Pilates is becoming more popular with people of different ages, physical aptitude and mobility as a holistic, common-sense approach to efficient movement habits for the complete health of the body. Developed as a system or movement regime, Pilates training provides a variety of choices in both exercises and specialised equipment to help reinforce good movement habits, lying down, seated, kneeling, and standing.

A great side benefit is that anything that is taught about how movement of the body with Pilates exercises can be practiced during other sport and fitness activities. New habits learned during Pilates workouts can also be reinforced during daily life activities.

Joseph Pilates, who invented this exercise regime strongly believed that "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness." A sound mind in a strong body gives us the tools necessary to live life to the fullest. If you're looking for a fitness program that is fun, challenging, develops balance and control, provides total body conditioning, improves posture and breathing, helps reduce stress, and has a strong focus on a combination of core strength and flexibility then Pilates will most certainly be of benefit to you.

Whether you are young or old, Pilates has something to offer for the improvement of health. A pilates workout programme always offers a suitable starting entry point for anyone, irrespective of their age or fitness mobility. The workouts are not strenuous and can be easily tailored to the individuals needs. The options available can be joining a local group or have one to one instruction or a very cost effective method of being introduced to the benefits of Pilates is to watch an instructional dvd in the comfort of your own home.

There are over 500 exercises in the Pilates system. Each exercise can be modified and made more challenging, which creates a never-ending abundance of variety for developing a personalised Pilates training program that can be fine-tuned to meet your unique fitness goals. For healthy individuals, a group Pilates Matwork class might be a good way to get your workout program started. If you have any special needs, injury, accident, or recent surgery, or just want to make the most of your Pilates workouts, private training with a qualified Pilates teacher using the Reformer and other specialized equipment (Cadillac / Trapeze Table, the Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Pedi-pole, and chairs,) may be the best option to develop a safe and effective exercise program to achieve your wellness goals.

Of all the procedures available, it is the Pilates mat work that is most recognised yet many are unaware that this constitutes only half of the Pilates exercise technique. For the best results a Pilates programme should include both mat work and equipment exercises that are most appropriate for your body. The equipment you need is not expensive as it is only some rope and different sized balls.

Most students begin to see improvements after their first few sessions. It should be noted that for some participants, the changes can be quite dramatic and can develop very quickly. Others begin to notice subtle differences in how they breath, sit, stand, and move, or enjoy benefits they didn't even realise they were going to get from their Pilates program. One of Joseph Pilates famous quotes is, "You'll feel better after 10 sessions, look better after 20, and have a completely new body after 30 sessions."