Javier Pérez Pont and Esperanza Aparicio Romero were professional dancers for more than 15 years, working as soloists and principals in several European companies. In 1994 they discovered the Pilates method of body conditioning. Javier and Esperanza moved to New York to study with the legendary Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter Sari Mejía Santo. They stood for a time beside these two teachers in order to improve their knowledge and reach Level II, becoming international trainers of the organization. At the end of 1999 decided to return to Spain and settled in Barcelona. Making this city the seat of the first Pilates Studio in Spain, endorsed and supported by his two teachers. In 2002 launched the Teacher Certification Program in Spain under the tutelage of the two teachers mentioned. In 2005 they published "The Authentic Pilates Method, The Art of Control" with Editorial Planeta, having been a bestseller not only in Spain but throughout Spanish-speaking America. In 2012 Javier and Esperanza published a collection of seven e-books under the general title of "Contrology Pilates Physical Culture" with HakaBooks e-Ditions about the technique of the method and apparatus. Available in Spanish, English and Portuguese. In this moment Javier Pérez Pont still working on the second part of "The Biography" and on a new book dedicated to finding the ethical, moral and personal estate of Contrology. A dive into the depths of the origin and development of this art, which closely links author and work as a whole. A new book that aims to regain lost the true spirit of Contrology. For the first time ever we have the chance to find out the truth about Joseph Pilates. A Book that will dispel the false myths concerning this historical figure, bring us closer to who Joe really was and what his Contrology meant.

BIO016000

The surprising story of Pilates-the man and the method.

Contrology is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities. This true rhythm and control is observed both in domestic pets and wild animals —without known exceptions. Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit. In childhood, with rare exceptions, we all enjoy the benefits of natural and normal physical development. However, as we mature, we find ourselves living in bodies not always complimentary to our ego. Our bodies are slumped, our shoulders are stooped, our eyes are hollow, our muscles are flabby, and our vitality extremely lowered, if not vanished. This is but the natural result of not having uniformly developed all the muscles of our spine, trunk, arms, and legs in the course of pursuing our daily labors and office activities. If you will faithfully perform your Contrology exercises regularly only four times a week for just three months as outlined in RETURN TO LIFE, you will find your body development approaching the ideal, accompanied by renewed mental vigor and spiritual enhancement. Contrology is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work. You will develop muscular power with corresponding endurance, ability to perform arduous duties, to play strenuous games, to walk, run or travel for long distances without undue body fatigue or mental strain. And this by no means is the end.

The biography of Nicolas Appert, the "Father of Canning." Nicolas Appert lived through turbulent times, nearly losing his life in the French Revolution. From humble beginnings and with little education, this extraordinary man invented the process that has given us tinned food. Further inventions followed: what we now know as the pasteurisation of milk, the bouillon or stock cube, a treatment to allow wine to travel and keep its flavour, and more. Nicolas Appert was a man who changed the world, not by feat of arms or by political means, but through empirical science. At his passing, world famous scientists honoured his memory, yet he died without the financial means to lift him above the level of sharing the common grave in Massy, near Paris. How to reconcile his fame and his poverty? Nicolas Appert did not leave a Last Will and Testament, but he did leave behind a legacy in which the world has shared every day since.

"In this book, you will learn Joseph Pilates' fundamental tenets of posture, body mechanics, and correct breathing. You will discover his first teachings about spinal flexibility, physical education, and his law of natural exercises."--Back cover.