PILATES PROJECTS

The war ended and by March 1919 Joseph returned home to Germany. Instead of reuniting with his daughter and adopted son, he decided to marry a woman named Elfriede Samm. She had a daughter, that Joseph also adopted. Joseph was no longer interested in working as a brewer as he saw the value in his work as a fitness trainer and boxer. The sport of boxing became a very popular and lucrative sport in Germany. Joseph put his experience to use, and he decided to open a gym in Gelsenkirchen. During this time, he boxed professionally and as an amateur. Newspaper accounts note that he was influential in the world of boxing, just as he had been at camp during the war. Joseph was also a controversial figure within the boxing community and was disqualified to box in certain matches (athletes cannot be both an amateur and a professional). He became disillusioned with the boxing community and closed his gym. In 1923 he moved to Hamburg, leaving Elfriede and her daughter. She would later divorce him.

Also known as: Pilates Projects, LLC

Primary location: Louis United States