If you’ve ever been curious about pilates exercise, your not alone. Over 10.5 million people and counting were just as curious. Why is pilates exercise so darn popular and how can it be beneficial to you? Is it the way it improves our bodies through strength and flexibility or is there more to this exercise than meets the eye?

How It All Began

Pilates exercise was actually started by a man named Joseph Pilates when he began training inmates in a camp in Lancaster, Germany during World War I. After the war, he moved to the United States where he met his wife, Clara and opened up a studio to teach his form of exercise to others until his death in 1967.

In the 19070’s Hollywood celebrities were introduced to pilates exercise and in the late 1980’s the media finally began taking notice of their discovery. Since then, pilates has caught America’s attention and the pilates business has grown.

What It’s All About

Pilates is a combination of yoga, stretching and calisthenics. It is gentle enough for pregnant women, yet when modified, challenging enough for a strenuous workout. Pilates can help with flexibility, strength and even posture. It can give your body a sleek and toned look without adding bulk. Most importantly, pilates introduces proper breathing techniques that can be very beneficial when reducing everyday stress.

Where to Find Pilates

Because of the popularity of pilates exercise, most fitness places are now offering classes for pilates. If you’re unable to find a class offering pilates, there are a number of good pilates videos and dvds available for purchase. If you’re on a budget, you can also head to your local library for pilates videos and check them out for free, or you can try out the exercises below.

The Saw

·    Begin by, sitting with your legs a shoulder-width apart.

·    Point your toes toward the ceiling and lift your arms out to your sides until they are parallel to the floor. Holding your head up high and turn your body to the left while exhaling.

·    Next, stretch your right arm towards your left foot.

·    Inhale and return to the center of your position.

·    Repeat with the other side.

·    Repeat for a total of 10 reps on each side.

The Rocker

·    Start by, lying face down on a mat or the floor.

·    While lifting your legs and holding onto your feet, pull your abs in until they are no longer touching the floor.

·    Stretch your legs and push your face forward.

·    Exhale and lift your legs as high as you can.

·    Next, inhale and roll your body forward and then exhale and roll your body back on your legs.

·    Repeat for a total of 10 reps.

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