Pilates: From Rehabilitation to a Global Movement

Sep 19

Few fitness methods have traveled as far—or lasted as long—as Pilates. Today, you’ll find it in boutique studios, major gyms, rehab clinics, and even professional sports training programs. Its blend of strength, flexibility, and control continues to inspire beginners and advanced movers alike. But Pilates is more than a workout trend—it’s a system with a rich history and a collection of methods designed to build a body that moves with balance and ease.

The History of Pilates:

Joseph Pilates, the method’s founder, was born in Germany and grew up experiencing the limitations of the physical body. He struggled with symptoms associated with asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, leaving him in pain, with weakened bones and difficulty with mobility. Determined to restore his health, he studied gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, and anatomy, developing a holistic fitness routine that emphasized strength, balance, and control in both body and mind.

During World War I, while detained in a British internment camp, he began teaching simple exercises to imprisoned and injured soldiers, and used his innovation skills by attaching bed springs to bedframes to help weak soldiers move—early prototypes of today’s Pilates equipment, like the reformer. There, he developed and fine-tuned his methods for rehabilitation, strength building, and mind-body connection.

After emigrating to New York in 1926 with his wife, Clara, Joseph opened a studio that quickly drew dancers, athletes, and actors. He named his method “Contrology”, which focused on precision, posture, and injury prevention, and it soon grew into a global movement.

The Pilates System: Mat, Reformer, Chair & Barrel

One of the unique features of Pilates is that it isn’t built on a single format—it’s a system. Each part of the system works together to create stability, strength, comfort, and ease in both body and mind.

Mat: Mat Pilates is the foundation of the system, done on the floor with little to no equipment. It develops core strength, control, and spinal alignment using bodyweight alone. While it looks simple, mat work can be demanding because it offers no spring assistance. It’s best for building body awareness and deep strength, but many beginners may find it challenging without support from props.
Reformer: The Reformer is often the best starting point for newcomers. This spring-loaded carriage provides both support and resistance, guiding alignment and making movements more accessible. Beginners can safely learn the fundamentals here, while advanced students can increase resistance for a dynamic, athletic challenge. The Reformer is the heart of the Pilates system—versatile enough for gentle rehab or elite training.
Chair: Compact but powerful, the Chair is known for its athletic demands. It develops upright balance, leg and arm strength, and whole-body coordination. Many of its exercises are advanced and require precision, deep concentration, and control in small ranges of motion, making it ideal for athletes or experienced practitioners who want to be further challenged.
Barrel: With its curved surface, the Barrel focuses on spinal mobility, flexibility, and posture. It helps counteract the effects of sitting and screen use, opening the chest and strengthening the back. While not a full-body workout on its own, the Barrel is a vital tool for restoring alignment and improving mobility. You will use a form of the barrel, called the spine corrector in a mat or reformer class.

How It All Works Together

Joseph Pilates designed these formats to complement one another. Mat work builds a strong foundation. The Reformer adds guided resistance and variety. The Chair challenges upright strength and balance. The Barrel restores mobility and alignment. Together, they form a complete system that develops the body uniformly and prevents muscle weaknesses or imbalances.

✨ Quick Start Guide: Finding Your Pilates Path

Not sure where to begin? Here’s how we guide new students at EmbodyMind:

If you’re brand new: A Beginner Reformer class is often the easiest way to learn Pilates principles with support and safety.
If you want to build core strength on your own: Try Mat Pilates—foundational, empowering, and challenging.
If you’re ready for variety: Combine Mat + Reformer for balance and progression.
If you’re seeking an advanced challenge: Add Chair or Barrel for upright strength and spinal mobility.

At EmbodyMind Wellness, we offer classes in all Pilates modalities for all fitness levels.
Our small class sizes help guide you as you learn the Pilates system in a safe and
supportive community. Our clients range from ages 15-90, and our classes can be
geared toward any age or fitness level. You don’t need to be fit or flexible to do Pilates.
Book your class now and take advantage of our New Client Special: Unlimited Classes
for Two Weeks for only $59. See you in class!