Chances are you’ve heard of Pilates. It’s the fastest- growing exercise program in North America, according to statistics from American Sports Data. Participation in this “mind-body method” grew by 92 percent in 2003 alone. So what, exactly, is Pilates?

What It Is

Pilates was developed by Joseph H. Pilates, a German gymnast, boxer, and circus performer who brought the method to New York in the early 1900s. He combined gymnastics and principles of yoga with mental and physical exercises in order to strengthen the body and free the mind. Martha Graham, the dancer, was one of his first American students.

“Pilates is a great core-strengthening program,” says Miami Beach, Florida–based certified personal fitness trainer and Pilates instructor D. C. Langer. “It strengthens the powerhouse—the abdominal muscles, glutes, and muscles around the spine—without stressing joints and ligaments. And Pilates works on muscle imbalances throughout the entire body.”

While Pilates is growing in popularity, there are still some misconceptions about the activity, says Langer, who is certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and the National Endurance & Sports Trainers Association. “When you say Pilates, many people think of yoga. Although the two are similar in that both use body weight for resistance and share similar principles of focus, breathing, and centering, there are important differences,” she explains. “In Pilates you don’t hold a pose. You complete a series of exercises by doing 10 to 12 repetitions of each and then flowing into the next exercise. And as you focus on proper breathing, control, and precision of movement, Pilates helps to improve your balance and posture along with your strength and flexibility.”

What It Does

Pilates strengthens muscles that stabilize the neck, spine, shoulders, hips, and feet while it stretches and tones the entire body. Langer teaches Pilates to sport-specific athletes, to nonathletes who want to get and keep fit, and to people who need help with chronic pain or with rehabilitation after an injury. Pilates is a program that:

• flattens, tones, and strengthens the abs
• develops longer, leaner muscles
• improves posture
• relieves tension
• increases flexibility
• boosts self-esteem
• prevents injuries
• heightens concentration
• enhances body awareness
• enhances athletic performance.

Find a personal trainer who can start you on a Pilates program. You’ll see flexibility and strength results in no time.

Q+A

Q: Do you have to be flexible to begin a Pilates program?
A: Not necessarily, D. C. Langer says. “It’s a matter of your own level at the moment. You can begin to do Pilates at any time. The flexibility and strength will come.”