First Medically Vetted Pilates Certification Founded with Romana Kryzanowska

Romana Kryzanowska with Pilates Studio LA T-shirt 1992

Medically Vetted Pilates Certification | Only Since 1992

PCO Honors Pilates Pioneers

The Only Program with Orthopedic Surgeon Review Since 1992

Performing Arts Physical Therapy / The Pilates Studio® of Los Angeles, est. 1992

Acknowledging Pilates Visionaries

The global acclaim of the Pilates method, pioneered by Joseph H. Pilates, is indisputably connected to Romana Kryzanowska. She remains a pivotal figure in the method's growth and authentic preservation. Although it is often cited, but not definitively confirmed, that Romana was handpicked by Joe Pilates to continue his work, her role as a dedicated protégé and steward of the Pilates legacy stands unquestioned. Through her work with Dr. Melinda Bryan, she helped establish the first medically vetted pilates certification program in the United States.

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PAPT and The Pilates Studio LA pioneered Pilates certification in 1992. Dr. Melinda Bryan led the program, creating the first medically vetted pilates certification through collaboration with orthopedic surgeons. Because of her expertise, Pilates gained global credibility. The program blended medical science with Joseph Pilates' method. It set a professional standard.

Medical Validation: Creating the First Medically Vetted Pilates Certification

In 1992, Dr. Melinda Bryan arranged a pivotal meeting at Performing Arts Physical Therapy (PAPT) in Los Angeles, where Romana Kryzanowska met directly with Dr. Neal S. Penenberg of the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. While several other Pilates certification programs were emerging during that period, none had undergone a specific medical review process until this collaboration, marking it as the first medically vetted pilates certification program with Romana's involvement. While Dr. Penenberg was the primary physician present at that meeting, Dr. Bryan continued to communicate with additional orthopedic and sports medicine experts, including those affiliated with the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group.

Among them was Dr. Mandelbaum, a leading figure in sports medicine, with whom Dr. Bryan maintained direct communication throughout the development of the medically vetted pilates certification program, including Romana throughout the refining process, before the program's formal launch later that year. The goal was clear: to ensure that the Pilates certification program met modern medical safety standards. At the time, not all traditional Pilates exercises aligned with current orthopedic or rehabilitative principles. This collaboration allowed for a medically informed review of the curriculum - including Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs, and Barrels - ensuring exercises were both biomechanically sound and safe for a broader population.

Dr. Bryan's work, supported by input from leading physicians, helped position Pilates as a legitimate tool for rehabilitation and preventive care, gaining recognition from universities and health professionals alike.

Historical Legacy

Romana Kryzanowska inspired PAPT's work. She preserved Joseph Pilates' method. Although not medically trained, she excelled as a GEN1 instructor. Dr. Bryan, her protégé, continued this legacy as a GEN2 leader by establishing the medically vetted pilates certification standard. For example, PAPT trained over 1400 instructors. The Pilates Studio LA led innovation. It brought Pilates to TV, gaining global fame. Joseph Pilates started the system in the 1920s with a focus on control. Kryzanowska guarded authenticity and mentored Dr. Bryan, helping PAPT uphold the original vision and honor pioneers like Kathy Grant and Eve Gentry, Kaz, co-founder of PAPT / The Pilates Studio® of Los Angeles, and creator of PilatesCertificationOnline.com, PilatesWorldDirectory.com, and Pilates.TV, further expanded this legacy through innovative digital platforms.

Authentic vs. Contemporary Pilates

Authentic Pilates follows Joseph Pilates' method. Contemporary Pilates adds trends. PAPT chose authenticity through its medically vetted pilates certification, standing out from hybrid programs. The original certification focused on precision using Kryzanowska's teachings. Students learned biomechanics and applied it to rehab. The approach resonated globally; universities adopted PAPT's curriculum.

PCO's Online Training

In 2010, PCO brought the first authentic medically vetted pilates certification curriculum online. It offers training in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean. Gold standard manuals come in 14 languages. The program is competitively priced (compared to competitors charging $5000-$8000). Students master Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs, and Barrels with manuals aligned to videos. Learn more at Pilates World Directory, PAPT / The Pilates Studio® of Los Angeles, and Pilates.TV.

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Homage to Romana

If a picture speaks a thousand words, a vintage video shares living memories.

A vintage glimpse of Romana Kryzanowska at Kaz's home in 1994, capturing a pivotal moment in Pilates history.

Romana Kryzanowska teaching Kaz balance at Pilates Studio Puerto Vallarta 1993

Romana Kryzanowska and Kaz's 'Knee Lifts' playful challenge, 1993 in Puerto Vallarta!

Dr. Melinda Bryan demonstrating Pilates Teaser 1993 Puerto Vallarta

Dr. Melinda Bryan demonstrates Pilates 'Teaser' for Romana, 1993 in Puerto Vallarta.

Romana Kryzanowska teaching first medically vetted pilates certification class at PAPT Los Angeles, 1992

Romana Kryzanowska and first Official Pilates Certification class, 1992.

Romana Kryzanowska with the 1996 PAPT LA crew, including Jay Grimes, GEN1.

Romana Kryzanowska's dedication to preserving Joseph Pilates' authentic method laid the foundation for PCO's mission and the development of the medically vetted pilates certification standard. Her mentorship shaped generations of instructors, ensuring the Pilates method remained true to its roots while gaining global recognition.