Pilates in the simplest form is a series of exercises that are designed to help you improve your flexibility and strength by doing different types of balancing and stretching moves.  Pilates was invented by a man named Joseph Pilates, who actually was incarcerated in a prison during the second world war.

From the time that Joseph Pilates was very young, he took much inspiration from the ancient Indian art form that is known as Yoga, and also of Zen Buddhism, and the physical exercises that soldiers in the roman and  Greek empire used to use to tone and condition their body.  He uses this different techniques to help himself gain strength.

Pilates, while he was in prison, taught other prisoners the exercises he used — in the German interment camp, to help them stay physically fit.  He also introduced the idea of a workout mat, and invented a make-shift version out of bedding, with removed bed springs.

Today, pilates has become very popular, especially among people in the eye of the public such as actresses, athletes, celebrities and models, because not only does pilates develop excellent flexibility, but it also helps imrpove posture — all without any strain on your muscles.

If someone was to stick to a strict pilates regimen, you could expect to gain a flatter stomach, thinner waist and thinner thighs — and also increased mobility in all of your joins and limbs.  Like yoga, pilates is also known to help relieve anxiety and stress from the body.

Chiropractic consultants regularly recommend pilates to their clients to help strengthen their backs and spine, as well as just increasing their general health.  Also people who recently acquired injuries receive this recommendation from their physiotherapists to help in speeding up the recovery of their limbs.  Also it is recommended for the elderly and obese, as it can do wonders for both of them.

Pilates has also become quite popular among dancers and athletes, even football players, because they not only have muscle but flexibility, giving them the best of both worlds when they are on the field.  Basically, pilates is for everyone who is looking to have a strong inner core, and improve all aspects of their body such as strength, balance, tone and flexibility.  The other benefits is doing pilates daily will help rid your body of stress, anxiety, tension and get a natural energy boost from deep stretching only pilates can provide.

It can help you creater a stronger, more flexible spine and core, and helps promote recovery from injury, increases the motion in your joint, and helps with circulation.  And bottom line, increases the look, and feel of your body, it can literally change your life.