Pilates is a fitness system devised by Joseph Pilates in Germany during the First World War. He called this method Contrology, as he believed that this fitness system uses the mind to control muscles. The Pilates exercise program focuses on the core muscles which maintain the body balance and provide support to the spine. Pilates exercises specifically teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and help to develop the torso muscles.

Since Joseph Pilates believed that physical and mental health were equally important, he developed this exercise program during the World War to improve the rehabilitation of injured soldiers by strengthening, stretching and stabilizing the core muscles.

Pilates created eight safe and effective Pilates Principles which are, as follows:

1. Relaxation: Before beginning any exercise, it is important to let go of any tension in the body. Pilates exercises specifically deal with muscle imbalances—you need to relax your shoulders, your neck, your face, and release your pelvic floor and abdomen. You must ensure that the no muscle is over-exerted. The exercise program may be started in any position—standing, seated or supine—but you must ensure that your mind as well as your body is still and free from tension of any kind.
2. Concentration: One the mind is focused, you must concentrate on your body. Start by reflecting on how your body feels, which areas experience maximum stiffness or tension, and how the movement of each part of your body affects the other parts. This not only leads to precise movements, but also increases body-awareness.
3. Alignment: Once your body is relaxed and your mind focused, you must check the alignment of your body. Neutral position, posture, core, centering—all these will vary depending on the position in which you begin the exercises. That is, whether you are standing, seated or supine.
4. Breathing: Thoracic breathing must be practiced in order to remove toxins from the lungs, to focus the mind, to engage the core muscles, and to regulate the speed of your body movements. Moreover, the inhalations and exhalations energize and relax the body respectively.
5. Co-ordination: It is important to co-ordinate movement of body with breathing, though this may seem difficult at first.
6. Precision: In order to attain the desired results safely, effectively and quickly, it is important to concentrate on quick, precise movements, rather than inadequate repetitions.
7. Fluidity: Every exercise in Pilates is dynamic, since the human body is appropriately formed for movement. The exercises are in perfect co-ordination with your breathing, and free your mind and body from tension and stress.
8. Stamina: Pilates requires you to move your muscles gently, but continuously. For this, sufficient stamina is required. Although it may seem difficult at first, slowly your body will get used to the exercises, as your core, torso muscles will be adequately toned.

Pilates not only improve the mind-body connection, but also creates long muscles and improves your flexibility along with strength. Proper focusing ability is helpful not only in fitness programs, but in all aspects of your life.

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