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The recent increase of media attention and celebrity interest would make you believe that pilates is a new exercise phenomenon. However, you may be surprised to learn that it was actually created in the 1920s by German born Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), who suffered as a child from asthma, ricketts and rheumatic fever; making him weaker than others of his age. He was determined to counter-balance his weaknesses and so developed a series of over 500 exercises to strengthen his core muscles; which helped him become an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast and boxer.

It was not only on himself that Joseph Pilates practised his theories. Having moved to England in his thirties he was placed in an internment camp during the First World War where he worked as a nurse. It was here that he began to develop equipment by attaching springs to beds so that those immobile patients could still aid their recovery by doing light resistance work.

Pilates, the pioneer, emigrated to America and opened his first pilates studio in 1926, complete with modified versions of the equipment he designed during the war (and which are still used today). He died at the age of 87 in New York City.

Pilates is an exercise method that concentrates on developing flexibility, endurance and strength without building bulk. Individuals use their own body weight as resistance to work through a variety of exercises, that sculpt and tone the body and so suits anyone from young adults to seniors, from ballet dancers to rugby players.

It is a low-impact form of exercise that is actually a pleasure and never a chore to look forward to. Pilates can invigorate the start of your day or refresh, revive and de-stress you at the end of your day. Pilates stimulates the mind for mental well-being as well as conditioning and toning your body.

Classes are kept small, usually up to 6 per class initially and up to 12 for the more experienced users. With small class sizes the instructor can be more ‘hands on’ and ensure each exercise is performed correctly to obtain optimum results and make recommendations for those who have specific injuries or health problems, something that does not happen in a packed aerobics class.

So, what are the benefits of pilates?

• Improves balance, co-ordination, circulation, strength & flexibility
• Increases core strength and stability
• Re-balances muscles around the joints
• Improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, dance etc)
• Helps prevent injuries
• Complements massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic and other therapies
• No-impact – easy on the joints
• Helps relieve aches and pains
• Improves posture