The Pilates exercise method was developed by Joseph Pilates, who was born in Germany in 1880 and grew up with asthma, rachitism and rheumatic fever diseases since childhood. Joseph Pilates has been involved in gymnastics and boxing since childhood, and later became interested in eastern cultural physical activities and took an interest in karate and yoga. By combining gymnastics and yoga exercises, he created the pilates exercise method, which includes the philosophy of “strengthen your body and empty your mind” (Latey, 2001; Winsor, 1999).

Pilates is divided into two application methods: mat work and reformer (reformer, cadillac, barrel, chair, spine connector, etc.). Matwork Pilates consists of 34 exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. This movement repertoire consists of combinations of strength, mobility and stretching exercises. The main purpose of 34 pilates exercises is to maintain lumbopelvic stability. In addition, it was created to increase flexibility, endurance, postural and body awareness and to correct muscle imbalance.

Pilates exercise method is a fitness trend in which instruments are used to provide resistance as well as floor exercises to increase flexibility, improve balance and coordination, provide coordination between the brain and muscles and shape the body.

Pilates exercise method is a centering technique that emphasizes lumbopelvic stabilization, segmental mobilization of the spine, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle mobilization and stability, coordination and balance.