Pilates is a fitness exercise system developed in Germany by Joseph Pilates in the early part of the 20th century. Calling it Contrology, Pilates developed his method under the premise that the mind controls the muscles to develop core strength, flexibility and stability. Pilates has grown in popularity so much so, that five years ago there were already 11 million people who practiced this exercise system. The number continues to grow today, attesting to the popularity and efficacy of this form of fitness regimen.

What makes Pilates unique from other exercise programs is that it operates on the interconnection of the body, mind and spirit. This integrative approach is distilled in the six principles of Pilates: Centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow.

Centering refers to bringing the focus of the body to the powerhouse area. This is the region between the lower ribs and the pubic bone. Specifically, the network of muscles on the pelvic floor, the Transversus, the Multifidus, diaphragm, inner thigh and the sitting bone area controls and stabilizes the lumbopelvic region. All Pilates exercises emanate from this powerhouse area and flows outward.

Concentration refers to the attention and commitment one brings to the routine. Intense focus is needed in Pilates because the movements must be done correctly to maximize the benefits that can be derived from it. In this fitness regimen, how the exercise is performed- from proper body alignment to breathing- is often more important than the exercise itself.

Joseph Pilates did not call his method Contrology without reason. This fundamental principle refers to muscle control and how each movement must be performed with control in mind. The practitioner of Pilates is taught how to control every aspect of his movement during the exercise, and as a result develop control over his body in the long-run.

Precision involves concentrating on the correct performance of each exercise. Each movement in Pilates involves proper placement and alignment of the body part being manipulated. Thus, in Pilates, the focus is on the precise and perfect conduct of the exercise. With constant practice, precision becomes second nature and translates to grace and more refined movements.

The fifth principle of breath emphasizes the intake of oxygen and the importance of circulating oxygenated blood all throughout the body. With full inhalation and complete exhalation, the lungs in Pilates are used as bellows to strongly pump the air in and out of the body. Pilates exercises coordinate movement with correct breathing as practitioners are encouraged to breathe correctly.

The final principle of flow refers to how Pilates exercises fluidly move into each other. All exercises in this system flow outward through the use of appropriate transitions. The underlying technique in Pilates asserts that all physical energy flows from a strong core to the outward extremities of the body.

These six principles might seem a bit abstract and difficult to understand at first. But as one progresses into the regimen itself, it becomes easy to comprehend that these are essential for the correct performance of all Pilates exercises. With regular practice and the conscious observance of these principles, the effects of Pilates become evident in a stronger core, more flexible movements and an overall improvement of one's psychological and emotional health.