BOSTON -- Since Pilates has found its way into most of the major fitness facilities in the country, a bit of history and further explanation of this program may be in order.

Pilates is anything but new. Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. While working in a camp teaching wrestling and self-defense after World War I broke out, he developed a system of original exercises he called "Contrology." While working with injured people, he developed some special pieces of exercise equipment to help people that didn't have enough strength to perform his exercises by themselves, on the floor. His move to New York in 1925 led to the opening of a gym and eventually to work with many dancers to improve their strength and help them rehabilitate from injuries.

So, what does all this mean to you as a consumer/fitness enthusiast? It simply means that there is a rich history behind the development of pilates. If you want to be sure of the credibility a specific program, take a look at the training of the instructors and/or videos that you may want to work out with. All of the nationally recognized pilates organizations have in-depth training programs consisting of hundreds of hours of learning the specific floor exercises, use of the equipment, physiology, biomechanics and anatomy.

As you check out facilities that offer pilates, keep in mind the elements of different training styles, creativity and individual application. With these differences comes the responsibility for a strong foundation in the basics. Whether in a class situation or personal training, the cornerstones of credible Pilates instruction are teaching an individual to understand stabilization and movement of their body.

Key organizations that offer credible training programs include: The Pilates Method Alliance, Stott Pilates, Power Pilates of New York, Polestar and The All American Pilates Training School, to name a few.