What are Pilates exercises? http://bit.ly/nypjEC

Pilates is a method of exercise, which will boost the use of the mind to develop core postural muscle strength, stableness and pliability resulting in more effective and graceful movement.

Pilates appeals to a wide range of people from all kinds of life and fitness levels including athletes, dancers, seniors, expecting ladies, new mum's, and people at various stages of rehabilitation from injury. People that practice Pilates frequently report that the main benefits of pilates are becoming stronger, leaner and more graceful and efficient with their movement.

"The Pilates Principles" help in conditioning the body by centering on: right alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, respiring, and flowing movement. In essence Pilates teaches appreciation of spinal alignment with deep core muscle recruitment which is essential for care and avoidance of back pain, the rehab of many musculoskeletal complications, and improvement of athletic and physical performance.

Pilates trains the muscles to become strong and work properly with the more superficial muscles of the body resulting in efficient, pain-free movement. With increased core strength, stability in the body is accomplished which helps with a reduction of discomfort with movement and an improvement of physical performance. The Pilates methodology concentrates on quality over quantity. Pilates exercises do not include a large amount of repetitions for each move but each exercise is done with precision. This achieves significant results in a shorter time than one would ever imagine.

Pilates exercises can be done either on a mat on the floor or on exercise gear developed by Joseph Pilates. The Pilates Matwork series utilizes the padded Pilates Mat with the students own body as resistance in training to build strength and pliability. Pilates Matwork can also incorporate the use of a selection of props eg the fitness ball, foam roller, circle, theraband, hand weights, Chi ball or Overball, strap and the Pilates pole.


Marika Scicluna is a professional Physiotherapist, Pilates instructor and owner of What is Pilates. She is passionate about educating people on the benefits of Pilates through her site.