by Devra Swiger

In several major cities throughout the United States and Europe, Pilates (pul-lah-tees), an apparently new form of exercise, has gained immense popularity among professional dancers, Broadway stars and movie celebrities. Even many of today's hard-core exercise enthusiasts are putting away their steps and Nikes in search of something new. Although still relatively new to the world of fitness, the method - named for its founder Joseph Pilates - has been around for over 70 years.

History of the Pilates Method
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He started life as a small, frail child which fueled his fascination with exercises that would make him healthier, stronger and more physically attractive. Obsessed with attainment of the perfect body, he became an accomplished skier, boxer and gymnast. During World War I Pilates interned as a nurse and it was during this time that he designed exercise apparatus used to rehabilitate injured war victims. In 1926, Pilates and his wife opened their first studio in New York City where many of their first clients came from the world of dance. Later on, eminent dance masters such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins and Martha Graham became devoted to his method.

What is the Pilates Method?
Based on proper breathing, good posture and intense concentration, the exercises are performed on a mat or with specially designed equipment. Focusing on breathing and support from deep within the abdomen, the client develops a new way of standing and a more graceful way of moving. Romana Kryzanowska, a long time student and now master trainer, describes "flowing motion outward from a strong center." By learning the proper stance and correct body alignment, the client soon feels and looks taller and leaner. The muscles are stretched and strengthened uniformly resulting in long, sleek muscles rather than bulk. Of course this runs contrary to the methods of most of today's fitness professionals who believe that the only way to "tone" muscle is to increase the muscle diameter. However, many students of Pilates swear by this method and have even admitted to feeling taller, leaner and "better" after only a few sessions. Many insist that even when previous forms of exercise have failed, this program has succeeded in helping clients achieve the body they've always wanted. " Pilates helps to reshape and reorganize the body which gives the impression of weight loss," says Melissa Pope, Pilates instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Equipment
There are 5 pieces of equipment or apparatus used for the Pilates method: the Reformer, the Pedipull, The Cadillac, The Barrel and The Chair. Repetitions on the equipment are low while the intensity and concentration is high. The abdomen and buttocks do all the squeezing while the legs and arms are stretched to their fullest. Each piece of equipment is suitable for a large variety of exercises for nearly every part of the body.

Does it or Doesn't it?
Celebrities like Madonna, Vanessa Williams and Sharon Stone rave about the benefits of Pilates. Does this mean that it works or that the trend will last? No one can say for sure. However, the Pilates method seems to be most popular with women who are tired of hot, sweaty work-outs that seem to bring little or no results. Many former aerobic dance aficionados say that Pilates has done much more to help change their appearance. "The Pilates Body," says Romana Kryzanowska, "features long, slender thighs and calves, a strong back, a flat tummy and a high tushie [butt]." And that's not all. Many students of Pilates claim they feel rejuvenated and refreshed after a session instead of drained and exhausted. "The Pilates method provides gentle, long term noncompetitive physical conditioning," says Michele Larsson, director of training at Institute of Pilates Method in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Instruction
Pilates studios are opening up all over the United States and Europe. At this time there are nearly 500 studios in the United States. Instructors of the official Pilates must complete a rigorous training program including over 600 apprenticeship hours before obtaining certification. Classes are offered in either group or private sessions.

Is Pilates going to take the world by storm? Maybe, maybe not. But given the recent accolades and the high level of satisfaction among clients, we will certainly hear and see a lot more of Pilates in the months to come.

Who Can Benefit from Pilates?
People of all ages and physical conditions may benefit from the prescribed exercises. It is also a great system for injury prevention - especially for dancers and athletes who frequently suffer from injuries and are dependent on their body to earn a living. Physical therapists are also integrating some of the exercises in their treatment of patients.

Devra Swiger is an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.