Pilates Exercise Basics

The mind and body approach to physical fitness known as Pilates has taken the world by storm in recent years. Where strict cardiovascular or muscle-based fitness regimes have left some feeling unsatisfied, the ethos of the Pilates community has helped millions achieve more than mere physical health. Based on a discipline of breathing, centering, concentration, precision and control, the practice blends philosophy and exercise science to promote economic, balanced, and graceful movement.

Tens of millions of individuals practice Pilates regularly in the United States, with instructors numbering around 15,000. And while any fitness regime that has evolved over the course of 90 years is bound to generate varied incarnations and interpretations, current practice is surprisingly representative of the initial 34 exercises devised by the developer.

All that is required for an initiation to Pilates is a padded mat, generally thicker than those used for Yoga. An efficient battery of Pilates exercises will strengthen core muscles of your abs, back and legs, assisting in better posture, flexibility, and alignment.