Pilates or Contrology as it was originally titled by its developer Mr Joseph Pilates, is a popular fitness system practised all over the world, particularly popular in Western countries such as Australia, The United States of America, Canada and of course with us in the UK.
Classed as a mind and body discipline, Pilates demands intense focus, where the actual way that exercises are performed is considered more important than the exercises themselves.
With a number of different variations taught today, the majority of these are based on anywhere up to nine key principles, some of which are, relaxation, concentration, control, breathing and postural alignment. Considered by many to be similar to Yoga, as both disciplines will help with strength, fitness and flexibility, Pilates will however emphasise more on your core strength with Yoga focussing more on flexibility.