What is PILATES? According to Wikipedia, “Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates in Germany. As of 2005, there are 11 million people who practice the discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States.”

Recently, I met up with an internet marketer who is also a professional pilates trainer who conducts her pilates classes in a studio somewhere in town. Through her, I learnt many things about this type of exercise. I also realised that many a physiotherapist also recommends pilates exercise to their patients to help strengthen their back.

My misconception of pilates being related to yoga is now completely cleared up. I also learnt about an exercise machine used in many a pilates studio. This pilates exercise machine is called, “Pilates Reformer“. Looks like there are many many many people selling different type of pilates reformers all over the world. Wow, just how uninformed I am!

Now there’re corporate pilates, pilates for golfer, pilates for youth, pilates for weight loss, and pilates for-whatever-you-can-think-of! The benefits for pilates are simply tremendous. Here are just some of them:

• Pilates can help build longer and leaner muscles – toning without bulk;
• Pilates exercise can develop a strong core with flat abdominals and a strong back;
• Proper usage of pilates reformer can help alleviate back, neck and join pain by improving flexibility, balance and coordination;
• Pilates also helps enhance performance in sports (golf, tennis, running etc);

I can go on and on about the benefits of pilates exercises but I guess you get the drift.

Looks like pilates wil be my next exercise regime!

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