Joseph Pilates was about 50 years ahead of his time; and he knew it. His innovative approach to mind/body fitness has not only proven to change the body as a whole, but to strengthen the mind and spirit as well. Pilates believed that in order to achieve happiness it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. He stated, "If at the age of thirty you are stiff and out of shape, then you are old. If at sixty, you are supple and strong, then you are young." He was right. Developed in the early 1900s, the Pilates philosophy focuses on training the mind and body to work together toward the goal of overall fitness. Although born in a completely different era, Joseph Pilates understood the daily stress and toll of a busy schedule on the mind and body. If we don't properly learn to strengthen, control and move our bodies, how can we expect them to withstand the rigors of daily living? Pilates exercises are not designed to leave you tired, winded and sore. In fact, just the opposite is true. By allowing the movements to stretch your body as you simultaneously work on the strengthening elements, you are creating a habit of relaxed effort for your body to follow. You'll discover a newfound ease when executing even routine daily tasks. Structured around the stomach, hips, lower back and buttocks-the deep center of the body- its "powerhouse"-the movements of the Pilates method are instrumental in maintaining good posture and alignment. Because you stretch your muscles as you strengthen them, you are heightening flexibility, control, awareness of length and range of movement. The result is a super strong abdominal center, long, lean muscle, supple spine and a refined sense of movement and ease. from "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler