In 1959, at 29, I began to learn the Pilates Method. I was in NYC as an actress/comedienne/musical comedy performer – with a recurring back problem. (Click “Historical Video,” “Who is Mary?” for more of the story). How did I discover Joe? I saw an article in a newspaper. There was this man standing with his bare barrel of a chest, bare legs, swimming trunks and a white mane of hair. Joe was an intriguing sight – a human lion! Who was this man? In the short article he said “I base my method on the baby and the cat!” I had never had a baby or a cat, but I took it upon myself to find Joseph Pilates! That was the beginning of a life “root.” My back improved after only two lessons with Joe. Since walking into Joe and Clara’s studio fifty years ago, I have taken one to two lessons every week for all those years.