LIFESPAN PILATES: A ROMANA’S PILATES STUDIO HONORING CONTROLOGY THROUGH Romana KRYZANOWSKA’S EYES
When people ask what kind of Pilates we teach at Lifespan, I often pause before answering. That’s because it’s not really about being “Classical” or Contemporary.” It’s about teaching Contrology - the name Joseph Pilates gave to his method. But not many people know the origin story, hence the reason for my, pause.
Let’s get the narrative right. There are plenty of books, written by scholars, historians, family, friends, and the people that were there. We have some of these books in the studio. We also know the people that lived it.
At Lifespan Pilates, we teach contrology through the lens of Romana’s Kryzanowska (Romana’s Pilates), a direct lineage from Joseph Pilates himself. That means at our studio, our teaching isn’t a remix - it’s a preservation of the original system Joe developed, refined, and passed down to the keepers of the lineage at Romana Pilates International™. The method was taught to Romana by Joe himself. With thoughtful refinements and deep understanding she carried forward the method after decades of direct experience.
So..What is Contrology?
Contrology is the original name for what people now call Pilates. It’s a system of movement designed to unite the body, mind, and spirit through focused, movement, breath and flow. It uses spring-based apparatuses that challenge control, precision, and alignment while building strength and resilience from the inside out.
Joe’s vision was for every body to become their own teacher through practice. Romana understood that vision intimately - and devoted her life to preserving and sharing it. At Lifespan we honor our clients that are well into their 80’s with over 40 years of Romana’s Pilates training that continue to workout at our studio. These clients always amaze and inspire us. As we say “Pilates is for life”. By doing Pilates, you don’t blow-out knees or suffer, you get stronger, feel better, and dare I say, ‘live longer.‘
What Makes Romana’s Pilates Different?
Romana didn’t change the method - she protected it. Romana emphasized discipline, consistency, progression and safety, encouraging students to move with intent and learn the “why” behind every exercise. If you asked a question about an exercise Romana would not tell you the answer she would tell you to do the exercise, feel the exercise. Your mind and body will reveal the answer, because it all makes sense. Then you can have a meaningful discussion.
When you study with the Romana’s Pilates International™ Master Teacher Trainers your Aha moments will be game changing.
Why We Don’t Call It ‘Classical’ or ‘Contemporary.’
Technically, “Pilates” is a man’s name - it belongs to Joseph Pilates. His method wasn’t about styles or categories. It was a complete system built from decades of study and experimentation.
“Romana’s Pilates is not “classical”. It’s the closest thing to the original source,” says Cynthia Shipley, Senior Master Teacher Trainer, RPI and Co-Owner of Lifespan Pilates, refined through direct lineage. It’s not “contemporary”, either - we don’t reinvent the wheel. We keep the method whole, with integrity.
Romana’s Pilates International™ (RPI) has a Global Network of Teacher Trainers and Instructors. Feel free to contact our studio to find out more information about the RPI Teacher Training Program.