What are Pilates?

My favourite form of exercise

Pilates is a mind-body exercise method with a history spanning over 100 years. Initially embraced by professional dancers in the early 20th century for its ability to prevent injuries and increase flexibility, today, it’s practiced by more than 12 million people worldwide. With high-profile devotees— from Hollywood celebrities on TikTok to elite athletes, princesses, Olympians and health care practitioners— lauding its effectiveness and transformative potential, Pilates is clearly “having a moment,” as declared by the New York Times. But it is more than a passing fitness fad. Backed by a storied history and a growing body of research to support its many mental and physical health benefits, Pilates has been found to improve core strength and stability, flexibility, balance, posture, cognitive function and even quality of life.

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