Pilates, developed in the late 1920s by Joseph Pilates, has gained widespread popularity and is now practised in a variety of forms at home and in fitness studios. Its claimed benefits are numerous - improved muscle tone, posture, coordination, flexibility, core strength, and the ability to move more gracefully and fluidly. Mentally, by using controlled breathing and a varied routine, powers of concentration and focus are enhanced. The ideal pilates routine strives to be low impact, easy to follow and will not leave you feeling  fatigued the way an aerobic or weight training workout can. Through attending pilates classes or purchasing videos and dvds, it is easily attainable to learn the basics. For those who lack the time or inclination to participate in classes, designing and following your own pilates routine can be fun and rewarding both mentally and physically. This article will highlight advice and tips for those wishing to follow their own pilates routine.Your pilates routine should begin with a warm up that emphasizes flexibility, maintaining proper body position and circulation. The routine should make use of positions and poses that exercise the core as well as specific areas such as the buttocks, arms and legs. It is important to follow exercises that move seamlessly from one to another. Your routine should resemble a dance in that there are a series of movements beginning in one area and transitioning to the next. You never want to be moving up and down constantly or abruptly from the floor. One exercise should lead smoothly to the next. Time must also be alloted at the end for a cool down and stretching    There are a number of ways to help control the tempo of your pilates routine. Counting breathing cycles or seconds for each pose or exercise helps you modulate the routine's timing. Music is another factor for adding enjoyment and pacing. Typically, music appropriate for pilates is slower and instrumental, but the choice is always yours. It is wise however, to select a professionally made CD that has a gentle transition between songs. The key is to use something that is not choppy but also inspires and challenges you.Boredom is one of the biggest obstacle to sustaining your pilates workout over time. Doing the same routine over and over again becomes monotonous. There are any number of ways to make your routine more fun, challenging a varied. It is important to first establish proper form, breathing patterns and technique. Once this is accomplished, there are a multitude of books, videos and dvds with exercise variations. Find resources with detailed instructions on proper form, so that these new moves can be incorporated with the maximum benefit. Fitness balls, cirles and resistance bands are pieces of equipment that you can use to make your workout more interesting and target different muscle sets. Again, the key is to learn and practice correct use first before working these exercise props into your routine.Designing and modifying your own pilates routine can add much greater joy and benefits to your workout. Your own routine is conducive to an environment that is not competitive or judgemental. As with all endeavors, it is your dedication, and desire to maintain a high level of health and well being that will determine your results.