The Pilates method was developed by the legendary Joseph Pilates (* 1883 in Mönchengladbach, † 1967 in New York). It is an exercise method for body and mind. Pilates is an extremely effective system of exercises that are performed with deep, conscious breathing and in concentration.

Pilates called his method 'the art of controllogy'. He believed strongly in the principle that you can use your mind to control how your body functions.

Especially muscles of your Powerhouse (these are the muscles of your torso from your neck to your buttocks) are trained and strengthened (core stability) and these muscles and your spine are also made flexible (core flexibility). The exercises are based on the principles: concentration, control, precision, inner stabilization, breathing, coordination and smooth flowing movements.

With Pilates, it's not about how many times you repeat the exercise, but about performing the exercise with conscious attention. For this, breathing is used as support/indicator for the tempo. This means in a training group that everyone performs the exercises at their own breathing pace.