Pilates is a truly unique form of exercise that has grown significantly in popularity over the last few years. In many ways its in sharp contrast with traditional western workouts that follow a philosophy of "no pain no gain". Pilates is different in that it uses your body's own weight to create the resistance to train with. The focus is on low impact training and similar to Yoga is does not try to over exert your muscles through excessive workouts.

While Pilates is mostly practiced without any machines or weights there is one piece of equipment that is widely used. In many ways its essential to most of the postures and exercises and even if you just want to try your hand at Pilates, this is really necessary. The good news is that this piece of Pilates equipment is really cheap.

Pilates is considered to be one of the breakthrough exercise routines of our generation and while it started quite some time ago, its since become hugely popular with programs like Mari Windsor Pilates and many of the celebrity endorsed programs. One of the reasons why there is such a lot of hype around Pilates is simply the fact that it works.

Pilates has been hailed as a fitness revolution and when Joseph Pilates developed his unique exercise regime he probably never imagined that it will take off the way it did. Pilates is not just a great way to get fit but its a great way to improve muscle tone, flexibility and even lose weight.

Many people consider pilates fitness equipment to be redundant and not 100% in accordance with the principles of pilates. The truth is that the form of exercise is evolving and what it lacked in certain areas and workouts we can no append and make better.