Pilates (pronounced 'puh-lah-teez') is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed over 90 years ago by Joseph Pilates. Joseph focused his system of exercise on improving posture, increasing strength and flexibility and generally toning the body through deep muscle control.

The Pilates philosophy focuses on training the mind and the body to work together, using flowing movements, co-ordinated with breathing, whilst concentrating on quality rather than quantity.

For years dancers, sportsmen and women have used Pilates to enhance their performance and to rehabilitate from injury. With the emphasis on core stability, Pilates is beneficial for a number of conditions including lower back pain, sciatica, disc problems and frozen shoulders. lt can even be beneficial for conditions such as Parkinson's Disease and fybromyalgia.

• improved flexibility, strength and barytone, hence a more streamlined shape
• reduced pain, particularly lower back pain
• better posture and balance
• reduced stress
• improved performance in other exercise and sport
• as Joseph said 'ln 10 sessions you will feel a difference, in 20 sessions you will see a difference and in 30 sessions you will have a new body'.