Don’t forget to take off your shoes before peeking behind the luscious red, green and peach drapes made from pieces of Indian saris. Tiptoe into an inviting space with candles, glass orbs and a Magic 8 Ball, and rest on a thick blanket with a comfy oblong pillow.

Thus begins the journey into a Pilates class in Snohomish where, although the atmosphere is calming and restful, the body conditioning being taught results in flexibility and strengthening.

Jillian Pigg, 39, who teaches Pilates at Yoga Circle Studio in Snohomish keeps her teaching to the mat so students can take Pilates training with them wherever they go.

"It is your own practice," Pigg said. "And it’s for you."

Pilates and versions of it such as Yogalates are rising in popularity. Its following includes celebrity devotees such as Courtney Cox, Hugh Grant and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Pilates, an exercise routine invented in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, focuses on developing core abdominal strength. It improves the flexibility of the body without adding muscle bulk. A series of controlled body movements strengthens muscles to support the spine and bone structure.

Like most exercise classes, Pilates is different at every place. Some classes use apparatus that helps to lengthen and strengthen muscles. Joseph Pilates added apparatus to his body conditioning exercises.

Pigg begins class by inviting students to get in touch with their breath as soft meditative music drifts through the room.

"In through the nose, out through the mouth," Pigg said.

"I just want your leg to float," Pigg said. "Start to use your Pilates breath."

Peace and calm are part of what makes the atmosphere conducive to exercise.

One purpose of Pilates is to increase what students of the discipline call core strength. The core, or central powerhouse, is located between the ribs and the hips.

Studying Pilates helps to strengthen and lengthen muscles, and tone and sculpt the body. Students become more flexible.

By developing the core muscles, those doing Pilates can attain better posture. They stand better and exude confidence, Pigg said.

It’s not quite navel gazing when people look to their bellybuttons during class. Students work at developing the muscles in the lower torso and hip area during a routine of fluid movements.

Pigg believes that Pilates also develops inner awareness. Not only do students become aware of an increased range of motion, but they concentrate on breathing and the alignment of the body.

"In a sense you’re working from the inside out," Pigg said.

Pigg also believes that Pilates helps connect inner strength and breath. As well as spinal rotations and loosening the body, she likes the meditative approach.

"Some people think it’s all just sit-ups, but it’s not," Pigg said.

Like many people Snohomish resident Sara Schneider hadn’t been consistent about exercising in the past. But the effects of Pilates has made her more committed to this class.

"It gets all the kinks out," Schneider said. "I feel generally better."

Schneider likes that Pilates isn’t difficult for her and is very relaxing. This is important to those with back, knee or joint issues. Schneider has occasionally strained her lower back and Pilates strengthens the muscles in that area and the stomach muscles.

"I have I feel like my posture is better," Schneider said.

The fluid, continuous movements make Pilates very different from yoga. Students are not getting into a pose and sitting there.

Pigg comes from a dance background having performed with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, then branching into modern and jazz dance. Exercises help dancers to relieve tension in the neck, head and shoulders.

"You are building strength that carries on in your life," Pigg said.

A few years ago Pigg began practicing yoga as a way to prepare for labor with the birth of her first child. She took a Pilates class and liked the concept.

"I really thought that yoga and Pilates went together nicely," Pigg said. "They complement each other beautifully."

Reporter Christina Harper: 425-339-3491 or harper@heraldnet.com.