Pilates is a form of physical workout, created by Joseph Pilates around 1920. Joseph wanted that Pilates should feel like a workout, not a therapy. He designed Pilates to improve flexibility and help with strength, control, balance and endurance. This makes it a great all-rounder when it comes to exercise.

Modern Pilates has changed a little, with things added later by instructors in the Pilates community. It’s still very much about breathing and concentration, which makes it great for a mental reset after a crazy day.

So when you combine the feeling of physical empowerment with some serious ‘me time’ centered mindfulness you can see improvements in lots of areas of your life. Pilates folks often say their sleeping and mood got better. Some report lower stress levels and better energy levels. Even motivation and eating patterns can see a boost.

These aren’t all going to come along overnight, but if you give Pilates a try and stick with it, it can help move things in the right direction in your life.

When it comes to the practicalities there are two types of classes, mat and reformer. A mat class will be done on something like a yoga mat. A reformer class is done on a special piece of pilates equipment that will already be at the studio. Each type of class is easy to start and all you need to bring is normal gym kit and some water. Pilates is low on fuss and all about quick results. You’ll find yourself in a supportive group and together you’ll have fun honing your body with low impact moves. As you progress there are a few bits and pieces of equipment but you won’t need to worry about them at the start.

When you first begin you’ll be learning about the different parts that make up a Pilates session. It’s not at all complicated and your instructor will guide you through everything at your own pace.

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Pilates is so easy to do you’ll be able to ask your instructor to design some sessions you can do in the comfort of your own home. These home sessions are perfect to let you advance at your own pace and get into the swing of things.

Plenty of well-known stars use Pilates to stay fit and to combat health issues they have.

Kate Hudson has been doing Pilates nearly her whole adult life, and says “I was 19 when I discovered Pilates, and I’m still doing it. It’s the workout my body really responds to. It’s all about alignment, elongating your spine and strengthening your core. It makes me feel my strongest.”

Jennifer Aniston, football’s David Beckham, and Sandra Bullock are all big fans too. Lady Gaga uses Pilates to help manage the symptoms of her fibromyalgia and credits it with keeping her fit and healthy.

Because it can work for everyone, Pilates is really popular. For people who want to raise their general strength and fitness, support their mental health, or recover from a physical injury, Pilates can be a major boost.

We all want to ‘feel better’ but it can be hard to find something that works for our lifestyle and health challenges. Pilates tries to balance the physical and mental parts of your life so you’re calmer, stronger and able to lead a full life.

If you’re feeling like Pilates could help you, then we have studios throughout the heart of Downtown and North County, including our Del Mar Pilates studio.

As Joseph Pilates himself said, “With body, mind, and spirit functioning perfectly as a coordinated whole, what else could reasonably be expected other than an active, alert, disciplined person?”

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