What is Pilates?

Pilates is a concept referring to a determinate type of fitness and is named after its founder, Joseph Pilates. This program becomes very fashionable. Pilates makes use of slow movements that are performed correctly. In this form of exercise regime, quantity will not matter as much as quality.

The body moves following the instructions it receives from the mind - simple, but a basic premise that all Pilates students must remember. Every instructor must illustrate to all students that the final goal is to improve the physical appearance while achieving body balance at the same time. So a possible Pilates performer should be informed from the beginning that he is not supposed to increase the muscle mass. By mastering the disciplines of the mind, the body will in turn counteract by moving freely and accurately. You can do Pilates exercises with or without a machine. These are the cardinal focus of the philosophy - concentration, precision and breathe control.

Therefore to exactly benefit from the graceful moves found in Pilates, the movements must be executed with supreme precision. This nature of regime is becoming increasingly popular as people turn to this fitness program to fulfill the need to maintain their health and achieving a peaceful state of mind. The demands of the modern world obviously made this form of fitness program which is based on achieving a peaceable mind and a balanced outlook very much in demand.

It is so manageable to practice, simply order a DVD and start using it in the comforts of your own home. There is another reason why this sport is so popular-it addresses practically all age groups and all body conditions! There are nevertheless few restrictions even for pregnant women and children. The moves of Pilates were used to help individuals recover from injuries, especially those who suffer from dancer's injuries, and this is literally how Moira Merrithew, a world famous figure for Pilates became attracted to this form of fitness. She met Romana Kryzanawska one of Joseph Pilates' faithful disciples. Moira was introduced to Pilates through Romana and later Moira's pervading spirit for this fitness program compelled her to create Stott Pilates, which is now a world famous brand in the world of Pilates .

Pilates has greatly expanded on the idea of sculpting the body through mellow systematic moves changing the worldwide perception of how sports could be. In the end, one can relax to know that by using this system you don't have to be better than the next individual in order to be called a winner. It is all about looking for an inner equilibrium and self body balance.