One of the hottest trends in fitness today is Pilates. Pilates is a combination of various body movements that is intended to strengthen, stretch and balance the body. This body conditioning routine is designed and developed by Joseph H. Pilates. Joseph Pilates' method of training includes precision, breathing, concentration, and control.

One of Pilates' advantages is the enhancement of lung capacity because the training accommodates deep and heavy breathing. The mind and the muscles are both work together effectively in a Pilates workout to strengthen and increase flexibility of the abdomen, back, and stabilize the muscles. Moreover, the body's posture, strength and balance are also improved – which often result in a height increase. And the best part about Pilates is that it is good for just about anyone whether you are someone that don't like to workout or if you are a health nut. With these many benefits, overall health and well-being will surely be improved.

Just like anything, there are good and bad ways of doing things. Pilates has to be done the right way.

Pilates' exercises should be done through a slow sustained type of movement utilizing abdominal control and the correct breathing methods. There are a lot of books and videos that are on the market to help the practitioner learning the Joseph Pilates' method of training but it is essential to get good instruction from a qualified Pilate's teacher to achieve the best results and prevent you from hurting yourself. This is especially true if you have a health condition or do not know the right way to do it.

The problem is that Pilates is very popular today. Many Pilate's classes are coming available all the time thus you may be getting the unsuitable type of instructions if you are not using a good source.

Some gyms believe that if they send their personal trainer to a weekend course, they are qualified to begin teaching Pilates. This is wrong and can cause injuries.

You need an instructor that is certified by a group that approves of rigorous training. This type of program needs to consist of several hundred hours of being instructed in Pilates only. They must have the education to modify the exercises, teach Joseph Pilates method of training well and not hurt their students.

Many gyms, spas, and studios who offer Pilates classes and equipments have sprouted everywhere. These classes may be combined with mat and machine work. If your health club has Pilates machines there for your use, make certain that you get supervision from a qualified Pilates' instructor. There are also some private classes available that may be bought either one class at a time or in blocks.

There are usually two methods of training on how you can exercise Pilates. There are the mat bases ones and equipment based Pilate's exercises. With Pilates, the quality of exercises is the main goal.

1. Floor exercises or mat based Pilates

Mat based Pilates are usually the most popular type. The general goal of Pilates mat exercises are to condition the deeper supporting muscles of the body and to muscle tone with Pilates, improve the posture and the balance of coordination. In other word, Pilates mat exercises help to strengthen the lower back, abdominal muscles and abs. The series of exercises are done on the floor using gravity and your bodies own weight to make resistance.

Most people are doing floor exercise because it is less expensive and more convenient. The only equipment you will need is a floor mat and a trainer. If you can't afford to hire a personal trainer, there are many home videos available in the market that features instructions on how to exercise Pilates based on Joseph Pilates' method of training. Just make sure that you select videos from reputable instructors. Also be careful when doing the exercises and routines yourself, doing Pilates without a trainer could cause you injury if you don't perform it cautiously.

2. Equipment based Pilate's exercises

Use of Pilates' equipments such as Aero Pilates cardio rebounder will tone and strengthen the body. They are for the more serious Pilates person. This form of Pilates will include specific equipment and some form of equipment based items.
Most gyms have these equipments and usually you have to pay a yearly fee to avail the use of their equipments and trainers.

Pilates also has free weights like dumbbells that will also offer resistance to the muscles. The equipment can be expensive if it is not properly used it could make it hard for the body to make muscles and tone right. It is important that the equipment is used correctly and most people who practice the equipment based Pilates do so with the right Pilate's trainer.

Pilates is very low impact and it is important to know the general precautions before beginning Pilates.

• Many people should talk to their doctor first before taking it on.
• Women that are pregnant should ask their doctor first.
• People that are over the age of 40 with any preexisting medical condition or muscle problems, or that are obese should speak with their doctor first.

Stay focused on the routines and exercises. Your instructor will teach you ways on how to breathe properly and combine it with the body movements based on Joseph Pilates' method of training. You will achieve your fitness goals if you stay focused and disciplined to practice the right way of making the routines.

Start from the simple routines and work your way up to the more advanced and more rewarding routines. This way your body could adjust slowly and possible injuries will be prevented. During your workout it would be practical if you wear light and comfortable clothes. Tights and a tank top are a good choice.

Since Pilates focuses on strength and flexibility and new studies show that two 50-minute Pilates' sessions only burn about 250 calories, it would be wise to combine it with other cardiovascular type workouts like running and step aerobics.

Finally, don't join the Pilates bandwagon just because you think it is the "in thing" nowadays. Stick with the program, be disciplined and stay focused. Pilates has many benefits and soon enough you'll notice that your body is improved and your muscle tone with Pilates. Joseph Pilates method of training is indeed one great work out, it not only helps in enhancing your daily tasks through flexibility and improved body strength it also make your mind and spirit feel relaxed and rejuvenated.