Pilates is a type of mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th
century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom it was
named.
Pilates developed in the aftermath of the late nineteenth
century physical culture of exercising to alleviate ill health. There
is, however, only limited evidence to support the use of Pilates to
alleviate problems such as lower back pain. While studies have found
that regular sessions improve balance, and can help muscle conditioning
in healthy adults (compared to doing no exercise), it has not been shown
to be an effective treatment for any medical condition.