That's a great question and if you have never given this form of exercise a shot then perhaps it is time that you get up off the couch and see what the craze is all about.

Pilates, originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates, is a series of over 500 exercises that are designed to strengthen, lengthen and tone the muscles.

Pilates is also designed to improve your flexibility and improve your posture. After all, who doesn't want to be more flexible and have better posture?

Pilates, a theory based on many dance and yoga movements, is highly recommended by physicians and exercise physiologists as one of the safest forms of exercises available.

It is gentle enough so that almost everyone can do it and reap the benefits.

Especially if you find yourself suffering from low back pain, Pilates is a great decision since its design is built on the principles built to improve your flexibility, stability, and strengthen your abdominal and back muscles. The controlled movements of Pilates help to keep you safe while you exercise.

Pilates is not a method of exercise based on endless repetitions, but rather, Pilates' foundation is such that you perform fewer repetitions but with intense focus and concentration on each and every single movement of the activity.

With Pilates you also concentrate on your breathing again to help you really concentrate your focus on the movements of your body.

Pilates' exercises can be performed on a mat on the floor using a video or DVD or either by taking an instructor-led class or by performing a series of exercises on specifically designed Pilates' equipment such as the Pilates Reformer.

There are also other types of Pilates' accessories such as the Pilates' Magic Circle or even the basic exercise ball.

All of these Pilates' accessories can help to enhance your exercises sequence by adding more challenge to the movements, creating more resistance and helping you to mix it up so that exercise boredom doesn't set in.

With Pilates' accessories as you gain more experience with the movements, you may find the accessories to add a bit more punch to your workout.

Pilates is an amazing form of exercise that can help you to regain your form, lengthen your muscles and relocate the flexibility that disappeared somewhere throughout the years.

Give it a try and you may decide that Pilates turns into your new best friend.