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The Lotte Berk exercise method was developed by dancer Lotte Berk in the late 1940's. Though she danced with several prominent companies, Berk was left bound to a wheelchair after experiencing severe spinal injuries in a car accident. Berk later developed her own method of exercise that concentrated on the idea of building one's "core stability." Eventually, she was able to leave her wheelchair as a result of the strengthening, balancing, and stabilizing of her pelvis and lower back. Similar to pilates and yoga, the Lotte Berk method concentrates on targeting specific areas for strength and flexibility training. Working from the "core" provides an intensive workout and promotes the growth of muscle tissue, which burns calories at a faster rate than fatty tissue. The Lotte Berk Method for Beginners: Basic Essentials provides an extensive look at the intricacies of the method and an introduction to the most important core-strengthening exercises. Berk's other videos, such as The Lotte Berk Method for Beginners: Muscle Eats Fat and The Lotte Berk Method for Begginers: Hip Hugger Abs offer different intensities and allow one to target particular areas of the body.