Pilates Insight Features

Pilates Who's Who
The world of Pilates fitness has it's own superstars. Learn the history behind the big names in Pilates including:

Joseph H. Pilates
Moira (Stott) Merrithew
Mari Winsor
Clara Pilates
Romana Kryzanowska
Mary Bowen
Ron Fletcher

Pilates Equipment
Learn more about different kinds of pilates equipment to enhance your exercise routine. Pilates reformers, pilates mats, pilates balls and more.

fitness equipment

Pilates Studios

Books on Pilates

Pilates Insight

Welcome to Pilates Insight, your leading online resource for information related to the fitness phenomenon known as Pilates!

Pilates (pronounced "puh-lah-teez") is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up.

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Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region, sometimes referred to as the "powerhouse").

The focus in Pilates is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity.

Some exercises are performed on specialized Pilates equipment including the Pilates Reformer, Pilates Cadillac and Ladder Barrel, but the basic system can be done on a standard floor mat. Small accessories including balls, resistance bands and Pilates rings can be added to the repertoire for more variety. Pilates can also be performed in your home using traditional fitness equipment.

Ideally, Pilates is practiced in a Pilates studio under the careful supervision of a certified Pilates instructor, either one-on-one or in small group sessions. These professionals are highly trained specialists who know how to tailor a Pilates program to meet individual needs and abilities, monitoring movements to ensure correct form for optimum results.

As Pilates grows in popularity, Pilates classes are being offered not only at specialized studios but also at gyms, health clubs, spas, rehabilitation clinics, senior facilities and community centers around the world.

There are also plenty of Pilates videos on the market, - such as the Winsor Pilates, Stott Pilates and the Gaiam Livomg Arts Series - that allow you to experience the strengthening, stretching and toning techniques right at home.

If you have any questions or comments, please drop us a line at editor@pilatesinsight.com.