In our previous article you learned about the five benefits of Pilates - but the list goes on!

But first, a little trivia - did you know that Cameron Diaz prepared for her role in Charlie's Angels by doing Pilates?

Let's see why stars like Diaz, Kate Hudson, Sandra Bullock and Gwyneth Paltrow choose Pilates!

• Pilates corrects posture.

Correct posture is only possible if the muscles of the torso are strong enough. Good posture means that your spine and joints are in a neutral position. This is the position in which there is the least tension in the body, and in the long term it also helps prevent wear and tear from bad posture.

Its positive effect on posture makes Pilates ideal for back pain relief.

• Pilates increases energy levels.

Here's a real paradox - the more you exercise, the more energy you'll have. How is this possible? Because it's well known that exercise is (also) good for draining excess energy.

Pilates stimulates blood circulation and breathing, stimulates the spine and muscles and floods the body with happy hormones. All this contributes to feeling more energetic after Pilates. That's why Pilates can be used as a complement to other forms of exercise. However, if you don't have time for a full workout, 5 minutes of Pilates can give you a boost of energy.

• Pilates helps you lose weight.

If you do Pilates regularly and persistently, your body will change. You'll have longer, stronger muscles, a leaner body and better posture, all of which will help you move more gracefully. This will make you look much thinner even if the number of kilos hasn't changed.

If you want to lose weight, the rule is simple - burn more calories than you take in. Pilates will help you do this. And if you couple it with some fat-burning activity, you've got a fantastic tool.

• Pilates increases alertness.

It was not for nothing that Joseph Pilates called the Pilates body Contrology. According to him, Pilates is „the total coordination of body, mind and spirit”. That's why Pilates is so special - every exercise requires total attention. When we focus solely on the movements, our mind and body become one. This is how Pilates has the most positive effects.

The basic principles of Pilates - centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flow - are the main factors for the full integration of body and brain.

• There are lots of ways to do Pilates.

Today it is extremely easy to find a Pilates instructor. Not only is the internet full of them, but you can also find them in gyms and studios. Compared to a few decades ago, when only a handful of people knew the mysteries of Pilates, there are now many qualified instructors. If you're an absolute beginner, it's worth seeking out a professional as this is the most effective way to learn the basics. Once you've mastered these, you can train at home - all you need is a Pilates mat (which is slightly thicker than a yoga mat) for the simpler exercises.

So you have many options - you can do it at home or in a studio, alone or in a group, on carpet or reformer, for 5 minutes or an hour. The choice is yours!

Pilates has more than just ten benefits. But if we were to list every single one of them, this article would never end. That's why, for example, we didn't see restful sleep on the list, even though it's a significant benefit.

So, what is the verdict? Is it worth trying Pilates? We think so. Try it and discover what's left off our list!