It may sound like an appetiser you might find on the menu in an exotic restaurant, but Pilates is in fact a highly sophisticated exercise form that involves stretching and strengthening exercises.

cardio
flexibility
strength
weight loss
injury potential
schedule flexibility
ratings key and credits

the workout
Pilates is an exercise form originally created for injured dancers, but the moves can teach you correct body alignment so that you move gracefully while working out your abs, lower back, thighs and buttocks.

upside
It increases strength, flexibility, endurance and improves posture, alignment, co-ordination and balance without building bulky muscles. Nothing is forced or repetitive and you emphasize correct form rather than going for the burn.

downside
Pilates is expensive, with private lessons from £30 to £150 a session and classes usually £6 to £30 each. Pilates classes are usually cheaper at most gyms or may be free to members. If you like to master things quickly, this may not be the workout for you. Learning Pilates, like yoga and other forms of body alignment exercise, is a long-term evolutionary process.

the pros say
Can’t find a class near you? Check out the video Body Control The Pilates Way with Lynne Robinson [available from www.amazon.co.uk. It’s the next best thing to having an instructor standing beside you. You could also check out www.pilates.co.uk.

requirements
Gear: loose, comfortable clothing.
Instruction/Facilities: you’ll need a class, video, or private lessons on specially designed machines.
Time: Usually one hour.