Developed by a circus entertainer - Pilates is now a world-famous fitness method..

Developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, a German born circus performer, the Pilates Method of exercise aims to enhance body awareness as well as improving posture and increasing flexibility.

Although Joseph Pilates developed his method during the First World War following which he opened his first US studio in New York during 1926, it wasn't until the 1970s that it was first introduced in the UK by Alan Hardman.  Another ten years would pass before Pilates gained in popularity after the media took notice of the method.

As our knowledge of the body and its functions increased, the Pilates Method developed to the stage where we are today, with more than 500 different exercises within the program.

Perhaps its popularity has something to do with results - as the inventor Joseph Pilates said: "In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a whole new body".

Pilates is the celebrity fitness method of choice..

Testament to the results the Pilates Method can bring is the amazingly long list of celebrities who do Pilates and have spoken out about its benefits.  The list of celebrity Pilates devotees is almost endless - Liz Hurley, Jennifer Anniston, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Hugh Grant, John Cleese - all have declared themselves huge fans of the Pilates Method.  Some quotes some up the passion these celebrities feel about Pilates - and not just about its benefits as a fitness regime.

'I'm a Pilates person. It's great. I had a hip problem. I had a chronic back, a pinched nerve and a hip problem and it's completely solved all of it. I love it. It makes me feel like I'm taller.' (Jennifer Anniston)

 'Pilates is the only exercise programme that has changed my body and made me feel great.' (Jamie Lee Curtis) 

A unique set of exercise for each person..

Teachers of the Pilates Method build exercises around an understanding of human anatomy with each client being given a unique set of exercises from the Pilates manual based on their own postural habits and problems - the overall aim in all cases is to gain better strength and balance.

Although Pilates is a physical activity, it is not a cardiovascular workout and in many ways is ideal as an anti-aging exercise program.  You won't have to worry about over exerting yourself with Pilates although it can still be challenging and strenuous if you are not used to exercise.  The Pilates Method is a total system of exercises which is designed to develop your body’s core strength through balancing, stretching and correct breathing techniques. 

Recommended by Doctors and physiotherapists… 

When it comes to safe exercise, physiotherapists and GPs regularly recommend the Pilates as one of the best, holistic forms of exercise that's beneficial for our overall general fitness, body awareness and rehabilitation following surgery or injury and/or long periods of immobility.  

As a total fitness method, Pilates is close to Yoga - but more commonly recommended and practised probably because there is less risk of injury for beginners.

Pilates has been adopted by sports men and women across all parts of the sports community - from rugby and hockey to athletics and English soccer.  In a similar way, Pilates techniques and exercises are embedded into the routines regularly practised by dancers and stage professionals as a means of improving co-ordination, balance and flexibility.

Learning from a trained Pilates teacher is best.. 

Anybody over the age of twelve can benefit from the Pilates Method of exercise, but in order to get  the greatest benefit, it's advisable to join a Pilates class run by a trained teacher. However, if you prefer to be instructed on a one-to-one basis, personal Pilates trainers are also available for instruction either in your home or at a training studio. 

Another bonus to this form of exercise is that the Pilates Method has been proven to greatly reduce stress.  Concentrating on holding the Pilates positions during the exercise sessions and deep breathing techniques are both extremely beneficial in relieving stress - in much the same way that Yoga is.  

Practising Pilates should also bring about an improvement in overall physical co-ordination and grace of movement.

All you need to get started is a mat…

Because Pilates is designed to be practiced within a confined space, absolutely anybody can benefit from the method. No special equipment is needed other than a Pilates mat. In fact, Pilates classes are often known as mat classes due to the importance of the Pilates mat when exercising. Small pieces of additional apparatus are sometimes used but aren't a necessity for continued exercise at home.

Ideal anti-aging exercise for suppleness and strength..

Joseph Pilates once said that a person who is stiff and out of shape at 30 is old, while a person who is supple and strong at 60 is still young. It makes sense then, that when it comes to anti-aging, it's imperative that we do whatever's possible in order to attain a strong, flexible body that will work for us for many, many years.