Pilates is a specialized form of exercise influenced by yoga, gymnastics, dance and other forms of movement. Originally known as Contrology, Pilates was developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates. The exercises and movement sequences are performed on a mat or with specially designed equipment. The focus is on breathing patterns, posture and core concentration.

Pilates can help you enjoy sports and daily activities with greater ease and decreased risk of injury. It conditions your entire body, stretching and strengthening muscles uniformly, promoting balanced musculature, core control, flexibility and agility.

Who Should Do Pilates?

People of all ages and physical conditions can benefit from Pilates. Olympic champions, professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts have all made Pilates an important aspect of their training. Because of its focus on gentle, noncompetitive physical conditioning, Pilates is also extremely useful for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Many aerobic dancers and Step aficionados say that Pilates has done more to change their appearance than anything else they have tried. Pilates students also claim that after a session, they feel rejuvenated and refreshed.