Note: please consult with your health care professional before starting a new exercise program.

With its seemingly endless array of exercises, Pilates will help you focus on posture; breathing; abdominal strength; spine, pelvis and shoulder stabilization; muscular flexibility; joint mobility; and strengthening through the complete range of motion of all joints.

Why Pilates?
According to Pat Guyton, vice president of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), everyone can gain from Pilates, regardless of age, physical limitations and current level of fitness.

She says:

• Pilates is for everyone. You can enjoy this form of exercise throughout the various ages and stages of your life. It doesn’t matter if you start your Pilates practice as a couch potato or a marathon runner, you will benefit.
• Pilates trains the whole body. It focuses on balance, breath, strength, control and flexibility. It works all of the muscle groups, from the core outward, and integrates the upper and lower limbs with the trunk.
• Pilates will give you a better awareness of your body and its alignment. You’ll have a better sense of where you are in space.
• The skills and knowledge gained through Pilates carry over to all other sports—from tennis to gymnastics and everything in between.
• You’ll experience many gains—from a stronger core to increased flexibility, and you’ll breathe easier, too.

Getting Started
Guyton says you’ll see the biggest gain from Pilates if you practice with good form. It’s better to do fewer repetitions well than many repetitions poorly. If you’re thinking about adding Pilates to your fitness regime, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Practice regularly. The PMA recommends two to three hour-long sessions per week. Pilates has a cumulative effect; the more often your practice, the more benefits you’ll experience.
• Choose a certified Pilates instructor. Visit the PMA website at www.pilatesmethodalliance.org for help. In addition to studios, Pilates is offered at many recreations centers and gyms.
• Sign up for several private or semi-private lessons at the onset to ensure you learn proper breathing technique and form.
• Start with a mat class and build from there. According to the PMA website, prices for a group mat session are about $10–$15; an hour-long private session on apparatus starts at about $75 and can exceed $100.
• After you’ve mastered the basics, practice Pilates at home or try a machine-based class and see how it feels.

As with anything new, you may find Pilates a little awkward at first. Don’t worry. You can look forward to a quick learning curve and results you’ll notice fast.

Sharon Cutler is a freelance writer who covers a range of health and fitness-related topics, including working out with kids.