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.
It is practiced worldwide, especially in developed countries such as Australia,
Canada and the United States.
Pilates uses a combination of around 50 repetitive exercises to spur muscle exertion.
Each exercise flows from the "five essentials" breath, cervical alignment,
rib and scapular stabilization, pelvic mobility, and utilization of the transversus abdominis.