Pilates is an exercise system that creates flexibility and strength for the entire body. It coordinates the upper and lower musculature with the body's center. Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) during the first part of the 20th century and is currently used by over 10 million people in the United States and around the world.

Pilates largely avoids high impact, high power output, and heavy muscular and skeletal loading. The emphasis is not simply building muscle mass. Its focus is unique in its emphasis on lengthening and alignment, and it can successfully train muscles which bodybuilding and conventional gym aerobics can just as easily avoid, thus preventing injury. (wikipedia.org)