Gill Heelbi discovers the exercise routine that helps keep the mind and body young and invigorated.

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Developed during the First World War, Pilates, named after its creator, Joseph Pilates, is a physical fitness system designed to strengthen, elongate and restore the body to balance.

It was first used to improve the rehabilitation program for many of the German veterans and Joseph Pilates believed mental and physical health were essential to one another.

Nowadays, we?re still practising what he preached, so much so, that the fitness regime has become something of a craze among people of all ages and fitness levels.

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As Pilates has grown more and more popular, most gyms now hold special Pilates classes at least once a week. Classes tend to focus on specific areas whilst combining exercises which re-educate the body to restore it to optimum muscular and skeletal function, making it a unique way to relieve tension and promote a feeling of well being.

General practitioners, osteopaths and physiotherapists all recommend Pilates as one of the safest forms exercise there is today.

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However, you can experience the benefits of Pilates in the comfort of your own, just as long as you warm up properly beforehand and cool down afterwards, in order to prevent any serious strain or injury.

As well as this, you?ll need to wear comfortable clothing which allows you to move, as well as the correct apparatus, such as a balance ball and exercise mat.

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Breathing is also an essential part of the Pilates practise ? you should breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth, in harmony with the movement of your body.

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Creating a stable base is important too. By learning to stabilise your pelvis during Pilates, you?ll protect your lower back from injury as well as creating a stable base from which to move freely.

Using a balance ball is now one of the most popular ways to achieve a Pilates workout at home. However, we recommend that before you try it by yourself; take a few classes with a certified instructor who can give you a good understanding of the basic principles of the Pilates experience.

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Benefits of Pilates include:

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• Increased stability for the pelvis and shoulders
• A more efficient and supportive core
• Muscle tone and flexibility
• Complements training for athletes
• Improved posture
• Mobility and flexibility of the spine

"Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit." Joseph Pilates