The Pilates method, or simply Pilates is a system of physical training and mental created in the early twentieth century by German Joseph Pilates, which developed on the basis of their knowledge of various specialties such as gymnastics, orthopaedic surgery, ballet or yoga, participation dynamism and muscular strength with the mind control, breathing and relaxation.

In its principles was called by the Pilates Contrología (Contrology) as it stresses the use of mind to check the body, but the search for balance and unity between the two. The method focuses on developing muscles to maintain internal balance and body give stability and firmness to the spine, which is widely used as therapy and rehabilitation, for example, prevent and treat back pain. It is practiced worldwide and should be part of their growing popularity is practiced by celebrities from the world of music, film, dance or sports.

Some say that this method is much more than a series of exercises is a way of thinking and lifestyle ... Kate Moss, Madonna or Melanie Griffith are among his ardent operators. But what exactly?

Joseph Pilates himself (1880-1967), its author, defined as: "The science and art of coordinated development of mind, body and spirit through natural movements, under the strict control of the will," and you gave the name of Contrología.

The Pilates method is a method that suggests another way of doing the work force of muscular endurance, flexibility and muscle articulate and postural control, it is a very intense and effective, with a separate environment accustomed: instead performed music together and moved by a generally high, while the instructor is shouting instructions, uses a completely different working environment, a relaxed atmosphere that enables direct communication between students and instructors, all with a soft music and pleasing the ear and spirit. In the final analysis, looking for a job of mind, body and spirit; education is a very comprehensive work in the body as a whole, because the muscles more top to bottom, and the equally involved and in harmony body and spirit. It established the Pilates method as "Yoga West."

Its principles are:

1. Monitoring physical (to avoid injuries).
2. Accuracy (arising from control).
3. Flexibility (no movement must be rigid).
4. Fluency (neither too fast nor too slow).
5. Breathing (coordinated with the exercises).
6. Mental Control (the mind is indivisible from body).