What the Celebs have to say ...

Here is what some of them of them say about it:

- "I have been going for 13 years... How do I measure the success of Pilates? Certainly, I emerge with a tremendous sense of wellbeing, and even if I do call at the coffee shop for a croissant afterwards, I still feel my health has been served. I remain active and relatively agile."
Joan Bakewell, writer and broadcaster, on the secret of her health and agility at the age of 70 - from a recent article in The Guardian.
 
- "These [Pilates] exercises are really very necessary when you do a lot of sitting. They keep you flexible enough to pull on your socks as you get older. When I get out of the car now, I don't go arrggghhh..."
Martin Amis, novelist and twice-a-week Pilates devotee

- "I do Pilates four or five times a week. The benefits are subtle, but it increases your flexibility and really tones you up. It also straightens your spine and improves your posture. In the past eight years, I've grown more than two and a half inches (6cm). I am 5ft 7ins (1.70m) and I am very pleased with that."
Belinda Carlisle, singer and pop icon

- "Now I have muscles of steel and could easily deal with giving birth."
Hugh Grant, actor and film star