With over 9 million Americans practicing Pilates, the popular core exercise system is taking the world by storm. While many find the system helps to strengthen the core, improve posture, and recover from or prevent injuries and pain, Pilates has been clouded in controversy since the beginning. Its origin story is one of greed, ego, celebrities, and lies, with heated legal controversy that threatened the industry.

In The Pilates Effect, Stacey Redfield and Sarah Holmes reveal the hidden history of Pilates. From humble beginnings, Joseph Pilates founded the groundbreaking regimen in New York City and worked closely with his partner Clara to rehabilitate and renew dancers who had been injured or were aging. Although Joseph's core strengthening regime was touted as "fifty years ahead of [its] time," finance and health issues plagued Joe and Clara's business. A small and devoted group of followers, including Carola Trier, would fight to spread the practice that they felt gave them a second chance at life and rehabilitated their bodies and souls.

A fascinating and inspiring story of fitness in America, The Pilates Effect showcases the people and events that formed an iconic industry. Redfield and Holmes offer inspiration and practical advice for how Pilates can offer change for everyday people regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.