About Us
The U.S. Pilates Association (USPA) is an international professional organization based in the United States. We are dedicated to building a scientific, systematic, and globally recognized Pilates education and certification system. Our mission is to empower instructors, studios, and enthusiasts worldwide to elevate their skills and professional influence.
Our Motto
“Empowering Professionals. Elevating Standards.”
The Origins of Pilates
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1883. As a frail child, he improved his health through gymnastics, boxing, and breathwork. During World War I, he developed rehabilitation exercises for injured soldiers. In 1926, he opened his first Pilates studio in New York, promoting what he called “Contrology,” focusing on the mind’s control over body movement. Today, Pilates is practiced worldwide for health, performance, and rehabilitation.
The USPA honors his vision by integrating classical Pilates with modern exercise science to advance the profession and provide comprehensive education for practitioners worldwide.
Our Mission
- Promote the scientific application of Pilates in health, rehabilitation, and sports performance
- Establish internationally aligned standards for Pilates education and certification
- Build a global platform for professional development and networking
Our Vision
To become the most influential Pilates organization worldwide, setting industry standards and cultivating internationally recognized professionals.
Our Founders
Emily Hartman>
Founder & Chief Advisor
U.S. Pilates Association
Emily holds dual master’s degrees in Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation and is a NASM Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist. She specializes in rehabilitation Pilates, spinal stability, and educational program development.
Jonathan Reeves
Co-Founder & Clinical Director
U.S. Pilates Association
An expert in physical therapy and sports rehabilitation with over 20 years of experience, Jonathan focuses on applying Pilates in rehabilitation, sports performance, and spinal health. At USPA, he leads curriculum development and teaching.
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Our board of Directors provides strategic direction to advance the livelihoods of Pilates professionals worldwide. Their dedication, wisdom and energy serve as the compass for the Pilates Alliance and the Pilates Alliance Foundation.
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Pilates Alliance is led by a team of executives dedicated to serving members through their collective experience and mentoring Pilates Alliance employees.
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When necessary, our standing committees carry out the vision, mission and goals of the Pilates Alliance and the Pilates Alliance Foundation.
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The Pilates Alliance's historical timeline details formative moments of growth and highlights how the organization has adapted to the accelerated growth of Pilates.
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All Pilates Alliance policies and bylaws have been carefully crafted to support quality, integrity, inclusion, education and safety in Pilates for its members and the wider Pilates community.
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As a non-profit organization, the Pilates Alliance and the Pilates Alliance Foundation make public all of their financial records, including tax forms, audits and other financial reports.
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The Pilates Alliance is made up of motivated and collaborative individuals committed to promoting high quality, safe, accessible and equitable teaching of Pilates. View our current job openings and apply to join our team.
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The Pilates Alliance Foundation is our public charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to the therapeutic potential of Pilates, promoting greater equity and more diverse representation within the Pilates community, and expanding educational, service, and economic opportunities for Pilates teachers.
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