In the past year, pilates has become a go-to practice for many Emery students and faculty members. What began as a recovery method for injured dancers has grown into a global movement, with reformer and mat classes filling studios across the world.
Joseph Pilates developed this exercise while imprisoned in Britain during World War I, where he led daily exercise classes for hundreds of inmates. Ten years later, Joseph immigrated to the United States, where his wife, Clara Zeuner, helped refine his practice. Their studio grew quickly, becoming a space for performers to recover from injuries. Today, it is practiced far beyond the dance world. Celebrated for its restorative benefits, pilates has become more than just exercise; it’s a lifestyle.
Whether you’ve heard about it on social media, from a friend, through ClassPass, or a leaflet at your local coffee shop, it’s undeniable that pilates is everywhere. The two most common types, mat and reformer pilates, can be practiced at studios like Solidcore or Ritual One. Known to help regulate stress and boost feel-good endorphins, pilates serves as a powerful tool to manage anxiety. Senior Lauren Hancock shared, “I go to Solidcore every day, but if I’m feeling productive, I go to Ritual One and take a heated mat class.” Hancock also explained that pilates is an outlet, a reliable place where she can decompress after a long day.
Some ask: what is the difference between doing pilates and going to the gym? Head Cheer Coach Ashley Haynes shared, “The environment is the main difference for me. It is not as intimidating as walking into the gym. You are surrounded by so many different women. It’s more of a community.” Junior Tinsley Blando also shared, “For people who don’t understand what to do at the gym, or how to use the equipment, a pilates class provides more instruction and helps you understand what you’re doing.” Beyond this, a notable physical difference is that pilates focuses on restoration, stabilizing core muscles, targeting posture and balance, whereas the gym focuses on building muscle and strength training. These differences, although minor, can have a profound impact on one’s exercise experience, transforming working out into a calming routine.
Pilates has evolved into more than just a workout; it is a lifestyle centered on balance, strength, and mindfulness. Becoming a global sensation, welcoming people of all ages and abilities, its combination of physical challenge and mental tranquillity offers a way for people to build confidence, community, and inner peace. Studios continue to grow, and more people discover its benefits, proving that fitness is not just about movement but about feeling restored and strong from the inside out.
