Deciding to go for Pilates instructor training is a big decision, and an exciting one. The best advice I can give you is to do as much research as you can upfront. I have written quite a bit  about instructor training here at pilates.about.com.  Now I have even more resources for you -- videos. How cool is that? Read More...

Yes, it's Cinco de Mayo, but Saturday, May 5th is also Pilates DayŽ this year. Pilates DayŽ is a project initiated the Pilates Method Alliance meant to celebrate Pilates and increase awareness of the Pilates Method. Well, hey, we do that everyday here at pilates.about.com but in honor of Pilates DayŽ we can definitely show some extra spirit.

Here are 10 great ways for you to enjoy Pilates this weekend:

1. Find Out What Pilates Is
2. Learn About the Benefits of Pilates
3. Get Started as a Beginner
4. Do a Free Pilates Workout or Two
5. Learn a Bunch of Pilates Exercises - free instructions, of course
6. Get Yourself New Workout Clothes - read reviews
7. Get Yourself a New DVD - read reviews
8. Choose any one of the Top Ways to Learn Pilates and go for it
9. Been doing Pilates a while? Do a Complete Classical Mat Workout (what better way to celebrate?)
10. Follow me on Twitter and Like the Facebook page. Both are great resources for connecting with more people interested in Pilates than you thought were out there.
11. (I can't resist one more. It's a good one!) Find a live event in your area. Pilates studios all around the globe will be hosting special events for Pilates Day.

Related Reading:
Pilates Day 2011- events and musings on the Pilates Day trademark

A strong back is a beautiful back. And, a strong back makes for beautiful posture which is a set-up for better knees, better hips, and  less neck and back pain. Of course, a strong back is always happiest working in tandem with a strong belly.

These 5 back exercises are extensions that lengthen and strengthen when you support these moves with your abs and really, your whole powerhouse.  We're all about the whole body. Always. Enjoy.

Learn 5 Back Extension Exercises

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{photo (c)2009, Marguerite Ogle}

I enjoy house and garden tours. I like to see what other people have done with their properties and get creative solutions I can bring home to mine. Of course, Spring is peak time for such events, which is what gave me the idea to host a Pilates Studio Tour here at About.com.

Last week, in my newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter posts I invited Pilates studio owners to submit photos and descriptions of their studios. I also asked them to share what they felt was personally special about their studio as well as tips for others. The response has been wonderful. Now I'm very pleased to open the tour to anyone who would like enjoy seeing, and reading about, studios from all over the globe. So far we have studios across the U.S, in Europe, and even some from the southern hemisphere with more adding on.

If you've not been to a Pilates studio, here's your chance to get inside a bunch of delightful ones. If you are a studio owner, there is much to be learned from what others are doing. And of course, there are many of us who just like to look.

The Online Pilates Studio Tour is an ongoing project so check back to enjoy the updates as they come in. If you are a studio owner, be sure to submit your studio. All submissions that follow the guidelines are accepted.

Enjoy our Online Pilates Studio Tour

Add Your Studio to the Tour

_{featured image: Pilates Studio Genova, Italy}