May not be reprinted without permission. Pilates has become a buzzword across the nation. Pilates is a form of exercise developed during World War I by Joseph Pilates, who designed a series of approximately 500 exercises, along with specially-designed apparatus, to rehabilitate injured war victims. Today, Pilates comes in many different shapes and sizes. It's being used as a general fitness program, a performance enhancer for cross training athletes, and a rehabilitation therapy.
Participants also enjoy enhanced posture, body alignment, and body awareness.
The principles of Pilates seem to be continually developing. Pilates is grey. Unless you are a professional athlete or working with a rehab therapist, the most likely situation you'll encounter is when your aerobics instructor or personal fitness trainer introduces you to Pilates. All classmates follow the same exercise routine and special needs are less likely to be addressed in this type of group environment. Stott's institute offers extensive Pilates training, as well as equipment and videos for consumers.