A: Pilates was originally created to help rehabilitate soldiers wounded in World War I and then later, injured dancers. In fact, the modern-day Reformer with its spring resistance and sliding carriage was developed to help patients exercise while they were confined to bed. Where traditional methods of training tend to produce short, bulky muscles that are more prone to injury, Pilates elongates the spine, makes muscles more elastic and joints more flexible, which reduces the potential for injury. Many professional athletes practice Pilates to keep their bodies strong and injury free.