Why does it seem that in the last few years, literally everyone is doing Pilates? From Hollywood stars to elite athletes, right down to the pensioner next door? It's because everyone really is doing Pilates! And for those who don't, it's time to start. Why? Because Pilates is for young and old, athletes, amateurs, mothers, grandparents, boys, girls, in short, for everyone. You don't have to take our word for it, let the benefits of Pilates speak for themselves!

• Pilates moves the whole body.

Unlike many other forms of exercise, Pilates sculpts the body in a steady way. You won't end up with one part of your body overdeveloped and the other underdeveloped. If you're a visual type, think of the arm-wrestlers and their incredibly muscular right arm!

Although Pilates has its own focus (which is none other than the torso), the rest of your body will not be neglected.

The focus on the core, breathing and mind makes Pilates a complex form of movement that is hard to find. This is one of the reasons for its popularity among professional athletes and why it is recommended by doctors for those who need rehabilitation.

• Pilates can be easily modified according to your abilities and needs.

We cannot expect an athlete and a retired accountant to do the same exercises. After all, the athlete has devoted almost his entire life to sport, so his body is a well-oiled machine. In contrast, our retired accountant has done her job sitting down, and the accumulated years of experience limit her range of motion even more. But neither of them need to give up Pilates.

There are thousands of Pilates exercises, and all of them can be modified. So you're sure to avoid injury, but you don't have to worry about the exercises being too easy.

• Pilates increases strength, not mass.

There are the professional bodybuilders whose goal is to gain as much muscle mass as possible, and there is everyone else. You're probably not a bodybuilder either (since you're reading about pilates), and you don't have a goal of looking like a cloud of lamb.

If you prefer lean, long muscles, Pilates is the exercise for you! You can build muscles like these with the right combination of stretching and strengthening, and Pilates is full of stretching exercises. Your muscles will get stronger, but they won't increase in volume.

• Pilates increases flexibility.

Pilates significantly improves the flexibility of muscles and joints. The range of movement is increased and the risk of injury is reduced, because the muscle that stretches does not tear.

You won't get the hair-raising results you get with yoga. Rather, Pilates will help you sculpt a body that is perfectly functional and that allows you to enjoy life to the fullest. Because, let's be real, when does life expect us to fold ourselves into pretzels?

• Pilates strengthens the core.

The deep seated muscles of the back, abdomen and pelvic floor form the trunk. It's vital that these muscles are strong and healthy, as they are responsible for a straight back, correct posture and easy movements. When you have a strong core, your whole body is supported. So we don't put pressure on the neck and shoulders. The muscles of the trunk can support the body on their own, so the other muscles and joints don't have to "help".

An added advantage is that a strong torso comes with a tight belly. And who wouldn't love a flat, muscular stomach?

If we haven't convinced you yet, stay tuned next time when we'll be explaining the other benefits of Pilates.