The question I am most often asked is by beginner Pilates students is: What Is Pilates?

It is an understandable question and if you, too, are a beginner to Pilates, you may also be asking yourself the same thing. What exactly is the Pilates system , and what makes it so special?

Pilates is an exercise system which focuses on the body's core strength muscles - mainly in the pelvis, the back and stomach - and which improves posture and overall physical and mental fitness through a number of low impact exercises. The system helps users improve the user's flexibility, and agility whilst at the same time lengthening and toning the muscles, without adding bulk.

Pilates was originally developed during the early part of the twentieth century by Joseph Pilates. He had been a boxer and a wrestler as a young man and had developed an interest and fascination for anatomy and the efficient working of the body. He developed a set of exercises which he called 'contrology' and he and his wife when they emigrated to America in 1923?? took over a boxing gym and began to teach their new system, with great success.

 The system is unique, and highly effective. Over time the user builds up bodily self-awareness and the body and mind increasingly work in harmony together. It is the 'whole body and mind' approach which makes Pilates stand out from other systems.

Pilates works. No matter what age you are or what your current level of fitness is, Pilates can improve your physical and mental well-being.

Pilates is based on eight core principles:

Relaxation

Alignment

Control

Precision

Routine

Breathing

Centering

Flowing movement

Some of these may well sound very strange to the beginner Pilates student but the principles are not difficult to learn. A qualified Pilates teacher will soon get the beginner started or else there are a number of first class Pilates DVDs, tapes and books which give excellent advice.

The Pilates method works from inside the body towards the muscles on the surface and includes the important deep postural muscles. The Pilates moves help individuals develop a balanced muscular-skeletal system, a strong, flexible musculature, and a wonderful feeling of emotional well-being. The exercises are frequently used by top athletes as an addition to their training. If you haven't tried it yet, then now is the time to start. You'll be glad you did!