Joseph Pilates created his original form of exercise in the 1920's and named it "Contrology". It not only addresses fitness limitations through mat exercises but also uses uniquely designed equipment that operates against spring resistance. Joseph immigrated to the US in 1923 when he met his wife Clara.  Together they opened their New York Pilates Studio and first catered to the dancers of the region including the New York Ballet. Joe and Cara trained 6 elders who taught Pilates and helped to promote it throughout the United States. Pilates works to achieve balance in your body for an overall improvement in your posture. In order to improve your posture you not only have to strengthen your core but achieve more importantly you need to regain spinal elongation as well as spinal articulation. As you are working to achieve your flexibility, articulation and strength you are also addressing breathing; a key concept in Pilates. Learning to control your breathing helps to increase your lung capacity, your circulation, but more importantly...improving your mind-body connection. This connection was very important to Joseph Pilates.  He felt a strong mind-body connection allowed for improved healing and an overall balance. If this is something of interest to you, I highly recommend researching this subject through the Pilates Method Alliance website at www.Pilatesmethodalliance.org