The Benefits of Pilates

The Pilates Method of body conditioning was named after its founder, Joseph H. Pilates, who developed his exercise program over 100 years ago. It is a unique system of exercise that works to promote whole body health and whole body commitment. Pilates exercises strengthen and tone muscles, and help improve posture, flexibility, and balance.

Pilates exercises work for people of all ages and all levels of fitness. The exercises work well for an elite athlete, and work equally well for those with limited ranges of motion.

Pilates for Parkinson's Disease: An Instructional Handbook.
The exercises in this guidebook are a combination of modified Pilates exercises and specific movement exercises focusing on torso rotation, lateral flexion of the spine and extension.

As of February, 2010, the 2nd edition of the Handbook is available, providing more descriptions and photos of seated exercises in addition to traditional mat exercises.

View a sample page of exercises
from Pilates for Parkinson's Disease