Most of us have only heard of Pilates in the last few years as this exercise method has increasingly gained popularity, however it has actually been endorsed by physicians for almost a century.

Joseph Pilates, a German national, created Pilates around 1912. He came to the US in 1926 and established the first Pilates studio together with his wife Clara. Pilates soon became very popular with dancers who flocked to the studio to heal, reshape, align and condition their bodies. Today Pilates is taught all over the world.

Pilates focuses on stretching and strengthening movements which are stress-free and non-impact. Much of the focus of the exercises lies on strengthening of the "core" muscles; the abdominal area as well as the muscles of the back. Because of this focus Pilates can dramatically improve peoples posture and form a "girdle of strength" that supports and stabilizes the spine. Pilates also focuses on increasing flexibility and balance as well as proper flow of breath. The objective is to restore the body to a place of balance by gaining healthy postural alignment, strengthening the core, relieving overworked muscles, and gaining spinal mobility. All of these attributes allow for a greater ease and freedom in movement. The concept that Pilates consistently reminds us of is that the body functions holistically and therefore it should be addressed in the same manner.