The nature of the Pilates method is that each exercise incorporates stretching and strengthening in every exercise. Most people don't feel post-exercise muscle pain for that reason. After a traditional gym workout, most people don't stretch at all, let alone know how to stretch, which contributes to stiffness and inflexibility.

Strength and flexibility are partners. Together they can be powerful physical tools. Apart, the body must compensate for developmental imbalances that can lead to unnecessary injury or worse.

Traditional exercise all too often focuses on specific muscle groups; a single part of the body works while the rest of the body is ignored. That is contrary to how we use our bodies in everyday activities.

Both mat work and specifically designed equipment are used to work and develop the entire body evenly. Every muscle works. Students are taught how to breath, balance and perform coordinated energetic movements while stabilizing from their core, lower back and abdominal muscles.

The comment Authentic Pilates™ instructors hear most often is: "I didn't even know I had muscles there." Boredom and muscle fatigue are limited due to the few repetitions required. Yet, the pace and concentration will have most people breaking a sweat and leave feeling refreshed and energized.

Authentic Pilates™ is appropriate for all ages and abilities and can be performed before, during and after pregnancy with the right guidance. The proven benefits are numerous and include increased flexibility, increased lung capacity, improved range of motion, enhanced circulation, lengthening of muscles, development of balance and coordination, reduction of stress and low back pain and improvement of posture.

The Pilates method can also be integrated into rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs designed to speed recovery of soft tissue injuries.