Pilates Wasn’t Always White—Here’s What Changed

Pilates may be marketed as a path to wellness and elegance—but who is it really for? In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson explores the complicated racial and cultural history of Pilates, from its roots in an internment camp to its modern-day status as the go-to fitness trend for affluent white women. Kavitha traces the hidden contributions of Black pioneers like Kathy Grant and the rise of inclusive movements like Black Girl Pilates. What does it mean when an exercise promising strength and balance becomes a symbol of exclusion? And how can we reclaim it for everyone? Tune in for a deep dive into the aesthetics of wellness, the myth of the “Pilates body,” and how women of color are reshaping the future of fitness. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Associate Producer: Andreea Coscai I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha A. Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at [e-mail] Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at [e-mail] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices