Pilates is becoming more and more popular with many people of different ages and physical aptitude and mobility as a holistic, common-sense approach to efficient movement habits for the complete health of the body. Developed as a system or movement regime, Pilates training provides a variety of choices in both exercises and specialised Pilates equipment to help reinforce good movement habits, lying down, seated, kneeling, and standing.

Everything you learn about how to move your body with the Pilates exercises can be practiced during other sport & fitness activities. New habits learned during Pilates workouts can also be reinforced during daily life activities.

The inventor, Joseph Pilates believed that, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” A sound mind in a strong body gives us the tools necessary to live life to the fullest. If you’re looking for a fitness program that is fun, challenging, develops balance and control, provides total body conditioning, improves posture and breathing, helps reduce stress, and has a strong focus on a combination of core strength and flexibility then Pilates will most certainly be of benefit to you.

Whether you are young or old, Pilates has something to offer for health improvement. Regardless of age or fitness level there is always an appropriate place to start when developing a Pilates workout program. The workouts are not strenuous and can be easily tailored to the individuals needs. You can either join a Pilates group in your area or a great way to be introduced to the benefits of Pilates is to watch and learn from a dvd in the comfort of your own home.

There are over 500 exercises in the Pilates system. Each Pilates exercise can be modified and made more challenging, which creates a never-ending abundance of variety for developing a personalised Pilates training program that can be fine-tuned to meet your unique fitness goals. For healthy individuals, a group Pilates Matwork class might be a good way to get your Pilates workout program started. If you have any special needs, injury, accident, or recent surgery, or just want to make the most of your Pilates workouts, private training with a qualified Pilates teacher using the Pilates Reformer and other specialized Pilates equipment (Pilates Cadillac / Trapeze Table, the Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Pedi-pole, and Pilates Chairs,) may be the best option to develop a safe and effective exercise program to achieve your wellness goals.

The Pilates matwork is the most well known of the procedures but many people are unaware that this is only half of the Pilates system. For the best results a Pilates programme should include both matwork and Pilates equipment exercises that are most appropriate for your body. The equipment you need is not expensive as it is only some rope and different sized balls.

Most students begin to see improvements after their first few sessions. For some participants, changes are dramatic and happen very quickly. Others begin to notice subtle differences in how they breath, sit, stand, and move, or enjoy benefits they didn’t even realise they were going to get from their Pilates program. One of Joseph Pilates famous quotes is, “You’ll feel better after 10 sessions, look better after 20, and have a completely new body after 30 sessions.”