Its creator Joseph Pilates originally named his method Contrology because he believed it used the mind to control the muscles.  By focusing on breathing, the muscles can be controlled and therefore strengthened. To improve the body’s balance, the program targets core muscles.

Pilates Master Instructor Yasmina Baghdad, the only Arab Muslim to be certified from the Balance Body University in the US, holds classes and personal sessions in gyms all over Jeddah including Gold’s Gym, Power Inn and Chamelle Plaza.

She also gives personal Pilates sessions to clients and works with patients in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Many Gold’s Gym members claim their favorite class is her BOSU Pilates session, which incorporates the BOSU. This is a spherical dome on a platform that forces the user to use core muscles to maintain balance. Another favorite is the Reformer, a collection of Pilates machines that takes advantage of the user’s own weight to provide resistance and assistance through a system of bands and springs. “Pilates should be done on Reformer equipment in order to get the most out of the work-out and have the best support,” suggests Yasmina.

Exercises on the Reformer are versatile and are performed either lying down, kneeling, or standing.

“Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs,” says Yasmina.

“It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.”

Pilates teaches body awareness and improves posture, flexibility, agility, and economy of motion. “It can even help alleviate back pain,” adds Yasmina. Developing an evenly conditioned body will ultimately help prevent future injuries and support the spine.