It is always recommended while doing these types of exercises to start with smaller counts and slow movements without jerks so that one can increase according to ones comfort levels. Hence, if one tries to be smooth and specific, one would be concentrating more in a fewer particular areas and hence would achieve better results than one would if one were to just do some haphazard strength training or body building or fat reduction. That is why, also, one finds that high repetition exercises creates more stamina and power where required as it minimizes wear and tear. Of course, one can always argue, this would take longer. True, but that is becoming the mantra nowadays.

The most common places that attract fat are your thighs, buttocks and abdomen. Other areas are the upper arms, breast areas etc. The leg presses, or the scissors, or the lunges are all using your abdominal and thigh muscles. Hence, if one were to slowly increase the repetitions as one advanced, it would definitely reduce more fat. As a word of caution though, if one were to do it fast, it would only result in tired muscles and aches and spasms thereby increasing discomfort and wear and tear and also reducing the efficacy of the exercises. As a result, one finds that one tends to feel relaxed and leaner afterwards. This is because of the more steady method of muscle toning and building that takes place inside the body.

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Pilates gained much of its recognition from Hollywood with actors/actresses vouching for their lissome and toned youthful looks and bodies to it. Today as much as Pilates is a fashion and lifestyle statement, it is also used for therapeutic purposes, mainly in physiotherapy. Its precise, controlled movements give one the advantage of better able to adapt to one's limitations and increasing one's mobility and maintain posture. Slowly and steadily it is gaining its place in the medical profession.

However, in spite of such fame and claims of success, Pilates has its share of controversies and arguments. Some professionals believe that Pilates is not appropriate where one requires heavy workouts or cardiovascular training, or muscle building and certain case sensitive diseases like osteoporosis, brittle bone disease, etc. Also, although Pilates claims to produce leaner and longer muscles without hypertrophy or unnecessary enlargement of the muscles, they are refuted by the fact that any other low-impact, high-repetition exercises also does the same. As always, there is always the danger of overdoing something and sometimes this hampers the authenticity of the Pilates regime as some may not conform strictly to it and incorporate others which were originally not there. Also, the Pilates equipments are now said to be variations or existing models used for more or less the same kind of exercises or gymnastics.

Also, in spite of the worldwide acclaim, there are only a handful of agencies that provides a valid certification course or teachers certification. The only American exam known to offer accreditation and a professional certification is that of the Pilates Method Alliance. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) which provides certification for professional courses not licensed by the government also provides accreditation for Pilates instructor training.

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