Pilates is remarkably effective and medically-approved. Great for toning and strengthening, it can help to relieve back problems created by a lack of core strength. It is of a holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Central to the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles:

- Relaxation

- Co-ordination 

- Alignment 

- Stamina and Concentration 

- Centring 

- Breathing 

- Flowing Movements
 

By working on the deep architectural structure of the body, 'core stability' is achieved, and then maintained, through increasingly complex movement sequences. Specific problem-areas can be targeted by an exercise, but always in relation to the rest of one's body.