Tone Your Body Without Breaking a Sweat

Pilates was not immediately a focus for Wyatt, however, as a career shift from dance led to a desk job in publishing -- until one day, after she heard a co-worker mention how elated she was after a pilates session. Something clicked, Wyatt says, and she immediately started researching pilates studios.

"I found Romana Kryzanowska -- she's one of the first generation teachers who Joe trained -- and after one session, I decided to get certified," Wyatt says.

The Method

There are two ways to practice pilates: through the floor-based mat work, and via various machines such as the Reformer and the Cadillac, which use platforms with springs, levers and bars to offer resistance.

Prices for classes have kept pace with pilates' growing popularity, both with countless celebrities and exercise novices. Private lessons can run between $50 and $300 an hour, depending on location and the teacher's level of expertise, says Wyatt. Group mat classes are far less expensive, however, starting around $15 to $25 per session.

The matwork may be the most accessible, yet in many ways, it is also the most challenging. Wyatt refers to it as the purest form of the exercise, as it is the foundation of Pilates' original regimen. Here you simply work against gravity, but your entire powerhouse must be constantly engaged to maintain proper body positioning.

Fletcher adds, "One of the most amazing things about pilates is how you can be supine and still completely work all areas of your body, arms, legs, back, feet."

The large machines -- which, to novices, can indeed look rather intimidating -- "developed out of rehabilitation needs of Pilates' clients," Wyatt explains. "The Spine Corrector, for example, is a barrel-shaped piece that an instructor will lay a client over [to] perform exercises. It helps open the hips and shoulders." For more advanced students, the machines also offer a platform for further strengthening challenges.

One of the most appealing factors about pilates is its efficiency; the exercises, whether on mat or machines, are quick and focused.

As Pilates said, "A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion." And this is one reason why individual lessons can be more beneficial, especially to new practitioners -- a certified instructor can pay careful attention to your execution and help you make any adjustments. Often, a subtle shift may be needed to get the full benefit of the movement.

The abundance of pilates classes today is a double-edged sword. Although San Miguel expresses delight with adherents' growing passion for the practice, she cautions that it is even more important now to uphold Joseph Pilates' true principles. To find a Pilates Method Alliance-certified teacher, click here.

The most important, lasting effect of pilates, however, is far beyond just a sleek, toned physique. As San Miguel puts it, "Joe thought of himself as a universal reformer, and had a very broad scope in mind ... helping others to have healthier, happier lives and make a healthier, happier society."

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