Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates.  Pilates called his method Contrology because he believed that his method used the mind to control the muscles.  Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps to not only build flexibility, but also strength, endurance, and coordination in the legs, abdominals, arms and back.

The Pilates Method is a system of mental and physical conditioning, which promotes muscle balance, symmetry, trunk stabilization and improved posture.  It is a whole body workout where the emphasis is not simply on performing the movement, but on how the rest of the body behaves while the movement is being performed.

The Pilates Principles as outlined by Philip Friedman and Gail Eisen in The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning (1980) are as relevant today as they were in the 1920s. They are:

• Concentration
• Control
• Centering
• Breathing
• Precision
• Flowing Movement

These principles relate to how one does the exercise.  Attention should be paid to posture, joint stability, muscle recruitment patterns and controlled rhythmic movement.  For many exercises, this involves keeping ‘natural' spinal curves and pelvic placement.  For other exercises, it involves preventing movement in a direction other than the one intended for the correct execution of the exercise.

These principles are instrumental for the development of coordinated movement supported by rhythmic breathing through the achievement of greater body awareness.

The Pilates Method is suitable for young adults through the elderly population.  It is useful in injury rehabilitation programs and is complementary to aerobics, gym work and sports training.