Nowadays, everyone has heard of Pilates. There has been a media blitz touting the benefits of this highly unusual method of stretching and toning exercises. No one would argue that Pilates improve blood circulation and flexibility in its practitioners. But, can Pilates make you fit? There has been much debate over whether or not Pilates can improve the overall cardiovascular and general fitness level of the participant. Some people tend to think that Pilates alone will not greatly increase a person's fitness level, although he or she will benefit from the reduce in stress and increase in flexibility that Pilates will provide. However, devotees to Pilates report a definite increase in strength along will the other benefits.

Unlike traditional weight training, Pilates uses breath control, balance and body resistance to increase muscle mass. If you want to pump up your work out routine without adding a weight segment to it, Pilates can help you build lean muscle mass by using the body as its own resistance. You won't build the incredible muscle mass associated with body building and lifting free weights, but the body can provide enough resistance to itself to strengthen the muscles to a great degree. Some of the balancing poses and stretches used in Pilates require a great deal of strength to hold. That natural resistance builds lean, elongated muscle. While aerobic activity is great for the heart and weight lifting strengthens the muscle, Pilates can benefit the body in its own ways.

In addition to the benefits of strengthening muscles that Pilates provide, the method uses controlled breathing techniques and proper spinal alignment. The breathing techniques focus on the individual breathing through a series of ever-increasingly difficult poses. The control, concentration and strength needed to accomplish the exercises give the practitioner a sense of peace after he is finished. The exercises also promote proper spinal alignment, which has untold benefits, everything from sleeping better to fewer colds and headaches.

Even if you choose doing Pilates as a supplement to your regular exercise program, or as your main strength-training exercise, Pilates can help your muscles to grow strong, balanced and supple. In fact, Pilates requires you to hold certain positions for a period of time during the space of several deep breaths. This feat in actually much more difficult than conventional exercise, where the movements can allow momentum to help carry your muscles through till the end. Holding the poses in Pilates actually allows the muscles to realign, becoming more balanced. Also, instead of isolating a particular muscle or set of muscles, Pilates recruits smaller muscle groups around the large set targeted to help with balance. Since you're not overworking the larger muscle groups in isolation, you are less likely to be hurt during your exercise program.

Pilates has multiple benefits. It is considered an exercise program for the mind and body.

The Pilates positions and controlled breathing focus the mind inward instead of focusing on the distractions of everyday life. Using Pilates as a mental exercise with benefits of strengthening the back and muscles, the practitioners can achieve a better mental state and better overall fitness.