Pilates is a health and exercise regime created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It focuses on muscle conditioning and concentrating on improving the students core strength to improve their health, posture and balance.
There are a range of different exercises that were created by Joseph Pilates. These include exercises such as the hundreds which is the first of traditional Pilates exercise - This involves lying on your back with your legs raised into tabletop position and pulsing the arms beside the body. This is one of many Pilates exercises.
Breath is important to Pilates classes as you should be filling your lungs to their capacity and controlling the breath during exercise without holding on to the breath. The breath is used to help power on the exercises by breathing at the correct times when performing a sequence.
A good Pilates instructor will make you feel comfortable and guide you through the sequences of the exercises. They will be able to explain any parts you do no understand and also makes adjustments to your positioning as you perform the movements.
Yes, Pilates can be performed by anyone who is willing to have a go. Pilates is an exercise that can be done at your own individual level without worry about what others are doing.