The core principles, according to Puleo, include:

Its an internal experience, she says.

Its slow and controlled.

The whole experience is intended to have a mind-body focus to it.

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Youll notice that many of these core values are retained in more contemporary classes.

So, should you combine Pilates with strength training and cardio or keep it separate?

The short answer is it dependson your goals, preference, mood, and other workouts, says Puleo.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

director of education atBalanced Body

Either way, its not the external experience, says Puleo.

This mind-body connection and internal awareness is part of what Puleo says keeps Pilates clients hooked for life.

[Its] a movement practice and awareness practice as opposed to just an exercise routine.

Woman doing hip exercises

You also want to be mindful ofovertraining.

If youre totally new to Pilates butlove to strength trainor vice versathe same balanced approach should be applied.

A goodweekly strength training [workout]should be present somewhere [in your routine].

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

Especially as you age, some level of strength training is invaluable, she says.

Should it be in one class?

I dont think ithasto be one in class.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

director of education atBalanced Body

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Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles