A few quick searches on the net and you will find endless benefits of Pilates.

Pilates conditions the body from head to toe with a no- to low-impact approach suitable for all ages and abilities. It requires patience and practice, but results will follow

With time and dedication, Pilates practice can:

• Improve strength, flexibility and balance.
• Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk.
• Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core.
• Engage the mind and enhance body awareness.
• Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury.
• Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching.
• Restore postural alignment.
• Create a stronger, more flexible spine.
• Promote recovery from strain or injury.
• Increase joint range of motion.
• Improve circulation.
• Heighten neuromuscular coordination.
• Offer relief from back pain and joint stress.
• Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury.
• Enhance mobility, agility and stamina.
• Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity.
• Improve the way your body looks and feels.

Pilates Principles

Some Pilates forms tout five basic principles, while others stress nine fundamentals. Essentially, the Pilates principles are as follows:

• Concentration - That all-important mind-body connection. Conscious control of movement enhances body awareness.
• Control/Precision - It's not about intensity or multiple "reps," it's more about proper form for safe, effective results.
• Centering - A mental focus within the body calms our spirit. A particular focus on the torso (abs, pelvic girdle, lower back, gluts), as develops a strong core and enables the rest of the body to function efficiently. All action initiates from the trunk and flows outwards to the extremities.
• Stabilizing - Before you move you have to be still. Makes for a safe starting place for mobility.
• Breathing - Deep, coordinated, conscious diaphragmatic patterns of inhales and exhales initiate movement, help activate deep muscles and keep you focused.
• Alignment - Proper alignment is key to good posture. You'll be aware of the position of your head and neck on the spine and pelvis, right down through the legs and toes.
• Fluidity - Smooth, continuous motion rather than jarring repetitions. Pilates has a grace and elegance to it.
• Integration - Several different muscle groups are engaged simultaneously to control and support movement. All principles come together, making for a holistic mind-body workout.

The Pilates Reformer is the most popular Pilates equipment. It was invented by Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates, in the 1920s. Today, the Pilates Reformer continues to be widely used due to its versatility. You can perform many exercises on this equipment. Apart from the resistance and spring exercises, you can do mat routines and cadillac exercises on the platform.

The benefits of the Pilates Reformer exercises are manifold. The exercises will see you building strength in your arms, legs, abdominal and back muscles. Pilates stresses the importance of developing a strong center, known as the powerhouse of the body. Joseph Pilates believed that the physical center of the body is where the energy of the body starts. Hence, the exercises begin from the center and slowly move outwards to the arms and leg muscles. The stretching and pulling routines are designed to lengthen and soften your body without building bulky muscles in the process.

As the basis for which the reformer was originally built, it is still widely used today for rehabilitation of joint injuries. Hard core professional athletes like gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players and boxers use the Pilates Reformer exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness.

For beginners who are new to Pilates, it is advisable to work with a certified Pilates instructor who can give proper guidance and training. This is to prevent any unwarranted muscle injury. The exercises are initially tough for the body but with regular practice over time, the muscles will be reconditioned and the benefits of Pilates Reformer exercises will be fully reaped.