Joan Breibart

Joan Breibart (born 1941) is an American Pilates instructor, inventor, and writer. She is known for establishing the PhysicalMind Institute, formerly known as the Institute for Pilates Method.

Early life and education Breibart was born in 1941. She graduated from Barnard College in 1963. Upon graduating, she worked in the publishing industry.

Career Breibart started practicing Pilates during the 1960s. She co-authored the Macmillan textbook Introductory Marketing: A Programmed Approach (1971).

In 1991, she co-founded the Institute for Pilates Method in Santa Fe, New Mexico, now known as the PhysicalMind Institute, with Eve Gentry and Michele Larsson. Before becoming the president of the Institute for the Pilates Method, she worked with Seligman & Latz, a beauty salon chain.

More recently, Breibart invented the Tye4 and Tye4x Pilates Wearable Reformer and currently heads the PhysicalMind Institute. She also holds patents for the Mini-Reformer, the Mve Chair, Parasetter, HeadFloater, SmartSEAT, and other fitness equipment.

Publications Breibart has authored several books, including Standing Pilates (2004), The Body Biz (2006), and Suckered Into Wellness (2017). She is also the co-author of the Macmillan textbook Introductory Marketing: A Programmed Approach (1971).

Diet Directives (2000) (with Meredith Luce) Standing Pilates: Strengthen and Tone Your Body Wherever You Are (2004). . The Body Biz: The Pilates Story (2006) Suckered Into Wellness: The Truth Will Set You & Your Body Free (2017) 80Bites: The Real Portion Plan, The Real Science of Hormones (2021)