There’s a lot of talk about core work; the need to strengthen the core.  So, who needs core strengthening, what is the core, and what’s the best way to strengthen the core musculature?
Joseph Pilates, a German immigrant, became known for his work rehabilitating dancers in New York City during the ‘50s. Pilates, was originally called Contrology.  All of the movements were executed with great control and movement was controlled by the core musculature.
So who needs core strengthening?  All human beings can benefit from some form of Pilates.  As we age and loose muscle elasticity and flexibility, often injury follows. As we age, the posture muscles become challenged.  Have you observed our aged population, often rounded over with slouched shoulders?
One of the best ways to strengthen your core musculature is with Pilates.  The pursuit of “six-pack” abs by repetitive “crunches or sit ups” is often a path of inefficiency and can lead to neck and low back injury when done incorrectly.  Additionally, these types of exercises typically only develop the rectus abdominis. On the other hand, the Pilates Method is a system of precise movements that develop and strengthen the entire core including the pelvic floor, obliques, gluteals, and muscles of the low back.
The most accessible form of Pilates is the Matwork; it’s a basic set of exercises performed on a cushioned mat.  The exercises are performed in a specific order allowing the spine to be strengthened and challenged in a variety of ways. Some mat exercises are quite difficult, but all can be modified for beginners.  Pilates is also performed on equipment, known as the apparatus.  This form of Pilates is ideal for individuals that find the matwork too difficult and for individuals that want the benefit or challenge of working one-on-one with a teacher. 
When searching for a Pilates teacher, be picky.  A credible Pilates teacher will have graduated from a National Program with at least 200 hours of training.  Search the Pilates Method Alliance (www.pilatesmethodalliance.org) for a nationally recognized teacher and ask your teacher about his/her credentials before committing to classes or private lessons.  The average cost for a Pilates mat class ranges from $10-20 dollars and the average cost of a private lesson ranges from $35-80 dollars, per session. Start moving toward balance with Pilates.