Your body's stability originates from your core: abdomen and back. Strengthening these areas will create balance in your body, which produces better posture and helps you to avoid injury.

One of the best ways to achieve this core strength is through Pilates, the exercise regimen created in the mid-twentieth century by "body contrologist" Joseph Pilates. His method incorporated deep breathing, which he believed would improve muscle tone and flexibility without stressing the joints and ligaments.

Even if you're an avid practictioner of Pilates, you'll get a lot more out of your next session from these five tips:
1. Just breathe. It sounds simple enough, but many of us forget to do it properly.
2. Roll, don’t swing. Use your muscles, not your momentum, to get you into position.
3. No necking allowed. Spine-rolling too far back on your neck invites injury.
4. Bigger isn’t better. Keep your movements small to give your inner-core muscles a real workout.
5. Don’t go to extremes. Try to maintain as much of your back’s natural curve as possible.

Read the details on these five ways to build a better core.