Pilates was designed by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1883. He worked to develop a system of exercises that would help him overcome his sickly childhood and help others to strengthen themselves mind and body. Pilates is recommended and used to reduce back pain, increase flexibility, improve concentration levels, promote better posture and circulation, increase abdominal and core strength, and prevent injury.

The Pilates method develops skills in controlled movement from a strong core and it does this by using a range of apparatuses to guide and train the body. Joe Pilates originally developed his method as mat exercises and later he used several pieces of apparatus to help people "get the method in their bodies".

In contemporary Pilates other props are used, including small weighted balls, foam rollers, larger stability or exercise balls, rotating disks, and resistance bands.

The philosophy of Pilates, or originally called, "Contrology," is based on six basic principles that will help improve the quality of the workout and can be applied to many other areas of daily movements. Strict focus is required to maintain all six principles during the practice of Pilates. Attention and awareness are given to the depth of each breath, the concentration level during each movement, controlling the body and mind, stabilizing the body from the center, or midsection of the body, working towards precision, and connecting movements in a continuous flowing pattern.

Pilates can be learned in private or in group settings. For beginners or for someone with specific needs, private sessions are recommended in order to learn proper technique and foundational knowledge. As a Paragon Pilates mat certified instructor since 2005, a rehab fitness trainer, and a licensed massage therapist,  I teach a variety of fitness levels using a traditional, creative approach to learning Pilates.