Joseph Pilates was a German, working in Britain as a circus performer at the outbreak of WW1. He was placed in an internment camp, like other German expats at the time, where he started to develop the floor exercises that were to become an integral part of the Pilates Method of exercises. He helped other detainees, who were sick or injured, with his exercises which developed along the lines of maintaining fitness while recovering from injury and illness.

Modern Pilates exercises are mostly done on an exercise mat, in a sitting or lying position. The required resistance to strengthen muscles is provided by simple gravity and body weight. The absence of machines allows for the development of balance and added strength of the core muscles of the body.
Some advanced exercises in Pilates use equipment to provide extra resistance for those who are working to increase strength.

Joseph Pilates developed his method of over 500 exercises to integrate body, mind and spirit, and the benefits of regular Pilates exercises include:

* Increased awareness of the body and the control we have over it. The exercises create improved posture and co-ordination, as well as the ability to perform more mindful activity.

* Increased core strength, including muscles of the spine, pelvis, torso and abdomen. The core is responsible for correct balance and posture, and a strong core helps to prevent injury, relieves back pain and enables the body to work more effectively during workouts.

* Pilates is low impact and is ideal for those with an injury to joints and the spine. It is a useful physical therapy for building strength, because the exercises are not weight bearing. The method is useful for arthritis and back pain sufferers.

* Breathing and breath control are major components of the Pilates method. This provides valuable training in effective breathing in all areas of life, and helps with stress and tiredness by ensuring high levels of oxygen in the blood. It is used by anxiety patients to help them relax.

* The focus in Pilates is on flexibility which develops long, lean muscles of a uniform size. This gives an even toned look to the body, which is why the method is favored by dancers. Flexibility also lessens the chance of injury and helps keep joints healthy and moving freely.

Pilates is now taught around the world and is favored by those who have no interest in high intensity workouts but still want to keep fit. By combining training for the body, mind and spirit it is an enjoyable exercise program, which promotes healthy breathing and flexibility, concentration and relaxation, fitness and strength.

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