Pilates is a total body conditioning program that helps build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. Pilates also increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (the abs, back, butt and thighs).

THE FOUNDER, JOSEPH H. PILATES:

Joseph H. Pilates, the founder of the pilates method, was born in Germany. As a child he lived with asthma which made him very weak. To grow stronger, he did several different sports, eventually becoming an accomplished athlete. As a nurse in during World War I, he designed exercise methods and equipment for immobilized patients and soldiers (Pilates Reformer). In addition to his equipment, he developed a series of exercises performed on a mat that targeted the torso (Pilates Mat) He based these mat exercises on various workout methods from around the world, that included Yoga and the martial arts. Joseph Pilates believed that our physical and mental health are intertwined. He designed his exercise program around principles that support this philosophy as well as focusing on concentration, precision, control, breathing, and flowing movements.

TWO WAYS TO PERFORM PILATES EXERCISES:

Most people focus on Pilates Mat where the only equipment need is a mat. There are several inexpensive pieces of equipment that you can purchase, such as the pilates ring and the pilates ball to add variety to a Pilates Mat workout. The other method of pilates uses a variety of machines to tone and strengthen the body. The advantage of using the pilates machines is you can add resistance to the workout to increase the intensity. The disadvantage to the pilates machine method is it is more expensive and it's harder to find qualified professionals that will teach you good form.

HOW TO GET STARTED:

The great thing about pilates is that just about everyone can do it. And since it is so popular, most health clubs offer Pilates Mat classes free with membership. Make sure if you decide to take a class you work with a qualified professional. Your instructor should have a national certification (Powerhouse, Balance Body, ACE and AFAA are the most popular. ) Some gyms send their instructors and trainers to weekend-long courses and then claim they're qualified to teach pilates (they're not!). Qualified Pilates Instructors go sometimes go through hundreds of hours of training. Understand that you are the ultimate decision maker of what is right for your body---and if it hurts, don't do it. But take time to talk to your instructor and explain the pain you are feeling to see if there are modifications you can do to get a good workout without experiencing pain. If they do not offer you modifications, that may be your first sign that that instructor is not right for you.

Lastly, Pilates takes time to learn. In fact, many people who take their first pilates mat class say "That wasn't as hard as I thought". And after about two weeks, they are saying--"why is this getting so much tougher?" The reason is because with continued practice, your form and technique get better and you start to preform the exercises correctly. And once you understand the breathing and form---wow, this can be one great workout!