There were just a few original students of Joseph Pilates who went on to found their own studios and teach the Pilates Method. Several of them are very well known names in Pilates today and most Pilates teachers can trace their "lineage" back to one of these original students.
often called "the elders", the people who are usually included in a list of the original instructors:
- Mary Bowen: Became a Jungian Analyst but continued to study Pilates with Joe and then with other of his students. She currently offers workshops and intensive sessions.
- Robert Fitzgerald: Opened his own studio in New York City.
- Ron Fletcher: Ron Fletcher was a dancer with the Martha Grahm dance company. He opened a Pilates studio in L.A. and went on to develop his own Pilates style which is now known as Fletcher work.
- Eve Gentry: Was a dancer who, like Ron Fletcher, brought her dance training into her work as a Pilates teacher thereby expanding the Pilates teachings. In 1991 she was one of the founders of the Institute for the Pilates Method.
- Kathy Grant: One of the few students who was actually certified to teach Pilates by Joseph Pilates himself.
- Bruce King: Was a member of the Merce Cunningham dance company. He opened a Pilates studio in New York City.
- Romana Kryzanowska: A close student of Joseph Pilates, Kryzanowska took over as director of Joseph Pilates studio a few years after he passed away.
- Clara Pilates: As the wife of Joseph Pilates she worked closely with Joe for many years and continued to teach and run the studio after his death.
- Lolita San Miguel: She was certified to teach Pilates by Joseph Pilates and taught for many years. She founded Pilates Y Mas Inc.
- Carola Trier: Opened her own Pilates studio with Joseph Pilates personal blessing.
