About a century ago, a German named Joseph Pilates created a low-impact exercise program that strengthens muscles and improves flexibility. He used it as his regular exercise routine, and by all accounts felt great every day, never getting sick or suffering an injury. At age 86, he was still in the prime of health, and he thought it would be a good idea to share his exercise program with others. Now, that program is known as Pilates, a very popular form of exercise especially among women.
At first, Pilates was adopted mostly by professional dancers and athletes. The exercises toned and strengthened their muscles, especially the abdominal or core muscles, hips and thighs, and lower back. They increased flexibility and strength without bulking up the muscles the way regular body-building does. They also increased endurance. Pilates workouts resulted in sleek, strong and toned bodies that are also graceful and natural-looking.
Later on, more people started using Pilates, including those who are not heavily into fitness and sports but are just beginning to exercise regularly. There is a common misconception that Pilates is for serious health buffs only, and that it is too complicated for beginners. Neither is true. Pilates can be tailored according to the fitness level of the person. It can be very strenuous, or it can be pretty sedate.
Another misconception is that in order to do Pilates, one must have special equipment for it. It is true that many gyms do have apparatus specifically for Pilates workouts. These have such names as the “Reformer” or the “Cadillac,” and they look like bed frames or trapeze tables, with sliding parts and movable springs. But it is equally true that Pilates exercises can be done using just a mat on the floor.
Pilates has been compared to repetitive calisthenic exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups. Typically, a routine consists of 25 to 50 repetitions. The focus, however, is not on the number of repetitions, but more on the quality of movement. Pilates aims to teach smooth, graceful and continuous movements. Proper breathing and correct body alignment are also stressed. Overall, the goal is to strengthen and tone every muscle, especially the core abdominal ones, but not at the expense of smaller or rarely used muscles. Every muscle group, without exception, is given attention in Pilates.
It takes time to master the proper techniques, and getting a well-trained Pilates instructor is very important. This way, safety is ensured and injury is avoided.
Pilates for women is such a big hit because the exercises offer exactly what many women look for in a training program. Most 
women want a toned and graceful body, without the bulky muscles associated with Mr. Universe types or male body builders. Women also enjoy how Pilates improves posture and balance, and how it makes them feel graceful and lithe. Pilates has in fact been the favorite exercise routine of many supermodels, celebrities and professional dancers.
Aside from these, Pilates is an excellent way for women to become more aware and more accepting of their bodies. As an added advantage, Pilates also seems to be effective in preventing and treating back pain.
Pilates for women sounds like a great idea, but those who are over 40 years old, pregnant, or who have health issues should first consult with their doctor before signing up for a Pilates class.
