Developed from the 1920's by the legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method is a series of approximately 500 exercises across a wide range of specially designed exercise equipment, used for Fitness Pilates and Rehabilitation Pilates. Whether in Sydney, Singapore, San Diego or Southampton, there are three components to the exercise Method The Principles, The Exercises, The Equipment:

The Principles
More complex than other forms of exercises, Pilates, a fusion of western and eastern philosophies, teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, balance, co-ordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength and flexibility. For full benefit of the method, you'll learn to flow from one movement to the next building stamina and cardiovascular fitness, with the basic principles of the Pilates exercise repertoire:

- Centring
- Alignment
- Breathing
- Control
- Precision
- Flowing Movement
- Relaxation

However, every studio, teacher, book, video and training organisation may introduce variations and different emphasis on these Principles.

The Exercises
Pilates and yoga share similar goals, with both systems believing in individual progress in a non-competitive arena, with emphasis on stretching as well as strengthening of muscles. However, the Pilates system works the body as a whole, co-ordinating the upper and lower musculature with the body's centre. This dramatically improves strength, flexibility, posture and co-ordination.

The Equipment The most popular exercise repertoire in the world is the floor matwork, due to its accessibility, found in health clubs, leisure centres or church halls. However, a fully equipped Pilates studio would have other spring and gravity based resistance equipment:

- Reformers
- Circles
- Cadillac/Trap
- Table
- Wunda Chair
- Pedipull
- Barrels
- Ladder Barrel

The most common piece of equipment in any Pilates studio is the "Reformer"(a moveable carriage for pushing and pulling). Invented in the 1940's by Joseph Pilates, the older style reformers, traditionally utilised springs as resistance, however, manufacturers over recent years have introduced many innovations such as lightweight and modern materials, adjustability, and gravity resistance. This has lead to the Reformers being the most popular piece of Pilates equipment throughout the world today. © pilates.co.uk Ltd.