3 Minute Guide To Pilates

Copyright (c) 2010 Andrew Holtom

If you have been wondering whether pilates is for you, then read on and learn what it is and why you should be taking it up. With a myriad of benefits, pilates can leave you feeling fitter in body and in mind.

If you are looking for a complete exercise that is dedicated to improving both physical and mental health, then you may well have hit the jackpot with Pilates. Developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany in the early 1900's, Pilates has become a favourite of those who are keen to increase strength, flexibility and posture.

The Pilates exercise routine was first developed as a mat exercise with Joseph introducing equipment at a later date. He said of the exercise, "Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit." In the first modern book published on pilates, The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning , Philip Friedman and Gail Eisen, outlined the six principles of Pilates as being:

concentration

control

center

flow

precision

breathing

The basis of pilates is to build the core strength of the body through a series of low repetition and low impact stretching and conditioning exercises. The term core strength pertains to the pelvic muscles, stomach and back. The outcome of this being a healthier and stronger body and mind, with the goal being optimised muscular and skeletal function.

The health benefits promised by taking part in pilates exercises include:

improvement of posture

improvement of mobility and flexibility of the spine

increase in muscle tone and flexibility

a more efficient and supportive body core

increase in stability for the pelvis and shoulders

promotes joint health through improved mobility and support form the surrounding muscles

complementary training for athletes and sportspeople

Joseph Pilates insisted that "You have to concentrate on what you´re doing. All the time. And you must concentrate on your entire body". The results of this intense concentration has been studied by researchers in the Parkinson Disease field as an alternative therapy for the degenerative disease.

Practitioners of the pilates exercises report that they experience a sense of well being, look better and feel better for it. It is recommended by osteopaths, physiotherapists and general practitioners as one of the safest forms of exercise. Just about anybody can take part in it, regardless of age or level of fitness.

Pilates can be practiced in a class setting or at home with the use of an instructional book or a DVD or video. A beginner might consider taking one or two classes initially so that they can understand the basics, however, this is not necessary to get started. There are various expensive pieces of equipment available, however, all that you will need to get started is just a mat and perhaps a fitness ball.

As you improve your ability and skill level, you may decide to invest in advanced equipment. It is recommended that you practice pilates at least 2 or 3 times per week for the best results.


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Andrew Holtom is an experienced practitioner of the pilates exercises. For further information about pilates and for pilates DVDs and information about yoga, visit http://www.getfitwithpilates.com