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What is Pilates?

Pilates exercise was originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1900’s. He first developed his "mat work" exercise to be done on the floor, calling this regimen "contrology." Later, during World War I, he was based in a camp where he became a nurse/caretaker to those struck with wartime disease and injury. It was here he began to develop equipment to allow his patients to perform the exercise. Pilates exercise emphasizes core strength and stability. It strengthens, tones, improves posture, enhancing muscle flexibility and balance while uniting the body and mind. Unlike some exercise programs, quality of movement is emphasized over quantity.

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This fact sheet was last updated on 01-23-2006.