What are the benefits of Pilates anyway? I asked a Pilates expert to find out

Two women practising Pilates. They wear matching black leggings and crop tops and sit on mats with their legs extended and raised, torsos leaning back and arms extended, parallel to their legs. .

Pilates has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the past few years and it's not hard to see why—mat Pilates is one of the best ways to build strength without equipment.

The workout style was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and its defining feature is the use of slow, controlled bodyweight movements to build muscular strength and endurance, particularly in the core.