"A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion."

Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With a systematic series of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable, not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. Pilates is shaping the fitness ideals of our next generation.

Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus. Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, and coordination of muscular and mental aspects are key components of an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are all greatly increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity radiates to all other areas of oneâs life.

Around 1914, Joseph Pilates was a performer and boxer living in England. When World War I broke out, he was placed under forced internment, along with other German nationals, in Lancaster, England. There he taught fellow camp members the concepts and exercises developed over 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens.

It was at this time that he began devising the system of original exercises known as "matwork" or exercises done on the floor. He called this regimen "Contrology". A few years later, he was transferred to another camp, where he became a nurse/caretaker to the many internees suffering from wartime disease and physical injury. Here he began devising equipment to rehabilitate his patients. He used springs taken from beds to create equipment that would allow bedridden patients to perform rehabilitating exercises.

In some ways, Pilates equipment today is similar to the first devices designed by Joseph Pilates. Spring tension, straps to hold feet or hands, and supports for back, neck, and shoulder are as important now as they were then. Because of the remarkable ability of the equipment to both challenge and support the body as it learns to move more efficiently, the uniquely designed pieces act as the perfect complement to the challenging matwork exercises.