pilates is an exercise routine that helps build flexibility, strength, and endurance - it focuses on breathing, balance, alignment, and developing a strong core.

the system of pilates incorporates many difference types of movements and exercises - being an anaerobic exercise makes it more closely related to weight lifting than to aerobic activities such as jogging or swimming.

unlike other fitness and physical conditioning activities, the origins of pilates are very clear - it was invented in the early 1920s as a rehabilitation technique by a physical trainer named joseph pilates. during that time, soldiers returning from war would need training to recover from war injuries, and joseph pilates was using his new system  with great success.