ends, swivel hooks, and open hooks—and are unplated to maintain their historical authenticity. Keep your springs dry and store them in low-humidity areas to preserve longevity.
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Frames
Our Reformer bodies and Cadillac bases are crafted from hand-finished raw aluminum, chosen for their historical appearance and functionality. Over time, this aluminum will naturally darken, which is part of the aging process. To maintain its look, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, followed by furniture polish or paste wax for a polished finish.
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Canopies
True to Joseph Pilates’ original design, we use galvanized pipe for our Cadillac canopies. Galvanizing adds a protective zinc coating to the steel, preventing rust, but it doesn’t aim for aesthetic perfection. Like aluminum, it will darken inconsistently over time—a natural part of its character.
With the Contrology suite, we work to capture the essence of Joseph Pilates’ apparatus, preserving its authenticity and making it accessible for today’s practitioners.
It’s All In the Details
Our dedicated team of engineers has spent months carefully studying original Pilates apparatus to meticulously re-create the design details, such as the "magic divot" for foot placement, that define classical Pilates. Every element of our Contrology suite has been carefully crafted to deliver the same authentic experience Pilates practitioners have loved for generations.
High Density Foam
We start with the foam. Our thin, high-density, resilient foam provides maximum feedback during your practice, a hallmark feature of the original apparatus. This signature foam is featured on the Contrology Reformer, Cadillac, and Arm Chair, with no extra cushioning added, ensuring that the “feel” matches what Joseph Pilates intended.
Leather Straps
Our leather straps are pre-stretched and pre-treated to maintain their shape through constant use, and they’re conditioned with oil for enhanced durability. These carefully crafted straps are built to last, providing the same reliability as the ones used in Joe’s studio.
Specially Engineered Springs
Our specially engineered springs have been rigorously tested to ensure they offer the exact resistance found in classic Pilates equipment. Each spring—from the Reformer to the Cadillac, Arm Chair, and Ped-o-Pul—is designed with unique characteristics to deliver the authentic feel Pilates practitioners expect. Additionally, we’ve developed a “neck-down” spring design that helps extend the lifespan of each spring by evenly distributing the force across a wider area, eliminating any single point of weakness.
Hear from a Valued Customer
