Pilates is the workout du jour, the crème de la crème of mind-body exercise, and it’s tipped to be top of the exercise charts this year. Why? Possibly because it not only lengthens and strengthens the body, but also helps exercisers to gain control over their breath and core muscles. It’s got a wealth of celebrity advocates – with Hilary Duff, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson all crediting Pilates for helping them stay in shape – and we’re seeing a horde of new Pilates workouts and studios prepare to pop up over the coming months. So, if you want to get to grips with this popular form of exercise but don’t know where to start, follow these beginner tips from The Little Book of Pilates by Rachel Lawrence (£6.99; Vie Books) to go from strength to strength this season.
