This is an easy question to answer, but the end results will not be achieved without effort and close attention to the lessons over a sustained period, so that Pilates becomes a normal part of all that you do in your everyday life. That way you can continually be energised in body and mind; with an ensuing enhancement of spirit. So, to answer the question: When followed correctly Pilates can help you achieve the following:-

Release from pain

Certain of the exercises demonstrated can help to ease back pain, pain in joints, discomfort and pain encountered during and after preganacy. Take careful note however, that the exercise needs to be focused on the particular pain. You cannot assume that all Pilates exercises will be kind to your painful conditions. This is definitely NOT the case. We cannot provide specific treatment for your own particular condition. We have never even met you! But we will endeavour to point out specific exercises in the sessions ahead that are engineered to be comforting for commonly occurring conditions that may be applicable to you. You however must take responsibility for determining your condition with your local health care professional team. You may choose not to pursue a professional diagnosis and to carefully engage in certain exercises that we suggest are frequently beneficial for certain pain on the basis that it seems appropriate to you. And you may find it helps. That is your choice, but not our recommendation.

Protection from the onset of pain

Careful strengthening of the central core will build up the muscles that stabilise the spine. It will also correct posture and when combined with the whole Pilates exercise regime, facilitate better balance and co-ordination. The effect is to be able to function in your everyday life with greater stability and greatly reduced risk of injury or pain.

Live healthily into old age

OK this needs some clarification. We can’t say that anything is going to guarantee us a long life. Any one of us might succumb to a rotten illness or get hit by a truck tomorrow! However, it seems pretty clear to us all that the reduction of stress and the improved flexibility, together with central strength and energy resulting from fully embracing Pilates for life, can only be good into old age. Joseph Pilates was a picture of health and an incredibly athletic looking man even in his eighties. No coincidence then that his niece, Mary Pilates who trained and worked with him has also been able to keep up the exercises and be in great shape herself into her eighties too. Not only were these people physically fit, they maintained great clarity of thought and an amazing enthusiasm for life.

Feel good and LOOK good too!

If you want a lean, toned fit looking body, Pilates can provide you with exactly that. Unlike other forms of exercise where you may be tempted to just concentrate on the aesthetics of isolated parts of your body, Pilates can provide you with the real thing. Not a superficial attempt to "fix" your abs, to try and get that "six pack" effect. Pilates is the real deal! You will achieve control and toning of the deeper abdominal muscles with the result that the stomach is drawn in toward the spine. The overall effect to sustained Pilates exercising is a beautifully sculptured body.

A "taller", leaner you

If you have heard it said that "Pilates makes you grow taller", this may sound like nonsense. However, it is surprising how dramatic the effects of Pilates can be on the appearance of some people. Posture is poor in many people and our daily lifestyle just encourages bad posture. Pilates teaches you to find your true neutral alignment and correct poor posture. The end result should be a more elegant ‘taller’ you.

Enhancement of sexual pleasure and the potential for improved fertility

You will find many references to the "pelvic floor" within the Pilates teachings. This will be explained in more detail elsewhere. In brief however, learning to control this deep muscle structure can develop into a greater ability for women to control the muscles of the vagina. For men, their development and control through this exercise can aid prolonged pleasure in love-making. In terms of fertility, research indicates that lifestyle changes and particularly nutritional factors can have an influence on some aspects of fertility matters. (See the Healthy Living section for more information.) In addition, it is believed that improved fitness is one of the factors that can contribute to the production of healthy sperm in men.

Aid to overcoming or improved control of incontinence

Many people experience the inconvenience and somewhat embarrassing condition of incontinence during their lives. It is particularly common for women during or after pregnancy. The Pilates lessons of muscular control within the area of the pelvic floor have been found to have positively beneficial effects upon the condition. We believe that sufferers of milder forms of incontinence frequently report complete success in reinstating full bodily control.

An aid to asthmatics and generally improved breathing

The deep, controlled patterns of breathing are a key feature of Pilates. Students have found that their ability to function at many levels is greatly improved through being able to breathe fully. The efficient use of the lungs circulates more oxygen through the bloodstream, benefiting all the organs and muscles. Sufferers of asthma have also reported improvements in the management of their condition and we believe a reduction in the intensity and frequency of episodes.

Improved sports and athletic performance

The whole body fitness approach that is at the heart of pure Pilates is the ideal central focus of any advanced training. What is more, the concentration on core fitness and stability through Pilates provides athletes and sportspeople with the perfect inner ‘foundation’ to the structure of the body. The secret ingredient to Pilates however, is in simple terms ‘balance and co-ordination’. Through the carefully controlled exercises and specific balance and co-ordination activities, sportspeople particularly benefit in an ability to perform their sports with cleaner, purer form, power and control.

The makings of great dancers, skaters, skiers and surfers

By the time you get to read this section, it’s pretty likely you will have already grasped that Pilates is the perfect grounding for all activities involving balance, muscular control, poise, grace, elegance