A secret in the dance world for years, the Pilates technique was first introduced over 75 years ago to dance greats George Balanchine and Martha Graham by Josef Pilates, a German-born gymnast who developed the method to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. Emphasizing abdominal control and spinal alignment, the innovative exercises of Josef Pilates have evolved into a physical and mental conditioning program that is today being recognized the world over as an optimum conditioning method for those seeking a long, lean body. It is designed to stretch and strengthen muscles, while simultaneously eliminating the stress normally placed on the joints in other exercise programs. Pilates can be adapted for people at any level of fitness, including those with injuries and limitations.

Pilates exercise are performed on specialized equipment, as well as on the floor.