Pilates is a body fitness system that was developed in the twentieth century by J Pilates. He named the method The Art of Contrology, which references the way the motions promotes the use of the mind to control the muscles. It is an exercise system that centres on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine.

Pilates can aid in losing weight by toning your body and conditioning your muscles. Large people that need to lose weight may find it to be a great alternative to regular conditioning classes at the local gym.

There are 2 ways of doing pilates. Either on a mat on the floor or you can use the reformer machine. Both techniques requires trained pilates instructors to teach you individually or as part of a larger group.

This type of pilates exercise is great for older people as well as improving balance and flexibility and also great if you have arthritis or any other joint immobility problems.

In pilates exercises a totally new awareness is discovered while using the body mind connection to be able to perform the movement properly. The movements focus on strengthening the powerhouse muscle groups: your lower back, abdomen and buttocks and help you tone and lose weight in these areas as well.

The best part of all is that whatever your current fitness level or your muscle strength, any normal person can do pilates. It is a very safe method of exercise. The movements are based upon dance and yoga exercises and emphasises body alignment as well as body awareness the same way dance exercises do.

To keep your muscles flexible is of great importance if you are overweight. The more lean muscle mass of your total body composition you have, the more fat mass you will burn on a daily basis. If you don't have the discipline to workout by yourself and lift weights to keep your muscle mass from disappearing completely, pilates is a great alternative.

If money is the option, mixing both might be what would fit your budget and your schedule to tone and shape your body effectively. Pilates is not for anybody who is trying to build size or increase muscle mass in any larger volume. Pilates is usually performed over hour long sessions.

Article by John Glover of http://www.information-on-pilates.com ( The Pilates physical exercise information resource )