The Pilates Method has exploded in popularity in recent years. It has swept across Asia, North America and Europe. It's a type of exercise that was developed in the early 20th century by a German national named Joseph Pilates, with simple methods and fantastic results.

Originally named "The Art of Contrology", the basic concept of Pilates was using the mind to control the muscles. From there, the idea evolved into a more complex exercise program, with great attention paid to the core postural muscles. It is believed that these core muscles help keep the body balanced, as they provide support for the spine.

As World War I raged on, Joseph Pilates was one of a group of German nationals placed under forced internment in Lancaster, England. As a trained nurse, Mr. Pilates was investigating ways to rehabilitate bed-ridden victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic.

Taking all that he had learned in those twenty years of self-study, Joseph Pilates applied his vast knowledge of yoga, Zen and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens to create a series of movements. These specialized movements could be practiced within the confines of the controlled war-torn environment. Pilates' fellow camp members learned the movements and concepts, and the original system of exercises, now known as "mat work" was born. Even in the cramped quarters that they shared, Pilates and his fellow WWI detainees could easily perform this initial exercise regimen of "contrology".

Of course, there is much more to the Pilates Method than just a combination of physical movements. The program was built on the belief that physical health needs mental health, and vice-versa. That's why to so many people, the Pilates Method is actually a system of total body conditioning. These are movements and physical practices that strengthen the body while emphasizing proper alignment, concentration, precision, centering, control, breathing and flowing movements. Today, many years later, those same principles provide the basis of the modern Pilates Method.

Of course, physical exercise was an important element of Mr. Pilates' concept, but this aspect differed from traditional regimes. Rather than performing each exercise with a series of repetitions, Joseph Pilates developed a program of precise movements requiring form and control. Pilates designed over 500 of these very specific exercises to be included in his Pilates Method. The movements used most frequently are the Pilates 'mat work' exercises. These involve a series of callisthenic motions performed on a padded mat, without using apparatus or added weights.

Following the development of the initial mat work, Joseph Pilates designed five major pieces of unique exercise equipment. He claimed that these machines would provide optimal results. Modern Pilates classes distinguish the mat and machine exercises separately, but the original Pilates Method combined both equipment exercises and mat work.

Most of the exercises involved in the Pilates Method were developed to create awareness of neutral alignment of the spine. These exercises also strengthen the deep postural muscles that support this alignment, playing a vital role in preventing or alleviating back pain.

Gravity Pilates is a recent development in the Pilates Method. Those who practice gravity Pilates believe that the lower back, abdomen and buttocks create the body's "powerhouse", and when this area is supported and strengthened, the rest of the body is able to move more freely.

Many men and women trust the Pilates method for rehabilitation and physical fitness. It is still a popular exercise program for celebrities and fitness buffs, and it's just as popular with physical therapists as rehabilitation exercises. When practicing Pilates, the weight of your own body is used to train your muscles and increase your strength and flexibility.

While there is nothing "new" about the Pilates Method, the program continues to gain popularity as more and more people discover its many benefits.