Pilates is an outstanding way to increase strength and flexibility without building bulk. This has made the Pilates Method very popular with dancers—in fact, some of the first people to use the Pilates Method were two famous pioneers in the world of dance, Martha Graham and George Balanchine.

Pilates was developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder of the Pilates Studio Joseph H. Pilates. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers. To learn more, go to www.pilates-studio.com.

According to the excellent and informative Web site, the Pilates Method:

• Provides a method of body conditioning that promotes physical harmony and balance.
• Is effective for people of all ages and physical conditions.
• Provides a refreshing and energizing workout.
• Can be personalized, in one-on-one conditioning sessions.
• Is appropriate regardless of current fitness level.
• Can be integrated into rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs.
• Is safe for pregnant women, because it will teach them proper breathing and body alignment, as well as helping improve concentration and recover body shape and tone after pregnancy.

Have you tried Pilates yet?