Pilates exercise program was developed in 1920's by Joseph Pilates. It essentially relies on various body movements to stretch and strengthen a variety of muscle group.
Recent research from the Physiotherapy Department at Queensland University by Richardson and Jull has demonstrated that by increasing the strength of abdominal muscles the spine is stabilized. Pilates exercises concentrates on core muscle group and the body's power house to strengthen and stabilize.
Pilates exercise in the recent years has entered the mainstream. After an unsuccessful lawsuit, the US federal court has ruled the word Pilates free for use. Hence anyone trained or untrained can offer Pilates exercise without any credentials.
This method of exercise can seem a tad difficult at first, but gradually people start feeling the difference. It may take some time for the full benefits of Pilates exercise to be realized.