Many people today are seeking to move away from the "no pain no gain" mentality of the gym and find alternative ways of keeping their bodies and minds in shape. Pilates is a method of mental and physical control which was first developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates using elements of yoga and classical dance. The method is now used by many dancers and athletes and has gained worldwide recognition as a form of controlled exercise. This book should enable experienced and novice Pilates practitioners to enjoy the benefits at home. Containing sections on posture, breating, warm-ups and the use of weights, Pilates is something which can be incorporated into the everyday life of anyone from seven to seventy.