We have recently received many questions about the Pilates Method. Even though I don't teach Pilates, I have attended several classes, including training sessions.

I have also asked many of my students who have been attending Pilates classes how they react, feel and what results they have noticed. Therefore, I am going to share what I have learned in hopes that it will answer most of your questions.

What is Pilates?

Developed in the 1920s by the physical trainer, Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, balance, coordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength and flexibility.

The basic principles will teach you how to flow from one movement to the next by:

• Centering
• Alignment
• Breathing
• Control
• Precision
• Flowing Movement
• Relaxation

What are the Benefits?

Besides the improvement in strength, flexibility, posture and coordination, other benefits include a natural lengthening and slimming. For years, the Pilates Method has been popular with dancers, enhancing the lean look of their bodies and improving their movement.

Many of the certified instructors of Pilates have a dance background and teach that every one of our movements start in that center core or "power house."

What Do I Need to Know before Beginning Pilates?

As with all other fitness programs, before you start make sure that your physician approves. The Pilates approach, as with Yoga, believes in individual progress in a non-competitive, non-stress and low-impact arena. Designed to work the body as a whole, Pilates caters to everyone, from beginners to advanced and is suitable for all age groups.

Start slowly and listen to your body. It doesn't happen overnight! For optimal effectiveness, it is recommended that you practice Pilates two to three times a week depending on your goals and level of fitness.

I suggest that a balanced workout schedule will not only include Pilates, but also some combination of cardiovascular activity such as fast walking, jogging, aerobic stepping, swimming, biking, etc.

What Important Questions Should I Ask?

There was a time, until recently, when someone had to receive special and time-intensive training before being certified to teach any form of Pilates. My worry is that there are instructors teaching Pilates and/or Yoga without sufficient training and understanding of the methods.

Be sure to attend and/or watch the class you plan to take, and observe what kind of instruction is happening. Ask the instructor about his/her background and certification (they may have regular group fitness instructor certification, but not an extensive background in the Pilates Method).

Is the environment in which the class is being held comfortable? Do I like the instructor and the teaching method? Would I be motivated by this instructor? Talk to the other students in the class and find out how long they have been attending and what they like and/or don't like about the class.

I have asked the students who attend my non-Pilates Method classes how they have taken to Pilates. Most are enthusiastic, but also enjoy the cross-training. A few prefer using the Resist-A-Ball which also produces similar results when used properly and on a regular basis (you already know how much I love the ball).

Taught properly, the Pilates Method is definitely a winner. But, as with any fitness program, you must be committed to embrace it on a consistent and persistent basis, along with practicing proper nutrition to accomplish and see rewarding results!