Most people believe that Pilates exercises are strictly to help shape the abs and midsection. While a lean midsection and strong abs are a direct result of using Pilates on a consistent basis, the main benefit of Pilates is that it is used to train your body how to use your core along with other muscle groups.
Pilates integrates your entire body by training your mind that all of your muscles are tied into the core of your body. So instead of serving that tennis ball using nothing but arm power, you will learn how to swing the racket much harder drawing power from your arms and torso. This will allow you to perform any sport or fitness activities at a much higher level and get better results in doing so.
Pilates for beginners would first work on training you how to incorporate the 6 essential principles of Pilates: breathing, centering, control, flow, precision, and concentration. Then you would learn the moves and how you can customize Pilates workouts to better work for you.
Marguerite Ogle, About.com Pilates Expert explains the fundamentals HERE.
