The Modern Sports and Hobbies Encyclopedia http://www.hobbystop.net http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/Exploring_The_History_Of_Pilates.html If you mention the word "Pilates" to anyone within earshot, most will immediately recognize the name. They may not know what it means or entails, but Pilates has been so ingrained into our society's consciousness that most people are familiar with it. During the past several years, this fitness program has attracted the attention of millions, becoming a relatively recent cultural phenomenon. The fact that Pilates was developed during the first part of the last century adds a slice of irony. Indeed, many would be surprised about the humble beginnings from which the exercise program was born. In this article, we'll describe its origin and growth and briefly explore its explosive popularity during recent years. http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/Exploring_The_History_Of_Pilates.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/The_6_Guiding_Principles_Of_Pilates.html Though most people think Pilates is merely a form of exercise, it's actually based upon 6 principles that encourage the harmony between a person's mind and body. Joseph Pilates, the creator, explored several disciplines that focused on physical and intellectual development. Over decades of experimentation, he pursued boxing and gymnastics while also practicing yoga and meditation. Over time, he conceived a system that leveraged the best parts of these disciplines. His exercise program, called Pilates, would eventually use 6 principles as its foundation. We'll describe each below. http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/The_6_Guiding_Principles_Of_Pilates.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/Your_Guide_To_Pilates_Equipment.html If you're just getting started with Pilates, the different types of equipment available can seem overwhelming. In truth, you need very little equipment in the beginning. The key is to get involved. If you decide you want to pursue the discipline further, you can buy additional pieces as you become more experienced. Below, we'll describe the equipment that you'll need to get started. You'll also learn about equipment that many veteran Pilates fans use. http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/Your_Guide_To_Pilates_Equipment.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/3_Life-Enriching_Benefits_Of_Pilates.html Though Joseph Pilates passed away over 40 years ago, the program he invented continues to win raving fans. Those who practice Pilates claim that it's more than merely a fitness routine; it's a devotion to the continual improvement of how your body moves. Instead of visiting the gym and working out your arms, legs and torso, Pilates focuses on building the muscle strength of your core while increasing your body's overall flexibility. By doing so, you can achieve a level of grace and efficiency in your movements, allowing all of your muscles to work together in unison. Below, we'll describe the 3 key benefits of Pilates so you can discover whether the program is a good fit for your life. http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/3_Life-Enriching_Benefits_Of_Pilates.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/Overview_Of_Pilates.html The sheer weight of books, instructional DVDs and infomercials that promote Pilates is enough to disguise its simplicity. At its foundation, Pilates is a system of exercise that gradually develops your muscle strength, encourages your body's flexibility and promotes your overall vitality and health. Though it has only recently become popular, its origin can be traced to the early 1900's. Below, you'll discover how Pilates was created, an overview of its core principles and common misperceptions surrounding the discipline. http://www.hobbystop.net/Pilates/Overview_Of_Pilates.html