Until the mid 90's the core conditioning routine that I hadconsisted of the typical sit up benches and military training I previously did.In an effort to expand my ?toolbox? of knowledge, a Master trainer had a classcertification available that included Mat, Chairs and Barrels, Reformer and theCadillac. I was in a class with mainly women and few other guys. I stood out asthe ?bodybuilder? ??military bearing? posture body type upon assessmentprotocol.

When demonstrations were needed, looking back, it becameobvious that my strength with larger muscles than my class mates, made somemovements easy?but most other movements that required finesse, very difficult.To further ?close me on the deal ? of Pilate's certification, the mastertrainer promptly signed up with me to do some regular one on one session's inthe gym. He easily blew through the workout?with unreal total body strength. Mylittle ego was challenged, but I signed up for the class. Several thousands ofdollars later I can honestly say that Pilates is and was a very welcome add tomy fitness education journey.

Many who have not experienced Pilates firsthand compare itto Yoga, and while there are some similarities with the mind-body connection,Pilates is a much more active exercise. While Yoga revolves around poses andstretching, Pilates truly relies on using your body weight for strength andconditioning moves that focus on, you guessed it, your core. Each movement isslow and controlled and will focus on the particular muscles of every part ofyour body. Most movements are compound in nature so that rather than focus onsimply your biceps for example, an arm movement may incorporate the biceps,triceps, and shoulders as well. Some of the leg lifts, while incredibly simplein appearance, provide an amazing workout for your upper thigh and hip area,helping to further strengthen this often neglected area of your core.

There are two main types of Pilates you can choose toparticipate in. One is mat Pilates, which by far the most popular in which youuse your body weight to move through graceful yet challenging movements todevelop overall body and core strength. The other is on the Reformer, a machinewith springs and pulley's on a rolling bed supported by a rail like frame,which you use a to take you through a series of movements for shoulder andpelvic stabilizers . Both forms are incredibly challenging and provide aworkout unlike any other. While performing Pilates, your body and mind can gointo a meditative relaxed state because of the fluid and grace of the motions,but make no mistake, you are doing some serious exercise, and if you forgetwhile you are doing it, your body will remind you the next day.

Because every movement in Pilates is slow, controlled, and requiressteady breathing throughout, your abdominals and lower back will receive afantastic workout. Many who try Pilates become hooked and notice immediatechanges in both their strength and flexibility as well as the definition intheir midsection. Originally, Pilates became a popular warm-up and stretchingand strengthening tool for ballet dancers, but now, millions of people from allwalks of life have taken up the practice of Pilates including martial artists,boxers, and even some of the top names in the sports of football andbasketball.

One of the most beautiful things about practicing Pilates isthat the gentle nature of the exercise makes it perfect for people of any ageto practice. It is incredibly safe and will provide results for those ages 8 to80, and even beyond. If core strength and development is what you are after,sit in on a Pilate's class and discover what millions of others have: Pilatesis one of the most effective core strengthening exercise programs everdeveloped.