Everyone at the gym is doing Pilates for core strengthening. Is there really anything to this?

Researchers think so. There are many studies now showing that patients with chronic low back pain lack proper trunk motor control. This includes the abdominal, trunk, and back muscles. These are the core muscles targeted by Pilates.

Joseph Pilates started the Pilates method of exercise in the early 1900s. Pilates is a way of moving and exercising to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Breathing is
an important part of the exercise program. Pilates can be used to improve fitness as well as rehab after an injury.

More studies are needed to find out exactly which exercises are best after back injury and to prevent a repeat injury. We'll need to know how many of each exercise are needed for the best result. Like most exercise, Pilates must be done on a regular basis to work
well.

Martin Descarreaux, MSc, et al. Force Production Parameters in Patients with Low Back Pain and Healthy Control Study Participants. In Spine. February 1, 2004. Vol. 29. No. 3. Pp. 311-317.