I don't recall when I first heard of Pilates (puh-LAH-teez). Ages ago. It's been in New York City since 1926 when Joe Pilates opened the original studio. Performers and athletes trained with Pilates. I remember hearing references associated with dancers and figure skaters. You know, the ones with legs for days, with the grace and strength of movement that leaves you breathless. You know the ones. And I thought, 'if only'.

Then, in the last ten years or so, more and more celebs are doing Pilates. Studios are springing up all over the world. This increased accessibility moved Pilates from my 'wish' list to my 'to do' list.

Joe Pilates said of his total body conditioning method of exercise: "You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions."

Whether you use Pilates apparatus or do strictly floor exercises, the principles are the same: focus, centering, precision, balance, breathing, control, coordination. Many of the exercises are done in a reclining or sitting position to relieve the burden of gravity. All of the exercises are done from your center, the Pilates 'powerhouse' - the muscles of the abdomen, back, thighs and buttocks. The command to 'scoop' is an integral part of the drill. It means to pull your navel up and back against your spine. Not 'suck it in'. 'Scooping' requires that you start from heels firmly pressed together, engaging the muscles of your abdomen, back, thighs and buttocks to lift and press your navel to your spine. Then breath and move through a variety (more than 600) of total body exercises under the watchful and demanding guidance of your instructor.

I started my first thirty sessions in October 1996. I walked away from my first lesson aware that I had had a good workout, that I had worked muscles I had never previously worked and that my 'center' was tighter. On the hour drive home I realized that I was 'scooped' against the back of the car seat. The drive was less tiring. Somewhere between five and ten lessons I rode in a dressage workshop. I had to lengthen my stirrup leathers three holes to accommodate my longer legs. I was able to move in ways I had never previously achieved. My improved balance produced a remarkable improvement in my horse's performance.

Somewhere around the tenth lesson I had to do a double take in the mirror. The back of my neck was different, an incipient 'dowager's hump' that had barely started and that I was only vaguely aware of was gone. I realized that when retrieving the inevitable dropped pen or paper from my desk, I was able to reach further than I could before. Another marvel of the Pilates equipment is how it allows you to move. In all planes, in all positions, I found that I was moving in ways that I had only previously attempted underwater.

All sessions are individualized. I overheard one student ask for preparation for a skiing vacation. Later he raved how much the Pilates had improved his ability and stamina. I saw and heard office workers, waiters, executives, dancers and athletes work on various injuries with good results.

In order to learn more, I took the teacher training program. A lot of work and a marvelous treat, my training allowed me to work with Romana. Romana danced with Balanchine and when injured, he took her to Joe Pilates. She became Joe's protégé and he passed the Pilates torch to her. I continue my regular Pilates workouts and I teach two to six lessons a week. I prescribe Pilates to my patients for problems from headaches, neck and back aches, complaints related to shoulder, knee, hip, heel, and foot injuries.

I'm sure you can locate Pilates studios on the internet. I found mine by calling 1-800-PILATES. Do be sure to use a certified Pilates instructor. It's worth every penny.