By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Villon]Raymond Villon
The typical warm-up exercise in any Pilates style is the exercise known as "The Hundreds". The hundreds gets its name from the breath count implemented while performing the exercise. During the movement, the person would inhale for a count of five followed by exhalation for a count of five. This would be done ten times, making the total breath count one hundred. It can increase circulation of the body in a short amount of time so that it can prepare for a vigorous workout. It is important to do this exercise correctly so no neck or back pain can occur.
The hundreds can be done just about anywhere. It can be done as a part of mat work, or on the reformer apparatus. I've even seen it done on top of the Cadillac apparatus and the Wunda chair too. The only thing needed is a flat surface to lie down on. The muscles used are the shoulders, chest, latissimus dorsi, and the core. The core is an overused term that means just about anything near the belly button so it is important to define what body parts those are. The core is made up of the transverse abdominus (TA), multifidus, diaphragm, and pelvic floor. The TA is special because it acts as a band that wraps all the way around your midline.
The set up includes doing the exercise on a thick mat. Unlike in yoga, Pilates practitioners tend to use mats that are at least 5/8 inch thick. This is because of the numerous spinal articulation movements involved in Pilates. The hundreds are done in supine position (face up) and with the legs in a table top position. To get into the table top, the legs are bent from the hip so that it is ninety degrees from the body. Then the knees are bent so that the lower legs are bent also ninety degrees from the body. The hands are face down on the floor but elevate as the upper body is curled up so that the chin is tucked to the chest. The upper body should be curled up so high that the scapula is lifted from the floor. The legs will straighten to a forty-five degree angle from the floor. It remains this way for the duration of the exercise. The straight arms then start pumping up and down. The breath should be in concert with the movement. As stated before, inhaling for a count of five breaths followed by exhaling for a count of five. This is repeated ten times until a count of one hundred is achieved.
Raymond Villon is a Los Angeles Pilates instructor who runs a business that brings a reformer apparatus to in home sessions.
He can be found at http://www.EastHollywoodPilatesCompany.com and http://www.ReformerRoadshow.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Warming-Up-in-Pilates---The-Hundreds&id=6423165] Warming Up in Pilates - The Hundreds
Friday, April 6, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Pilates Reformer Running
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Villon]Raymond Villon
Athletes can be prone to tight calf muscles, especially in runners, bicyclists, and any other fitness enthusiast that use cardiovascular machines. The calf muscle group consists of the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle. The symptoms are a gradual tightening in the calf muscles that can get worse when repeating a movement over and over again. One of the ways Pilates instructors do to lengthen the muscles of the calves is to do an exercise called running, also known as tendon stretch.
Running on the reformer is not exactly what new clients think it is when they first hear about it. The main purpose of it is to stretch the aforementioned muscles of the calves as well as the Achilles tendon. It should be done slowly because if there's bouncing during the movement, the client can pull his/her muscle.
To set up the reformer for this exercise, the springs must be adjusted to a lighter setting that was used for footwork. If a client used all the springs during their footwork movements, then the "weight" will be decreased by a full two springs. This leaves three springs on which is more than sufficient. I'm not shy about going to only two springs either if the client is really tight.
The client will be laying down in supine position, with their head on the headrest and feet against the foot bar. They should be on the balls of their feet, with their legs hip width distance apart. The client will extend the carriage all the way out so that both legs are extended long, and I like for them to drop their heels under the foot bar. I do this to acquaint them with stretching out their calves. Then to start the exercise, they will flex the calves of one leg while keeping the heel of the other leg down. Then they will point both feet, effectively doing a double calf raise. Once both feet are pointed, I they will then drop the heel of the opposite foot to stretch out that calf. This is done in an alternating fashion for roughly about a minute time. For a newer client, I will have them stop shorter than that.
There are certain things to watch out for when doing this exercise. The first thing I look for is that my client doesn't hyperextend their legs when it comes time to straighten out their leg for the calf stretch. I also make sure that they don't supinate their foot. I will see this when the ball of the big toe starts to lift. The other thing to look for is a pronated foot, which is bad for the knees. The hips are of particular interest as well since hip hiking is common with someone with muscle imbalances. Body awareness is of utmost importance when asking someone to work on hip differentiation.
Raymond Villon is a Los Angeles Pilates instructor who runs a business that brings a reformer apparatus to his client's home sessions.
He can be found at http://www.EastHollywoodPilatesCompany.com and http://www.ReformerRoadshow.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Reformer-Running&id=6422600] Pilates Reformer Running
Athletes can be prone to tight calf muscles, especially in runners, bicyclists, and any other fitness enthusiast that use cardiovascular machines. The calf muscle group consists of the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle. The symptoms are a gradual tightening in the calf muscles that can get worse when repeating a movement over and over again. One of the ways Pilates instructors do to lengthen the muscles of the calves is to do an exercise called running, also known as tendon stretch.
Running on the reformer is not exactly what new clients think it is when they first hear about it. The main purpose of it is to stretch the aforementioned muscles of the calves as well as the Achilles tendon. It should be done slowly because if there's bouncing during the movement, the client can pull his/her muscle.
To set up the reformer for this exercise, the springs must be adjusted to a lighter setting that was used for footwork. If a client used all the springs during their footwork movements, then the "weight" will be decreased by a full two springs. This leaves three springs on which is more than sufficient. I'm not shy about going to only two springs either if the client is really tight.
The client will be laying down in supine position, with their head on the headrest and feet against the foot bar. They should be on the balls of their feet, with their legs hip width distance apart. The client will extend the carriage all the way out so that both legs are extended long, and I like for them to drop their heels under the foot bar. I do this to acquaint them with stretching out their calves. Then to start the exercise, they will flex the calves of one leg while keeping the heel of the other leg down. Then they will point both feet, effectively doing a double calf raise. Once both feet are pointed, I they will then drop the heel of the opposite foot to stretch out that calf. This is done in an alternating fashion for roughly about a minute time. For a newer client, I will have them stop shorter than that.
There are certain things to watch out for when doing this exercise. The first thing I look for is that my client doesn't hyperextend their legs when it comes time to straighten out their leg for the calf stretch. I also make sure that they don't supinate their foot. I will see this when the ball of the big toe starts to lift. The other thing to look for is a pronated foot, which is bad for the knees. The hips are of particular interest as well since hip hiking is common with someone with muscle imbalances. Body awareness is of utmost importance when asking someone to work on hip differentiation.
Raymond Villon is a Los Angeles Pilates instructor who runs a business that brings a reformer apparatus to his client's home sessions.
He can be found at http://www.EastHollywoodPilatesCompany.com and http://www.ReformerRoadshow.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Reformer-Running&id=6422600] Pilates Reformer Running
Monday, April 2, 2012
How to Monitor and Cue the Pilates Hundreds
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Villon]Raymond Villon
In Pilates, the hundreds are a great way to start a session. Whether on the mat or on the reformer, most practitioners use it to get the blood going and start a mild sweat. There are some things to monitor when doing Pilates however, and this exercise is no exception. Specific cuing can help a student visualize what their body is supposed to be doing. Cuing is truly an art form since the right cue will engage the proper muscle groups. Just like other exercises, some modifications may be implemented to keep injuries or pains from disrupting a workout. On the opposite end, variations are a good way to keep movements fresh and stimulating. The body will quickly adapt to any exercise and variations will ensure the muscles keep growing.
To anyone who's watching the hundreds seems like a very simple exercise. The body doesn't move while the arms pump up and down in a brisk pace. The inner workings of the movement are a lot more complex however. A trained instructor will spot neck tension in someone who tends to be stiff. This habit is one of the more prevalent ones at the studio. People who have tight scalenes and those who jut their head forward usually have a very hard time keeping their neck out of abdominal exercises. Another common body part to monitor is the transverse abdominus (TA). If this muscle is kept tight throughout the entire movement, then the ribs will not flare. This is essential for optimal core work.
Cues are especially helpful in a group class setting since there are too many people to approach for every exercise. They can also be implemented in private sessions as well. One of my favorite cues is to tell people "smile across your belly". This simple silly cue is a reminder to pull the abs in tight and feel the wrapping effect. Another one I like to use, especially with someone with tight pectoral muscles is to tell them to keep their chest open. Tight chest muscles happen to office workers who sit at desks or at the wheel of their car for a very long time. The deep back muscle layers become stretched and weak while the chest becomes to tight. The result is someone who suffers from a forward shoulder roll. Very severe rolling of the shoulders can have a kyphotic look to them. My favorite cue is to tell my client to imagine pressing a ball down against the floor as they pump their arm. This seems to work wonders on abdominal engagement.
Raymond Villon is a Los Angeles Pilates instructor who runs a business that brings a reformer apparatus to in home sessions.
He can be found at http://www.EastHollywoodPilatesCompany.com and http://www.ReformerRoadshow.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Monitor-and-Cue-the-Pilates-Hundreds&id=6423176] How to Monitor and Cue the Pilates Hundreds
In Pilates, the hundreds are a great way to start a session. Whether on the mat or on the reformer, most practitioners use it to get the blood going and start a mild sweat. There are some things to monitor when doing Pilates however, and this exercise is no exception. Specific cuing can help a student visualize what their body is supposed to be doing. Cuing is truly an art form since the right cue will engage the proper muscle groups. Just like other exercises, some modifications may be implemented to keep injuries or pains from disrupting a workout. On the opposite end, variations are a good way to keep movements fresh and stimulating. The body will quickly adapt to any exercise and variations will ensure the muscles keep growing.
To anyone who's watching the hundreds seems like a very simple exercise. The body doesn't move while the arms pump up and down in a brisk pace. The inner workings of the movement are a lot more complex however. A trained instructor will spot neck tension in someone who tends to be stiff. This habit is one of the more prevalent ones at the studio. People who have tight scalenes and those who jut their head forward usually have a very hard time keeping their neck out of abdominal exercises. Another common body part to monitor is the transverse abdominus (TA). If this muscle is kept tight throughout the entire movement, then the ribs will not flare. This is essential for optimal core work.
Cues are especially helpful in a group class setting since there are too many people to approach for every exercise. They can also be implemented in private sessions as well. One of my favorite cues is to tell people "smile across your belly". This simple silly cue is a reminder to pull the abs in tight and feel the wrapping effect. Another one I like to use, especially with someone with tight pectoral muscles is to tell them to keep their chest open. Tight chest muscles happen to office workers who sit at desks or at the wheel of their car for a very long time. The deep back muscle layers become stretched and weak while the chest becomes to tight. The result is someone who suffers from a forward shoulder roll. Very severe rolling of the shoulders can have a kyphotic look to them. My favorite cue is to tell my client to imagine pressing a ball down against the floor as they pump their arm. This seems to work wonders on abdominal engagement.
Raymond Villon is a Los Angeles Pilates instructor who runs a business that brings a reformer apparatus to in home sessions.
He can be found at http://www.EastHollywoodPilatesCompany.com and http://www.ReformerRoadshow.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Monitor-and-Cue-the-Pilates-Hundreds&id=6423176] How to Monitor and Cue the Pilates Hundreds
Friday, March 30, 2012
Use Prenatal Pilates to Prevent Diastasis Recti
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ling_Wong]Ling Wong
As we all know, exercise is a great way to stay fit during pregnancy. Doing pilates exercises during pregnancy contributes a great deal to a speedy postnatal recovery. It helps you "get to know" your abdominal muscles, which are key components in the effort to getting back to pre-pregnancy shape.
Pilates teaches you how to use the abdominal muscles properly. Unlike crunches, which focus on the rectus abdominis, a.k.a. the "six pack", pilates recruits the transverse abdominis, the "girdle" muscles - which run deeper within the abdominal and wrap around the side as well. The transverse abdominis run across both the front and the back of the rectus abdominis, thereby helping to pull them in - which is key to a flat belly.
A good part of prenatal pilates is concerned with diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is defined as separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into right and left halves. It is a common occurrence during pregnancy, and pilates is a great way to minimize this condition as well as to speed up recovery.
Recently diastasis recti has received quite a bit of attention, and maybe a little too much. According to some experts in the field of Pilates, some separation is actually normal. You just need to be careful when exercising to minimize the condition. Focus should be given to pulling in the abdominal using the transverse muscles (think knitting the ribs together, and pulling the belly button to the spine). Pregnant women should avoid exercises that require lifting the head and neck off the floor. Strong transverse abdomini muscles will help speed up recovery by acting as a girdle to pull the two halves of the rectus abdominis back together - that means getting back into your skinny jeans that much faster!
There are a few precautions to keep in mind:
Avoid lying on your back for a prolonged period of time after the first trimester. The maximum amount of time varies for each individual - the purpose of this guideline is not to put too much pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major blood vessel, such that circulation is cut off. Some people who "carry small" can lie on their back for longer period of time and later into the pregnancy than others, listening to your body is key.
Try to avoid forward spinal flexion - any exercise that requires lifting the head and neck off the floor. Most of these exercises can be performed by keeping the head and neck on the floor.
Stop doing exercises on your stomach if you can no longer sleep comfortably on your stomach. Most of these exercises focus on the back muscles, and can be modified to be done on hands and knees.
Dehydration is one of the main causes of preterm labor. Staying well-hydrated is always important during pregnancy, particularly when exercising. Water helps maintain the body's core temperature. You should also be aware of any shortness of breath - if you have trouble carrying out a conversation, you should slow down (the "talk test").
If you have been taking pilates classes and would like to continue going to your regular mat classes, just remember to listen to your body - do what you can do, and don't strain to doing what you cannot. Experienced teachers can offer modifications that are suitable for the individuals' fitness level and stage of pregnancy. If you can afford the cost, take at least one private lesson to understand how your body works, learn about appropriate modifications, and have any particular issues addressed.
Ling Wong, MS, CHHC, AADP, is the founder and director of Thoughts For Foods Holistic Health. Thoughts For Foods provides Holistic Nutrition and Wellness coaching to help facilitate transformation in�conscious and focused women determined to live more and stress less to achieve weight loss, more energy, emotional wellbeing and mental clarity using our gradual yet effective "Eat Your Way to Transformation" signature system.
Ling specializing in preconception wellness, fertility support, pre- and post-natal wellness, as well as family nutrition. She holds a Master's of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition and is a Certified Holistic Health Coach.
Learn more at [http://www.thoughts4foods.com]http://www.thoughts4foods.com, and schedule a complimentary Inside-Out Transformation Breakthrough Session.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Use-Prenatal-Pilates-to-Prevent-Diastasis-Recti&id=6419614] Use Prenatal Pilates to Prevent Diastasis Recti
As we all know, exercise is a great way to stay fit during pregnancy. Doing pilates exercises during pregnancy contributes a great deal to a speedy postnatal recovery. It helps you "get to know" your abdominal muscles, which are key components in the effort to getting back to pre-pregnancy shape.
Pilates teaches you how to use the abdominal muscles properly. Unlike crunches, which focus on the rectus abdominis, a.k.a. the "six pack", pilates recruits the transverse abdominis, the "girdle" muscles - which run deeper within the abdominal and wrap around the side as well. The transverse abdominis run across both the front and the back of the rectus abdominis, thereby helping to pull them in - which is key to a flat belly.
A good part of prenatal pilates is concerned with diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is defined as separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into right and left halves. It is a common occurrence during pregnancy, and pilates is a great way to minimize this condition as well as to speed up recovery.
Recently diastasis recti has received quite a bit of attention, and maybe a little too much. According to some experts in the field of Pilates, some separation is actually normal. You just need to be careful when exercising to minimize the condition. Focus should be given to pulling in the abdominal using the transverse muscles (think knitting the ribs together, and pulling the belly button to the spine). Pregnant women should avoid exercises that require lifting the head and neck off the floor. Strong transverse abdomini muscles will help speed up recovery by acting as a girdle to pull the two halves of the rectus abdominis back together - that means getting back into your skinny jeans that much faster!
There are a few precautions to keep in mind:
Avoid lying on your back for a prolonged period of time after the first trimester. The maximum amount of time varies for each individual - the purpose of this guideline is not to put too much pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major blood vessel, such that circulation is cut off. Some people who "carry small" can lie on their back for longer period of time and later into the pregnancy than others, listening to your body is key.
Try to avoid forward spinal flexion - any exercise that requires lifting the head and neck off the floor. Most of these exercises can be performed by keeping the head and neck on the floor.
Stop doing exercises on your stomach if you can no longer sleep comfortably on your stomach. Most of these exercises focus on the back muscles, and can be modified to be done on hands and knees.
Dehydration is one of the main causes of preterm labor. Staying well-hydrated is always important during pregnancy, particularly when exercising. Water helps maintain the body's core temperature. You should also be aware of any shortness of breath - if you have trouble carrying out a conversation, you should slow down (the "talk test").
If you have been taking pilates classes and would like to continue going to your regular mat classes, just remember to listen to your body - do what you can do, and don't strain to doing what you cannot. Experienced teachers can offer modifications that are suitable for the individuals' fitness level and stage of pregnancy. If you can afford the cost, take at least one private lesson to understand how your body works, learn about appropriate modifications, and have any particular issues addressed.
Ling Wong, MS, CHHC, AADP, is the founder and director of Thoughts For Foods Holistic Health. Thoughts For Foods provides Holistic Nutrition and Wellness coaching to help facilitate transformation in�conscious and focused women determined to live more and stress less to achieve weight loss, more energy, emotional wellbeing and mental clarity using our gradual yet effective "Eat Your Way to Transformation" signature system.
Ling specializing in preconception wellness, fertility support, pre- and post-natal wellness, as well as family nutrition. She holds a Master's of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition and is a Certified Holistic Health Coach.
Learn more at [http://www.thoughts4foods.com]http://www.thoughts4foods.com, and schedule a complimentary Inside-Out Transformation Breakthrough Session.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Use-Prenatal-Pilates-to-Prevent-Diastasis-Recti&id=6419614] Use Prenatal Pilates to Prevent Diastasis Recti
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Discover What Can Be Achieved Through Pilates
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gill_Owen]Gill Owen
It may seem that Pilates is a relatively new form of exercise, but Mr Joseph Pilates first developed his form of therapy over 80 years ago, by drawing on the different disciplines of Yoga, dance and gymnastics. His aim was to unite the mind and body in a state of well-being and balance.
Joseph Pilates was a truly holistic practitioner who was motivated by his own ill health to develop some 500 movements which are known as Pilates. Although he originally designed the exercises to be performed with the use of apparatus, there is now no need for anything other than a suitable floor mat to get started.
The purpose of Pilates is to gradually and carefully perfect technique and improve core strength through following a series of increasingly difficult exercises. There is no need to have level of fitness or suppleness to begin as a novice would start with simple and gentle movements.
The emphasis on restored balance and posture is fundamental to Pilates, the theory being that we are all forced into unnatural positions and movements throughout life, which lead to poor posture and sometimes pain or discomfort.
Joseph Pilates was one of the first practitioners to recognise the importance of core strength in physical wellbeing. He referred to the core muscles of the torso as the 'powerhouse' of the body, which provides the limbs with the momentum to move freely and effectively.
There are eight underlying principles of Pilates:
1. Relaxation
Achieving this allows use to detach from the events of the day and think exclusively about the movement we are trying to perfect.
2. Concentration
Which enables us to focus on the detail of each exercise, rather than the level of effort involved or how many times we can repeat a movement.
3. Alignment
It is vital each part of the body is in the correct state throughout each exercise. This encourages us to retrieve the natural posture we were born with.
4. Breathing
There is a tendency for us to hold our breath during exercises that require stillness, but it is very important that oxygen is transported to the necessary parts of the body through deep, lung-filling breaths.
5. Centering
As already mentioned, the use of the core muscles is central to Pilates. Centering ensures that we position the muscles of the torso properly so that the core muscles are brought fully into play.
6. Fluidity of Movement
Avoiding over-stretching and allowing the more muscles to propel the arms and legs without jarring during each exercise.
7. Stamina
Gaining strength gradually through following exercises by degree of difficulty.
8. Co-ordination
Engaging the mind and body in unison.
Some of the rewards of regularly practising Pilates include a stronger immune and lymphatic system, better posture and improved strength and resistance to injury and illness. It's definitely worth giving Pilates a go if you haven't tried. Like so many people, you may even find you get hooked!
If you do give Pilates a try (and I'd encourage you to do so) you will get far more out of your workout if you wear [http://www.lovestretch.co.uk/shop/yoga-clothes-pilates-clothes.html]appropriate Pilates clothing. If you'd like free articles like this one for YOUR website, [http://www.lovestretch.co.uk/free-articles]click to request yours!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-What-Can-Be-Achieved-Through-Pilates&id=6432336] Discover What Can Be Achieved Through Pilates
It may seem that Pilates is a relatively new form of exercise, but Mr Joseph Pilates first developed his form of therapy over 80 years ago, by drawing on the different disciplines of Yoga, dance and gymnastics. His aim was to unite the mind and body in a state of well-being and balance.
Joseph Pilates was a truly holistic practitioner who was motivated by his own ill health to develop some 500 movements which are known as Pilates. Although he originally designed the exercises to be performed with the use of apparatus, there is now no need for anything other than a suitable floor mat to get started.
The purpose of Pilates is to gradually and carefully perfect technique and improve core strength through following a series of increasingly difficult exercises. There is no need to have level of fitness or suppleness to begin as a novice would start with simple and gentle movements.
The emphasis on restored balance and posture is fundamental to Pilates, the theory being that we are all forced into unnatural positions and movements throughout life, which lead to poor posture and sometimes pain or discomfort.
Joseph Pilates was one of the first practitioners to recognise the importance of core strength in physical wellbeing. He referred to the core muscles of the torso as the 'powerhouse' of the body, which provides the limbs with the momentum to move freely and effectively.
There are eight underlying principles of Pilates:
1. Relaxation
Achieving this allows use to detach from the events of the day and think exclusively about the movement we are trying to perfect.
2. Concentration
Which enables us to focus on the detail of each exercise, rather than the level of effort involved or how many times we can repeat a movement.
3. Alignment
It is vital each part of the body is in the correct state throughout each exercise. This encourages us to retrieve the natural posture we were born with.
4. Breathing
There is a tendency for us to hold our breath during exercises that require stillness, but it is very important that oxygen is transported to the necessary parts of the body through deep, lung-filling breaths.
5. Centering
As already mentioned, the use of the core muscles is central to Pilates. Centering ensures that we position the muscles of the torso properly so that the core muscles are brought fully into play.
6. Fluidity of Movement
Avoiding over-stretching and allowing the more muscles to propel the arms and legs without jarring during each exercise.
7. Stamina
Gaining strength gradually through following exercises by degree of difficulty.
8. Co-ordination
Engaging the mind and body in unison.
Some of the rewards of regularly practising Pilates include a stronger immune and lymphatic system, better posture and improved strength and resistance to injury and illness. It's definitely worth giving Pilates a go if you haven't tried. Like so many people, you may even find you get hooked!
If you do give Pilates a try (and I'd encourage you to do so) you will get far more out of your workout if you wear [http://www.lovestretch.co.uk/shop/yoga-clothes-pilates-clothes.html]appropriate Pilates clothing. If you'd like free articles like this one for YOUR website, [http://www.lovestretch.co.uk/free-articles]click to request yours!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-What-Can-Be-Achieved-Through-Pilates&id=6432336] Discover What Can Be Achieved Through Pilates
Monday, March 26, 2012
Pilates Equipment
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susan_A_Johnson]Susan A Johnson
Pilates has become a worldwide phenomenon due to its success in increasing strength and balance. There are many benefits of Pilates including increased core strength, increased fitness and reduction in pain and prevention of injury. Over time there has been various types of equipment introduced to further enhance the workouts and boost results. The most common are the Pilates bands, Pilates ring and the foam roller.
The Pilates ring is a flexible plastic ring approximately one foot in diameter. It is used to give further resistance to the original Pilates exercises and movements. It is a perfect way to progress your current exercise routine to make it more challenging. You can use the ring in most floor exercises in which you are lying on your back. For example, when doing exercises like crunches, the hundreds and bridging. Simply hold the ring between you knees and gently squeeze throughout the exercise. You will activate more muscle groups and make the exercise more challenging. If you are experienced or have practiced Pilates for a while, there are many instructional DVDs available that will guide you through hundreds of exercises using the ring. For a beginner it is recommended that you take are few supervised classes until you master the basics.
The Pilates bands have been used in the rehab setting for decades, and only recently has introduced into Pilates classes. They are a fantastic way to increase resistance when performing arm exercises. They can also be used to enhance leg and balance training during your routine. They come in different resistance levels, which allowed easy progression from light to heavy resistance as you get stronger and need more of a challenge. Again there are many instructional DVDs on the market that will guide you through complete routines using just the band.
The Pilates roller is a foam cylinder about a meter long. It is very versatile and can be incorporated into many existing Pilates exercises. It also has its own set of unique exercises which is great when you want to mix up your routine. There are exercises in which you lie on your back on the roller with only your feet touching the floor. This provides an unstable surface and forces you to activate the deep core muscles. It is advisable to complete a few months of supervised classes with the foam roller as many exercises are quite challenging and may cause injury if not performed correctly.
The best part about Pilates equipment is that its affordable. For under a hundred dollars you can buy all three pieces of equipment and create you own mini Pilates studio. They also don't take up a lot of room, making them easy to store. If you are starting to plateau with your current routine, i strongly recommend taking the next step and buying some equipment to progress and enhance your current routine.
For more information on the [http://www.pilates-ring.net/pilates-resistance-bands.html]pilates resistance bands and the [http://www.pilates-ring.net/pilates-foam-roller.html]pilates foam roller please go to pilates-ring.net.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Equipment&id=6453077] Pilates Equipment
Pilates has become a worldwide phenomenon due to its success in increasing strength and balance. There are many benefits of Pilates including increased core strength, increased fitness and reduction in pain and prevention of injury. Over time there has been various types of equipment introduced to further enhance the workouts and boost results. The most common are the Pilates bands, Pilates ring and the foam roller.
The Pilates ring is a flexible plastic ring approximately one foot in diameter. It is used to give further resistance to the original Pilates exercises and movements. It is a perfect way to progress your current exercise routine to make it more challenging. You can use the ring in most floor exercises in which you are lying on your back. For example, when doing exercises like crunches, the hundreds and bridging. Simply hold the ring between you knees and gently squeeze throughout the exercise. You will activate more muscle groups and make the exercise more challenging. If you are experienced or have practiced Pilates for a while, there are many instructional DVDs available that will guide you through hundreds of exercises using the ring. For a beginner it is recommended that you take are few supervised classes until you master the basics.
The Pilates bands have been used in the rehab setting for decades, and only recently has introduced into Pilates classes. They are a fantastic way to increase resistance when performing arm exercises. They can also be used to enhance leg and balance training during your routine. They come in different resistance levels, which allowed easy progression from light to heavy resistance as you get stronger and need more of a challenge. Again there are many instructional DVDs on the market that will guide you through complete routines using just the band.
The Pilates roller is a foam cylinder about a meter long. It is very versatile and can be incorporated into many existing Pilates exercises. It also has its own set of unique exercises which is great when you want to mix up your routine. There are exercises in which you lie on your back on the roller with only your feet touching the floor. This provides an unstable surface and forces you to activate the deep core muscles. It is advisable to complete a few months of supervised classes with the foam roller as many exercises are quite challenging and may cause injury if not performed correctly.
The best part about Pilates equipment is that its affordable. For under a hundred dollars you can buy all three pieces of equipment and create you own mini Pilates studio. They also don't take up a lot of room, making them easy to store. If you are starting to plateau with your current routine, i strongly recommend taking the next step and buying some equipment to progress and enhance your current routine.
For more information on the [http://www.pilates-ring.net/pilates-resistance-bands.html]pilates resistance bands and the [http://www.pilates-ring.net/pilates-foam-roller.html]pilates foam roller please go to pilates-ring.net.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Equipment&id=6453077] Pilates Equipment
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Pilates Will Change Your Body
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michelle_A_Wright]Michelle A Wright
We all aim to cultivate strength, vigor, control, intensity, energy and other characteristics generally associated with power. They are also the beneficial outcomes from consistent and devoted Pilates practice. If your athletic or a couch potato, young or old, or somewhere in between, Pilates has a role to play as you seek to develop a lifetime habit of exercising sensibly and successfully. Once learned, the critical elements of this exercise can be yours forever, to take with you as you stay active.
Pilates is a whole body exercise program that at once strengthens and lengthens your muscles. You will certainly get toned abdominals with this exercise as the traditional "ab work" you may have participated in at a gym cannot measure up to what Pilates has to offer. Get ready to embrace a program that is diverse, challenging and exciting and say goodbye to doing hundreds of crunches.
This exercise is powerful because it uses the mind to improve the body. Your focus, concentration and attention are called upon with every movement. Without this mental aspect fully engaged you would simply be doing movements and you would not be doing Pilates.
It will take power to engage your whole self with each exercise. Every part of your body will be called upon to move, or not to move. Amazingly, it will be this movement inhibition that will be most challenging, taking weeks and months of practice to attain, and years to perfect. You will see changes to your body from the inside out.
The key to achievement is using your mind as well as your body and you won't tune out with this exercise, instead every movement, every repetition, is performed with concentration and mental control. You will learn to tune in to precisely what your body is doing and not doing, what is moving and what is not moving. Your body will gain new wisdom.
Gladly, part of the power of Pilates is that it gives you almost instant benefits, in spite of your fitness level. Here's a list of the improvements you can look forward to with constant practice:
Better posture
Standing taller
Longer, leaner muscles
Feeling lighter
More energy
Greater ability to focus and concentrate
A sense of persona improved self-esteem
You can anticipate seeing and feeling the changes within a matter of weeks. Your abdominal area will feel firmer and your arms and legs will begin to attain a toned appearance. Each time you do the exercises, you will come away feeling energized, rehabilitated and looking forward to your next session.
Getting firmer abdominals, strengthening the back, toning the arms and sculpting the legs are only tiny parts of the Pilates story. The how it is done is what evolves into the visual and internal changes that change your posture, strength, flexibility, and the spring in your step.
If you ever wanted to obtain that Pilates "look", with toned abdominals and a overall stronger body then visit http://www.fitnessdivine.com/programs and start improving your appearance with one of the many Pilates DVD's and equipments available.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Will-Change-Your-Body&id=6452861] Pilates Will Change Your Body
We all aim to cultivate strength, vigor, control, intensity, energy and other characteristics generally associated with power. They are also the beneficial outcomes from consistent and devoted Pilates practice. If your athletic or a couch potato, young or old, or somewhere in between, Pilates has a role to play as you seek to develop a lifetime habit of exercising sensibly and successfully. Once learned, the critical elements of this exercise can be yours forever, to take with you as you stay active.
Pilates is a whole body exercise program that at once strengthens and lengthens your muscles. You will certainly get toned abdominals with this exercise as the traditional "ab work" you may have participated in at a gym cannot measure up to what Pilates has to offer. Get ready to embrace a program that is diverse, challenging and exciting and say goodbye to doing hundreds of crunches.
This exercise is powerful because it uses the mind to improve the body. Your focus, concentration and attention are called upon with every movement. Without this mental aspect fully engaged you would simply be doing movements and you would not be doing Pilates.
It will take power to engage your whole self with each exercise. Every part of your body will be called upon to move, or not to move. Amazingly, it will be this movement inhibition that will be most challenging, taking weeks and months of practice to attain, and years to perfect. You will see changes to your body from the inside out.
The key to achievement is using your mind as well as your body and you won't tune out with this exercise, instead every movement, every repetition, is performed with concentration and mental control. You will learn to tune in to precisely what your body is doing and not doing, what is moving and what is not moving. Your body will gain new wisdom.
Gladly, part of the power of Pilates is that it gives you almost instant benefits, in spite of your fitness level. Here's a list of the improvements you can look forward to with constant practice:
Better posture
Standing taller
Longer, leaner muscles
Feeling lighter
More energy
Greater ability to focus and concentrate
A sense of persona improved self-esteem
You can anticipate seeing and feeling the changes within a matter of weeks. Your abdominal area will feel firmer and your arms and legs will begin to attain a toned appearance. Each time you do the exercises, you will come away feeling energized, rehabilitated and looking forward to your next session.
Getting firmer abdominals, strengthening the back, toning the arms and sculpting the legs are only tiny parts of the Pilates story. The how it is done is what evolves into the visual and internal changes that change your posture, strength, flexibility, and the spring in your step.
If you ever wanted to obtain that Pilates "look", with toned abdominals and a overall stronger body then visit http://www.fitnessdivine.com/programs and start improving your appearance with one of the many Pilates DVD's and equipments available.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Will-Change-Your-Body&id=6452861] Pilates Will Change Your Body
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Lose Weight With Pilates
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susan_A_Johnson]Susan A Johnson
Pilates has become a worldwide phenomenon, growing significantly in the past few decades. The reason is of the many health benefits gained when you do Pilates regularly. Benefits include increased strength, balance, and muscle endurance. But is it a fast way to lose weight?
In order to lose weight you must keep you heart rate raised in the fat burning zone for an extended period of time. Research recommends for 30 minutes, at least 4 days a week. Examples of traditional weight loss exercises include running and cycling. They are moderate intensity exercises sustained for a long period. Pilates is traditionally focused on control and strengthening and works more on slow steady controlled movements rather than fast movements. But this does not mean you won't drop any weight.
To lose weight fast you need to burn off more calories than you eat. When doing Pilates, you are burning energy and will therefore drop weight. It may not be the ideal type of exercise recommended, but you will definitely burn fat and lose weight. You can increase the amount of calories burnt during you Pilates classes by taking less breaks between exercises. Try to flow continuously from one exercise to the next. This will help keep you heart rate up and at a steady level which is ideal for fat burning.
Another way you can burn more fat with Pilates is by using a rebounder. A rebounder is a small trampoline that can be attached to the bottom of the reformer Pilates machines. By using a rebounder you can do more high intensity exercises such as jumping and hopping which will quickly raise your heart rate to the fast burning zone.
Diet must be mentioned when talking about weight loss. No matter how many classes you take you will not lose weight if your diet is not right. Diets can easily be found by a quick search online. Basically decrease calorie consumption as much as possible, cut out fast foods, and increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat and you will well on your way to a healthy diet plan.
In summary Pilates can definitely be used as a form of exercise for weight loss. Try to change your routine so you do no stop between exercises, keep up your heart rate at a high level for the whole class. Running or jogging may give you more weight loss, but won't give you the added toning and strengthening that Pilates will.
To learn more [http://fast-way-to-lose-weight.net]fast ways to lose weight and tips on the [http://fast-way-to-lose-weight.net/best-cardio-exercises-for-weight-loss]best cardio for weight loss please visit my blog at fast-way-to-lose-weight.net.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Lose-Weight-With-Pilates&id=6467619] Lose Weight With Pilates
Pilates has become a worldwide phenomenon, growing significantly in the past few decades. The reason is of the many health benefits gained when you do Pilates regularly. Benefits include increased strength, balance, and muscle endurance. But is it a fast way to lose weight?
In order to lose weight you must keep you heart rate raised in the fat burning zone for an extended period of time. Research recommends for 30 minutes, at least 4 days a week. Examples of traditional weight loss exercises include running and cycling. They are moderate intensity exercises sustained for a long period. Pilates is traditionally focused on control and strengthening and works more on slow steady controlled movements rather than fast movements. But this does not mean you won't drop any weight.
To lose weight fast you need to burn off more calories than you eat. When doing Pilates, you are burning energy and will therefore drop weight. It may not be the ideal type of exercise recommended, but you will definitely burn fat and lose weight. You can increase the amount of calories burnt during you Pilates classes by taking less breaks between exercises. Try to flow continuously from one exercise to the next. This will help keep you heart rate up and at a steady level which is ideal for fat burning.
Another way you can burn more fat with Pilates is by using a rebounder. A rebounder is a small trampoline that can be attached to the bottom of the reformer Pilates machines. By using a rebounder you can do more high intensity exercises such as jumping and hopping which will quickly raise your heart rate to the fast burning zone.
Diet must be mentioned when talking about weight loss. No matter how many classes you take you will not lose weight if your diet is not right. Diets can easily be found by a quick search online. Basically decrease calorie consumption as much as possible, cut out fast foods, and increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat and you will well on your way to a healthy diet plan.
In summary Pilates can definitely be used as a form of exercise for weight loss. Try to change your routine so you do no stop between exercises, keep up your heart rate at a high level for the whole class. Running or jogging may give you more weight loss, but won't give you the added toning and strengthening that Pilates will.
To learn more [http://fast-way-to-lose-weight.net]fast ways to lose weight and tips on the [http://fast-way-to-lose-weight.net/best-cardio-exercises-for-weight-loss]best cardio for weight loss please visit my blog at fast-way-to-lose-weight.net.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Lose-Weight-With-Pilates&id=6467619] Lose Weight With Pilates
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Do It Yourself (DIY) Pilates - Does It Work?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Ng]Joanna Ng
Unless you've never been physically actively in your life, you have probably heard about Pilates and the many Pilates benefits that can be attained from doing it. You've probably heard that your local Pilates studio offers 8 or 10 week group classes and you've thought about signing up. Maybe you didn't' sign up because you're not sure how to continue when you've completed the classes. That is where "Do It Yourself" (DIY) Pilates comes in.
Once you've taken the beginner's classes, you will have the basic foundation you need to continue on your own. There are many benefits to incorporating these Pilates exercises into your daily routine.
DIY Pilates Benefits
Core Strength
-It builds and strengthens not only your core, but your muscles as well. Your core includes your back, legs, abdominals, pelvic floor muscles and buttocks. When you have a strong core, your entire body will look and feel better; you will walk with poise and confidence. In fact, you are taller.
Stretch & Lengthen
-Pilates stretches up and lengthens the body. All of the exercises teach proper form and posture. This will have you sitting up straight all day long. You learn how to activate your muscles.
Flexible Training Schedule
- rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates offers flexible training times. You can come into the studio on your own time, whenever it is convenient for you. You don't have to worry about being late for class or having to leave work early to get there on time.
It's Semi-Supervised
-When you are in the studio, you can ask any instructor who's around if you are not sure of how to properly use the machine. And if you are practising a certain routine wrong, you will be corrected immediately on the spot, or if you need a demo, the instructor will help you out. There is always someone there to help you, so you will never feel that you are truly alone. There is no worry that you will be injured. Instructors are always at hand to offer help and assistance.
Regain Self- Confidence
-Doing DIY Pilates include not just inner and outer body improvements, but mind improvements as well. You will have greater self-esteem, confidence and self-assurance. You sleep better; have stronger awareness of your breathing, and your body. You have better body mind connection. This connection means you will know when your body has had enough, so you don't overwork it or injure yourself.
You will most probably get some benefits from doing Pilates exercises at home with a mat and a DVD; however, Pilates reformer exercises are much more effective. The machines give you the resistance training that mats cannot. This resistance translates into stronger body and muscular strength. It also adds definition and form to your body. When your muscles are strong and tone, your metabolism will improve. This increase in metabolism makes you a fat-burning machine all day long.
The reformer also makes it easier to engage in a broader range of motion when performing each exercise. For instance, if you have weak abdominals, the resistance helps to support your form and when you get stronger with time, the same resistance challenges you. This means you get the maximum benefit. There is no need to struggle, like most people did on mat work exercises. This is a major reason why Pilates reformer exercises are so popular with athletes and those who needs low impact training. And those recovering from injuries or suffering from chronic pain.
Singapore Pilates Central is the only Singapore Pilates Studio that teaches [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates on Pilates Reformer. Check out the benefits of DIY Pilates now!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-It-Yourself-(DIY)-Pilates---Does-It-Work?&id=6474335] Do It Yourself (DIY) Pilates - Does It Work?
Unless you've never been physically actively in your life, you have probably heard about Pilates and the many Pilates benefits that can be attained from doing it. You've probably heard that your local Pilates studio offers 8 or 10 week group classes and you've thought about signing up. Maybe you didn't' sign up because you're not sure how to continue when you've completed the classes. That is where "Do It Yourself" (DIY) Pilates comes in.
Once you've taken the beginner's classes, you will have the basic foundation you need to continue on your own. There are many benefits to incorporating these Pilates exercises into your daily routine.
DIY Pilates Benefits
Core Strength
-It builds and strengthens not only your core, but your muscles as well. Your core includes your back, legs, abdominals, pelvic floor muscles and buttocks. When you have a strong core, your entire body will look and feel better; you will walk with poise and confidence. In fact, you are taller.
Stretch & Lengthen
-Pilates stretches up and lengthens the body. All of the exercises teach proper form and posture. This will have you sitting up straight all day long. You learn how to activate your muscles.
Flexible Training Schedule
- rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates offers flexible training times. You can come into the studio on your own time, whenever it is convenient for you. You don't have to worry about being late for class or having to leave work early to get there on time.
It's Semi-Supervised
-When you are in the studio, you can ask any instructor who's around if you are not sure of how to properly use the machine. And if you are practising a certain routine wrong, you will be corrected immediately on the spot, or if you need a demo, the instructor will help you out. There is always someone there to help you, so you will never feel that you are truly alone. There is no worry that you will be injured. Instructors are always at hand to offer help and assistance.
Regain Self- Confidence
-Doing DIY Pilates include not just inner and outer body improvements, but mind improvements as well. You will have greater self-esteem, confidence and self-assurance. You sleep better; have stronger awareness of your breathing, and your body. You have better body mind connection. This connection means you will know when your body has had enough, so you don't overwork it or injure yourself.
You will most probably get some benefits from doing Pilates exercises at home with a mat and a DVD; however, Pilates reformer exercises are much more effective. The machines give you the resistance training that mats cannot. This resistance translates into stronger body and muscular strength. It also adds definition and form to your body. When your muscles are strong and tone, your metabolism will improve. This increase in metabolism makes you a fat-burning machine all day long.
The reformer also makes it easier to engage in a broader range of motion when performing each exercise. For instance, if you have weak abdominals, the resistance helps to support your form and when you get stronger with time, the same resistance challenges you. This means you get the maximum benefit. There is no need to struggle, like most people did on mat work exercises. This is a major reason why Pilates reformer exercises are so popular with athletes and those who needs low impact training. And those recovering from injuries or suffering from chronic pain.
Singapore Pilates Central is the only Singapore Pilates Studio that teaches [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates on Pilates Reformer. Check out the benefits of DIY Pilates now!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-It-Yourself-(DIY)-Pilates---Does-It-Work?&id=6474335] Do It Yourself (DIY) Pilates - Does It Work?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Before You Join a Pilates Class Read This Article
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aiden_Mackle]Aiden Mackle
Thinking of joining a Pilates class? Not All Pilates Classes Are Created Equal!
In the world of Pilates "Smaller is nearly always Better"
If money was no object. All of us would chose a private 1 on 1 workout with a great Pilates Teacher and that is how many people get into Pilates.
When you book a Private Pilates session. There is just you and the Pilates Teacher. They will be spending all their time focusing on you, checking you are doing the moves just right. Watching and correcting your alignment, breathing, focus and form.
In a perfect world. We would all be working out 1 on 1 with a great Teacher or Trainer, but in the real world we all have a budget and paying $60 for a Private Pilates Workout 3 times a week is �180 or more. That's just too much for most of us.
Knowing all the great benefits of Pilates, but not wanting to spend almost $200 every week, most people opt to join a Pilates Class.
Pilates Classes offer many of the benefits of a Private 1 on 1 workout, but they cost a lot less making them much more affordable.
There are 2 main types of Pilates Classes. The Big roll em in roll em out type of Classes. Or the smaller more personal type of classes.
Both have their place, but all have one thing in common. They all have just 1 Trainer per class.
Recently there has been a trend towards the larger "Roll em in, Roll em out" type Pilates Classes. Often with 8, 10 or 15 people in a class and for some people this works well. Though I have to say for most people it is a poor choice.
Here is what happens when you try to save some money and join a large Pilates Class. The Pilates Teacher who is running the class will be forced to give the most attention to the weakest student in your class.
All Pilates Studios try to balance every class with people who are on about the same level. Easy to do in a class of 4 people, very hard to do in a class of 8,10 or more.
Pilates is not like going to the Gym where you try to do a similar, but good workout each time. Pilates is designed to stretch and push you, at no point should you just be doing the same repetitive moves week in week out.
Your Pilates Teacher should be watching you to see if you are ready to move to the next level, looking for where you are strong and where you are weak, helping you to get to the next level of fitness and flexibility.
Joining a Pilates Class that has 6 or more people in it will give even the best Pilates Teacher in the world real problems. The weakest or the newest person will get all the attention. You will get none because you are doing just well enough not to need any attention, but not doing badly enough to need any help.
When you walk out of your big Pilates Class, you should be very annoyed. You paid the same amount as everyone else, but you got 2 minutes attention. The person who just joined got 20 minutes attention, they will get the same next time and the time after that too.
If you paid $20 for that class and got 2 minutes attention, that's $10 per minute you just paid. (that works out at $600 per hour)
They also paid $20 for the very same class, but they got 20 minutes attention and help.They didn't pay $10 per minute like you just did, they paid $1 per minute. (that works out at $60 per hour)
Feel hard done by? Well you should.
Why joining a smaller Pilates Class will always be the better option.
In a smaller class, it's much easier to balance the class with people who are at or about the same level of strength and experience.
In a smaller class it's much easier to share your attention and knowledge with everyone.
In a smaller class it's much easier to help and coach people to move up a level.
In a smaller class the weakest person still gets more attention, but not at the expense of the other class members.
In a smaller class one pair of eyes is looking after just 3 or 4 people.
I could write for hours on this subject and still maybe not make my point clear, so let me try to sum it up in a couple of paragraphs.
Due to the downturn in our economy many well known Pilates Studios still have to make a profit and the only way they can do this is to offer large Pilates Classes (1 Trainer teaching 8, 10. 15 or more people per class)
Smaller Pilates Studios still aim for quality not quantity. They will asses every member of every class so each person gets the next best thing to having their own personal trainer.
If you want to just go through the motions of Pilates, join a large, but cheaper class. If you want to grow, improve and be the best you can, then look for a studio that offers small Pilates Classes where you will get the attention, help, advice and motivation you need and deserve.
I have spoken with several Pilates Teachers
They all admit to the same thing. When Teaching a class of 6, 8 or more people, standards drop and they just try to get the class in and out. There is no time available to help the better Students. It's all about getting them in and getting them out.
Think about This.
The best Pilates Teachers won't even take a class of more than 4 people. They know one pair of eyes can look after 4 people, but not 6, 8,10 or more.
You Will Pay A Little More to join a Small Pilates Class Of 3 Or 4 People but, it Will Be More Than Worth It to you and Your Body.
Aiden has been writing articles on-line for over 4 years on Health and Wellbeing. His Sister Anne-Marie runs one of San Diego's nicest Pilates Studios. [http://www.pilatespassion.com/]Pilates San Diego Find a great Pilates Class in San Diego [http://www.pilatespassion.com/]Small Personal Pilates Classes.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Before-You-Join-a-Pilates-Class-Read-This-Article&id=6458615] Before You Join a Pilates Class Read This Article
Thinking of joining a Pilates class? Not All Pilates Classes Are Created Equal!
In the world of Pilates "Smaller is nearly always Better"
If money was no object. All of us would chose a private 1 on 1 workout with a great Pilates Teacher and that is how many people get into Pilates.
When you book a Private Pilates session. There is just you and the Pilates Teacher. They will be spending all their time focusing on you, checking you are doing the moves just right. Watching and correcting your alignment, breathing, focus and form.
In a perfect world. We would all be working out 1 on 1 with a great Teacher or Trainer, but in the real world we all have a budget and paying $60 for a Private Pilates Workout 3 times a week is �180 or more. That's just too much for most of us.
Knowing all the great benefits of Pilates, but not wanting to spend almost $200 every week, most people opt to join a Pilates Class.
Pilates Classes offer many of the benefits of a Private 1 on 1 workout, but they cost a lot less making them much more affordable.
There are 2 main types of Pilates Classes. The Big roll em in roll em out type of Classes. Or the smaller more personal type of classes.
Both have their place, but all have one thing in common. They all have just 1 Trainer per class.
Recently there has been a trend towards the larger "Roll em in, Roll em out" type Pilates Classes. Often with 8, 10 or 15 people in a class and for some people this works well. Though I have to say for most people it is a poor choice.
Here is what happens when you try to save some money and join a large Pilates Class. The Pilates Teacher who is running the class will be forced to give the most attention to the weakest student in your class.
All Pilates Studios try to balance every class with people who are on about the same level. Easy to do in a class of 4 people, very hard to do in a class of 8,10 or more.
Pilates is not like going to the Gym where you try to do a similar, but good workout each time. Pilates is designed to stretch and push you, at no point should you just be doing the same repetitive moves week in week out.
Your Pilates Teacher should be watching you to see if you are ready to move to the next level, looking for where you are strong and where you are weak, helping you to get to the next level of fitness and flexibility.
Joining a Pilates Class that has 6 or more people in it will give even the best Pilates Teacher in the world real problems. The weakest or the newest person will get all the attention. You will get none because you are doing just well enough not to need any attention, but not doing badly enough to need any help.
When you walk out of your big Pilates Class, you should be very annoyed. You paid the same amount as everyone else, but you got 2 minutes attention. The person who just joined got 20 minutes attention, they will get the same next time and the time after that too.
If you paid $20 for that class and got 2 minutes attention, that's $10 per minute you just paid. (that works out at $600 per hour)
They also paid $20 for the very same class, but they got 20 minutes attention and help.They didn't pay $10 per minute like you just did, they paid $1 per minute. (that works out at $60 per hour)
Feel hard done by? Well you should.
Why joining a smaller Pilates Class will always be the better option.
In a smaller class, it's much easier to balance the class with people who are at or about the same level of strength and experience.
In a smaller class it's much easier to share your attention and knowledge with everyone.
In a smaller class it's much easier to help and coach people to move up a level.
In a smaller class the weakest person still gets more attention, but not at the expense of the other class members.
In a smaller class one pair of eyes is looking after just 3 or 4 people.
I could write for hours on this subject and still maybe not make my point clear, so let me try to sum it up in a couple of paragraphs.
Due to the downturn in our economy many well known Pilates Studios still have to make a profit and the only way they can do this is to offer large Pilates Classes (1 Trainer teaching 8, 10. 15 or more people per class)
Smaller Pilates Studios still aim for quality not quantity. They will asses every member of every class so each person gets the next best thing to having their own personal trainer.
If you want to just go through the motions of Pilates, join a large, but cheaper class. If you want to grow, improve and be the best you can, then look for a studio that offers small Pilates Classes where you will get the attention, help, advice and motivation you need and deserve.
I have spoken with several Pilates Teachers
They all admit to the same thing. When Teaching a class of 6, 8 or more people, standards drop and they just try to get the class in and out. There is no time available to help the better Students. It's all about getting them in and getting them out.
Think about This.
The best Pilates Teachers won't even take a class of more than 4 people. They know one pair of eyes can look after 4 people, but not 6, 8,10 or more.
You Will Pay A Little More to join a Small Pilates Class Of 3 Or 4 People but, it Will Be More Than Worth It to you and Your Body.
Aiden has been writing articles on-line for over 4 years on Health and Wellbeing. His Sister Anne-Marie runs one of San Diego's nicest Pilates Studios. [http://www.pilatespassion.com/]Pilates San Diego Find a great Pilates Class in San Diego [http://www.pilatespassion.com/]Small Personal Pilates Classes.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Before-You-Join-a-Pilates-Class-Read-This-Article&id=6458615] Before You Join a Pilates Class Read This Article
Friday, March 16, 2012
Expand Upon Your Own Opportunities To Utilize Advanced Pilates
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jacob_J_Merino]Jacob J Merino
There are many unique opportunities individuals can take advantage of when trying to access the best resources that will help them to improve health and achieve a more active lifestyle. While many health clubs will encourage the utilization of stationary machines to improve your total health, this process can be incredibly time-consuming and often ineffective. This is commonly why so many individuals are incredibly attracted to the full body workouts that are available with advanced Pilates.
The resources of Pilates have offered individuals many unique possibilities, when it comes to increasing their total health and achieving a more active lifestyle. The utilization of these resources help to provide the body with a strenuous workout, that is focused on strengthening muscles, without building an incredible volume of muscle mass. Many individuals, such as dancers and athletes, have taken advantage of the workout resources of advanced Pilates, in order to strengthen their core, increase their overall strength, while still maintaining a tone and trim figure. When looking at pursuing your own opportunities of Pilates or advancing your efforts, one significant resource you can take advantage of, is found with utilizing the best Pilates DVD.
While every individual likes to take advantage of the unique opportunities that exist with attending Pilates classes at various health clubs, many are limited in relation to time, as a result of demands that exist at work, at home, and within your social life. By taking advantage of the opportunities that are available with the best Pilates DVD, you will be able to utilize the benefits of a class training environment, from the comforts of your home. Whether you have a limited amount of time in the morning, afternoon, or the evening, the resources of a DVD will always be available, so that you can strengthen your core and benefit from this high quality workout.
The unique possibilities that have been developed through Pilates, have helped to inspire many other workout styles, such as Allegro or Aero Pilates. This unique inspiration for alternative workouts helps to bring variety into your own experiences, so that monotony does not limit the opportunities that you have with improving overall health. These unique resources are also available as a DVD option, which can again be valuable, so that resources are available to you whenever you have time to focus on building your health.
When looking into the opportunities that exist with increasing your health and achieving a healthier lifestyle, one of the best resources you can rely on, can be found in the online environment. Through the Internet, you will be able to access a resource of advanced Pilates expertise that will provide you access to a wide variety of tips, accessories, and DVDs that can support your workout desires. To discover a high quality resource you can rely on to meet your Pilates demands, visit rel=nofollow http://www.advancedpilates.org
To discover a high quality resource you can rely on to meet your advanced pilates demands, visit http://www.advancedpilates.org. All individuals who strive to achieve greater health satisfaction when finding ways to improve their physical appearance and visit the website and increase the opportunities.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Expand-Upon-Your-Own-Opportunities-To-Utilize-Advanced-Pilates&id=6459698] Expand Upon Your Own Opportunities To Utilize Advanced Pilates
There are many unique opportunities individuals can take advantage of when trying to access the best resources that will help them to improve health and achieve a more active lifestyle. While many health clubs will encourage the utilization of stationary machines to improve your total health, this process can be incredibly time-consuming and often ineffective. This is commonly why so many individuals are incredibly attracted to the full body workouts that are available with advanced Pilates.
The resources of Pilates have offered individuals many unique possibilities, when it comes to increasing their total health and achieving a more active lifestyle. The utilization of these resources help to provide the body with a strenuous workout, that is focused on strengthening muscles, without building an incredible volume of muscle mass. Many individuals, such as dancers and athletes, have taken advantage of the workout resources of advanced Pilates, in order to strengthen their core, increase their overall strength, while still maintaining a tone and trim figure. When looking at pursuing your own opportunities of Pilates or advancing your efforts, one significant resource you can take advantage of, is found with utilizing the best Pilates DVD.
While every individual likes to take advantage of the unique opportunities that exist with attending Pilates classes at various health clubs, many are limited in relation to time, as a result of demands that exist at work, at home, and within your social life. By taking advantage of the opportunities that are available with the best Pilates DVD, you will be able to utilize the benefits of a class training environment, from the comforts of your home. Whether you have a limited amount of time in the morning, afternoon, or the evening, the resources of a DVD will always be available, so that you can strengthen your core and benefit from this high quality workout.
The unique possibilities that have been developed through Pilates, have helped to inspire many other workout styles, such as Allegro or Aero Pilates. This unique inspiration for alternative workouts helps to bring variety into your own experiences, so that monotony does not limit the opportunities that you have with improving overall health. These unique resources are also available as a DVD option, which can again be valuable, so that resources are available to you whenever you have time to focus on building your health.
When looking into the opportunities that exist with increasing your health and achieving a healthier lifestyle, one of the best resources you can rely on, can be found in the online environment. Through the Internet, you will be able to access a resource of advanced Pilates expertise that will provide you access to a wide variety of tips, accessories, and DVDs that can support your workout desires. To discover a high quality resource you can rely on to meet your Pilates demands, visit rel=nofollow http://www.advancedpilates.org
To discover a high quality resource you can rely on to meet your advanced pilates demands, visit http://www.advancedpilates.org. All individuals who strive to achieve greater health satisfaction when finding ways to improve their physical appearance and visit the website and increase the opportunities.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Expand-Upon-Your-Own-Opportunities-To-Utilize-Advanced-Pilates&id=6459698] Expand Upon Your Own Opportunities To Utilize Advanced Pilates
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Pilates - The Benefits
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Makinde]Stephen Makinde
Benefits of Pilates
Have you been going to other exercise classes and want to try something different? Do you suffer from a bad back and need to find an answer? Read this article to find out about the 10 benefits of Pilates.
Benefits of Pilates 1: Pilates Creates a Strong Core
By careful training and precise control over the smaller muscles in the lower abdominal region and lower back region Pilates is able to improve your core stability. This can result in better control of the small spinal joints during movement of the spine and better control of the pelvis and hip regions. This can have many beneficial effects including improving pelvic stability, lower back pain reduction, better control of the bladder and stronger pelvic floor muscles.
Benefits of Pilates 2: Pilates improves relaxation
By slowing down movement to help improve core stability Pilates also has the effect of inducing a deeply relaxed state that can add to the euphoria attached to doing a well taught Pilates class. Classes are often small and no more than 5/6 people with a slow tempo and a relaxed atmosphere adding to the relaxation process during the class.
Benefits of Pilates 3: Improve your Posture with Pilates
It has been demonstrated and recommended for a long time by health care practitioners that Pilates benefits your overall feeling of well-being but also can help in most cases to improve your posture. Pilates is often recommended by our experts to help improve overall posture and reduce muscle imbalance. The type of Pilates that we recommend needs to be precise and guided by fully qualified practitioners who have valuable years of experience and understand or work very closely with therapists to understand the workings of the human body.
Benefits of Pilates 4: Improve your Athletic Performance with Pilates
At Perfect Balance Clinic our Physiotherapists and Rehab expert's use some Pilates based exercises to allow them to optimise athletic performance and help speed up post event recovery allowing for a speedy return to sport and athletic performance. We work with Gold Medal winning athletes as an intrinsic part of their athletic programme to help reduce injury occurrence, under the guidance of their coaches and therapists.
Benefits of Pilates 5; Improve your co-ordination in a Pilates class
When you are taught Pilates in a controlled environment you soon develop a heightened awareness of your body. Whether that be your neck, shoulders or legs, they are all used to improve your body awareness thus heightening the feedback on a neurological level to your brain and allowing for development of a better co-ordinated individual. Pilates movements should be slow and almost dance like allowing for a deeper level of interpretation by your brain and nervous system. The movements are often repeated allowing for a rehearsal of the positions, which results in better integration into normal daily movements.
Benefits of Pilates 6: Better alignment with Pilates
We often see people who are referred to Pilates after having spinal surgery. You have to wonder if some surgery could be avoided by proper spinal alignment and training of the spinal stabilising muscles. We often never get to find out. We do therefore recommend that people try at least a short course of Pilates based exercise to allow them to regain some control over their spinal musculature and develop better alignment of their spines. Classic examples of people who could do with Pilates are those with one shoulder higher than the other, or they've been told they have one leg longer than the other.
Benefits of Pilates 7: Vastly Improved Concentration with Pilates
Because Pilates is very slow, precise and controlled it is important that you concentrate lots during the sessions. This we are told improves peoples levels of concentration as they almost reach a meditative state allowing them to not only excel in Pilates but also excel in their activities of daily living.
Benefits of Pilates 8: Better Stamina Levels with Pilates
Due to the long duration of the classes and the intensity that people often work at during them, it is inevitable that stamina improves as a result of this type of training. By stressing the different energy systems in the body unlike other forms of exercise Pilates is responsible for better utilisation of oxygen in your tissues and results in a more optimal performance based on better stamina levels. Most people find their first classes difficult and ache for a few days afterwards. This is normally a 'good' ache or so we have been told, which results from the start of the adaptation process to this form of exercise.
Benefits of Pilates 9: Improved breathing with Pilates
Due largely to the type of breathing that Pilates induces, it has been reported that people gain better control of their breathing after doing Pilates sessions on a regular basis. The movements in Pilates are sequenced to allow for better control of breathing and integration with bodily movements allowing for better control and an improved awareness of their breathing state.
Benefits of Pilates 10; Pilates never stops developing
Since its early conception by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century Pilates has evolved to encompass other forms of equipment and deliver a much more biomechanical and correct form of exercise. Pilates largely is focused on the above main principles and this has been taken on board with the newer more advanced varieties of Pilates. In its purest form Pilates was used for strengthening the mind and body, often this can be lost in classes as they are overcrowded and instructors are poorly qualified resulting in Pilates for the masses. Better results from Pilates can be gained from the smaller class sizes which encourage a more individualised approach and more intense work out. People do Pilates to get results.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates---The-Benefits&id=6462459] Pilates - The Benefits
Benefits of Pilates
Have you been going to other exercise classes and want to try something different? Do you suffer from a bad back and need to find an answer? Read this article to find out about the 10 benefits of Pilates.
Benefits of Pilates 1: Pilates Creates a Strong Core
By careful training and precise control over the smaller muscles in the lower abdominal region and lower back region Pilates is able to improve your core stability. This can result in better control of the small spinal joints during movement of the spine and better control of the pelvis and hip regions. This can have many beneficial effects including improving pelvic stability, lower back pain reduction, better control of the bladder and stronger pelvic floor muscles.
Benefits of Pilates 2: Pilates improves relaxation
By slowing down movement to help improve core stability Pilates also has the effect of inducing a deeply relaxed state that can add to the euphoria attached to doing a well taught Pilates class. Classes are often small and no more than 5/6 people with a slow tempo and a relaxed atmosphere adding to the relaxation process during the class.
Benefits of Pilates 3: Improve your Posture with Pilates
It has been demonstrated and recommended for a long time by health care practitioners that Pilates benefits your overall feeling of well-being but also can help in most cases to improve your posture. Pilates is often recommended by our experts to help improve overall posture and reduce muscle imbalance. The type of Pilates that we recommend needs to be precise and guided by fully qualified practitioners who have valuable years of experience and understand or work very closely with therapists to understand the workings of the human body.
Benefits of Pilates 4: Improve your Athletic Performance with Pilates
At Perfect Balance Clinic our Physiotherapists and Rehab expert's use some Pilates based exercises to allow them to optimise athletic performance and help speed up post event recovery allowing for a speedy return to sport and athletic performance. We work with Gold Medal winning athletes as an intrinsic part of their athletic programme to help reduce injury occurrence, under the guidance of their coaches and therapists.
Benefits of Pilates 5; Improve your co-ordination in a Pilates class
When you are taught Pilates in a controlled environment you soon develop a heightened awareness of your body. Whether that be your neck, shoulders or legs, they are all used to improve your body awareness thus heightening the feedback on a neurological level to your brain and allowing for development of a better co-ordinated individual. Pilates movements should be slow and almost dance like allowing for a deeper level of interpretation by your brain and nervous system. The movements are often repeated allowing for a rehearsal of the positions, which results in better integration into normal daily movements.
Benefits of Pilates 6: Better alignment with Pilates
We often see people who are referred to Pilates after having spinal surgery. You have to wonder if some surgery could be avoided by proper spinal alignment and training of the spinal stabilising muscles. We often never get to find out. We do therefore recommend that people try at least a short course of Pilates based exercise to allow them to regain some control over their spinal musculature and develop better alignment of their spines. Classic examples of people who could do with Pilates are those with one shoulder higher than the other, or they've been told they have one leg longer than the other.
Benefits of Pilates 7: Vastly Improved Concentration with Pilates
Because Pilates is very slow, precise and controlled it is important that you concentrate lots during the sessions. This we are told improves peoples levels of concentration as they almost reach a meditative state allowing them to not only excel in Pilates but also excel in their activities of daily living.
Benefits of Pilates 8: Better Stamina Levels with Pilates
Due to the long duration of the classes and the intensity that people often work at during them, it is inevitable that stamina improves as a result of this type of training. By stressing the different energy systems in the body unlike other forms of exercise Pilates is responsible for better utilisation of oxygen in your tissues and results in a more optimal performance based on better stamina levels. Most people find their first classes difficult and ache for a few days afterwards. This is normally a 'good' ache or so we have been told, which results from the start of the adaptation process to this form of exercise.
Benefits of Pilates 9: Improved breathing with Pilates
Due largely to the type of breathing that Pilates induces, it has been reported that people gain better control of their breathing after doing Pilates sessions on a regular basis. The movements in Pilates are sequenced to allow for better control of breathing and integration with bodily movements allowing for better control and an improved awareness of their breathing state.
Benefits of Pilates 10; Pilates never stops developing
Since its early conception by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century Pilates has evolved to encompass other forms of equipment and deliver a much more biomechanical and correct form of exercise. Pilates largely is focused on the above main principles and this has been taken on board with the newer more advanced varieties of Pilates. In its purest form Pilates was used for strengthening the mind and body, often this can be lost in classes as they are overcrowded and instructors are poorly qualified resulting in Pilates for the masses. Better results from Pilates can be gained from the smaller class sizes which encourage a more individualised approach and more intense work out. People do Pilates to get results.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates---The-Benefits&id=6462459] Pilates - The Benefits
Monday, March 12, 2012
Pilates for Back Pain
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Makinde]Stephen Makinde
Pilates has long been used for the benefit of people suffering from different forms of pain. It is impossible to know how back pain will respond to Pilates unless it is diagnosed correctly in the first instance.
Diagnosis before Pilates
To get the best results it is always essential that there is an accurate understanding of the condition you are working with and as a result an accurate diagnosis of the pain must be made. To have back pain diagnosed accurately often it is worth while excluding the other causes of back pain which can result in a similar presentation of back pain. Otherwise you could waste a lot of money on the wrong form of exercise for your back. Pilates does not help all types of back pain, no matter what you are told. To get your back pain assessed accurately you must first see a therapist who is able to properly diagnose the problem and has received adequate training in the correct testing procedures for back pain and its various forms. Seeing a lesser qualified therapist could result in wasting lots of money on pilates sessions that will not help you back at all. Just because back pain does not get better with the conventional treatment it does not mean it would respond to Pilates. Taking a thorough medical history and screening testing allows the GP, Osteopath or Physiotherapist to diagnose the condition in relation to the results of these tests.
Pilates for Back Pain
Pilates has been shown clinically to significantly reduce the effects of musculo-skeletal back pain resulting in better mechanical functioning. However, if the Pilates is not prescribed in the right dose, i.e. exercises, it will result in detrimental effects to the spine and pelvis. Smaller group sessions of Pilates and intimate rehab sessions lead to much better results as the one to one attention clients receive results in a better understanding of the intricate nature of this form of rehabilitation. Back pain must be taken seriously and messing about with it is not acceptable and can delay the healing process. Getting prompt diagnosis, accurate exercise prescription and a long term management programme are vitally important for the health of your back.
Why does Pilates Benefit people with pain?
The reason why Pilates benefits back pain is partly due to the concept of core stability. Core stability is described in many ways but the most accurate description of core stability comes from the book concepts of fitness and wellness- a comprehensive lifestyle approach,
"Core Stability, Strength of muscles which demonstrate optimal firing patterns and tension-generating capabilities to "brace" the trunk in anticipation of and during the movement of the head, arms or legs"
"Core strength, Strength of muscles which demonstrate optimal firing patterns and tension-generating capabilities to create movement of the trunk"
This all sounds rather complex I know, but its simple really. The core is like a sling of muscles which wraps around your mid section, the fibres lying in different directions allowing a widespread but even increase in the intra abdominal pressure. This results in a pressure like effect which helps support the spinal load, much like the pressure in a bicycle pump going outwards when the piston is depressed and the air inside is squashed inwards by the pump walls and downwards by the pump itself. Luckily you have your pelvic floor to stop pressure escaping from the base region, unlike the bicycle pump.
Core Strength
Core strength is thus important for lower back pain as it reduces the impact of increased pressure or load through the spine and discs, thus reducing the mechanical burden of the load by spreading the forces around and not through the other weight bearing structures in the back. However, it is never as simple as this. There are many theories to date which try to explain the effect of spinal stabilisation through the effect of core stability strength. As you can imagine it is only the types of back pain, which are the result of a failure of this mechanism, which will respond to, Pilates type exercises. So proper screening is vital.
Core strength vs biomechanical accuracy of movement
As important as it is core strength improvements are not the only part of this equation. Bad backs often result from improper movement mechanics. By having a thorough understanding of the human anatomy, physiological make up and biomechanical functioning we are able to screen which movements are faulty and address these as causative agents in the genesis of back pain. Without doing this other methods of stabilisation such as Pilates alone cannot address the underlying route causes of the issues faced by those suffering with pain. Functional rehabilitation allows quicker integration back into day-to-day life, this may incorporate movements which you carry out on a daily basis.
Summary
It is so important to understand the nature of you pain before undertaking exercise. It is possible to waste large amounts of money on a regular basis doing exercise that actually may be detrimental to your improvement. Make sure you look for serious qualifications and experience n those teaching you, as well as an understanding of your condition.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-for-Back-Pain&id=6462465] Pilates for Back Pain
Pilates has long been used for the benefit of people suffering from different forms of pain. It is impossible to know how back pain will respond to Pilates unless it is diagnosed correctly in the first instance.
Diagnosis before Pilates
To get the best results it is always essential that there is an accurate understanding of the condition you are working with and as a result an accurate diagnosis of the pain must be made. To have back pain diagnosed accurately often it is worth while excluding the other causes of back pain which can result in a similar presentation of back pain. Otherwise you could waste a lot of money on the wrong form of exercise for your back. Pilates does not help all types of back pain, no matter what you are told. To get your back pain assessed accurately you must first see a therapist who is able to properly diagnose the problem and has received adequate training in the correct testing procedures for back pain and its various forms. Seeing a lesser qualified therapist could result in wasting lots of money on pilates sessions that will not help you back at all. Just because back pain does not get better with the conventional treatment it does not mean it would respond to Pilates. Taking a thorough medical history and screening testing allows the GP, Osteopath or Physiotherapist to diagnose the condition in relation to the results of these tests.
Pilates for Back Pain
Pilates has been shown clinically to significantly reduce the effects of musculo-skeletal back pain resulting in better mechanical functioning. However, if the Pilates is not prescribed in the right dose, i.e. exercises, it will result in detrimental effects to the spine and pelvis. Smaller group sessions of Pilates and intimate rehab sessions lead to much better results as the one to one attention clients receive results in a better understanding of the intricate nature of this form of rehabilitation. Back pain must be taken seriously and messing about with it is not acceptable and can delay the healing process. Getting prompt diagnosis, accurate exercise prescription and a long term management programme are vitally important for the health of your back.
Why does Pilates Benefit people with pain?
The reason why Pilates benefits back pain is partly due to the concept of core stability. Core stability is described in many ways but the most accurate description of core stability comes from the book concepts of fitness and wellness- a comprehensive lifestyle approach,
"Core Stability, Strength of muscles which demonstrate optimal firing patterns and tension-generating capabilities to "brace" the trunk in anticipation of and during the movement of the head, arms or legs"
"Core strength, Strength of muscles which demonstrate optimal firing patterns and tension-generating capabilities to create movement of the trunk"
This all sounds rather complex I know, but its simple really. The core is like a sling of muscles which wraps around your mid section, the fibres lying in different directions allowing a widespread but even increase in the intra abdominal pressure. This results in a pressure like effect which helps support the spinal load, much like the pressure in a bicycle pump going outwards when the piston is depressed and the air inside is squashed inwards by the pump walls and downwards by the pump itself. Luckily you have your pelvic floor to stop pressure escaping from the base region, unlike the bicycle pump.
Core Strength
Core strength is thus important for lower back pain as it reduces the impact of increased pressure or load through the spine and discs, thus reducing the mechanical burden of the load by spreading the forces around and not through the other weight bearing structures in the back. However, it is never as simple as this. There are many theories to date which try to explain the effect of spinal stabilisation through the effect of core stability strength. As you can imagine it is only the types of back pain, which are the result of a failure of this mechanism, which will respond to, Pilates type exercises. So proper screening is vital.
Core strength vs biomechanical accuracy of movement
As important as it is core strength improvements are not the only part of this equation. Bad backs often result from improper movement mechanics. By having a thorough understanding of the human anatomy, physiological make up and biomechanical functioning we are able to screen which movements are faulty and address these as causative agents in the genesis of back pain. Without doing this other methods of stabilisation such as Pilates alone cannot address the underlying route causes of the issues faced by those suffering with pain. Functional rehabilitation allows quicker integration back into day-to-day life, this may incorporate movements which you carry out on a daily basis.
Summary
It is so important to understand the nature of you pain before undertaking exercise. It is possible to waste large amounts of money on a regular basis doing exercise that actually may be detrimental to your improvement. Make sure you look for serious qualifications and experience n those teaching you, as well as an understanding of your condition.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-for-Back-Pain&id=6462465] Pilates for Back Pain
Saturday, March 10, 2012
The Benefits of a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Pilates Program
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Ng]Joanna Ng
If you have been doing Pilates for some time, whether in many one on one session or in a group setting, and you understand your program and the exercises, you are probably ready to embark on a "Do-It-Yourself" (D.I.Y) Pilates program.
Before you jump into a DIY Pilates Program, be sure to consult your Pilates instructor to make sure you are ready to begin one. This is to make sure that your workout is safe and can give you results!
Some studios offers personalized DIY Pilates programming services. Your training program will be drawn up accordingly to your goals. You will be fully instructed properly on how to execute the routines correctly and you can ask questions to clarify any doubts before you begin.
Here are some benefits from doing Pilates on your own:
- Improved posture
- Strengthened core
- Proper breathing technique
- Toned muscles
- Develop balance and stability
- Gain muscular endurance
- Improved flexibility
- Increased metabolism
- Less risk of injury
- Permanent pain relief
When you start your DIY Pilates program both on mat or machine, it's important to start slowly, and build it up as you get more comfortable with the exercises. With time, you can progress to more advanced moves, and add other soft apparatus like dynaband, mini ball, pole and more.
Pilates done on mat is easier because it is more portable and you can do the exercises at home or anywhere. There are many DVDs that you can purchase on the market, but you need to be sure the DVD you picked is appropriate for your level of fitness and you know how to execute the routine properly.
Even though the mat is more portable and there are benefits to be achieved from performing mat routines, mat exercises do not give you the resistance that the Pilates reformer does. The Reformer works on springs from which the resistance can be adapted to suit your level of training. Resistance training is important because it adds strength and endurance to your muscles. This means you can do the same activity like walking longer distance easily without feeling tired or getting out of breath. You improve your stamina and strength.
When your muscles are toned, they burn more calories which in turn increase your metabolism, thus more fat loss. The Pilates machines transform your body much faster than simply using the mat. This however, doesn't mean you will look like a bodybuilder; but you will not have any loose skin that hangs or jiggles when you move. The reformer also gives you a broader range of motion when doing your exercises, so you can work your core more effectively and more efficiently.
The most important long term benefit of embarking on a rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates program is about taking ownership of your body. You learn all about the how, why, what of the program that you are doing. You understand why certain exercises suit you might not suit your friend. It is important to know which area of the body you are working and why you need to focus on as you do each move.
As you gain more experience from doing more DIY sessions, it becomes easier to fit your training as you don't have to follow a fixed schedule. You manage and plan your own time for training. It is flexible and easy to stay committed and consistent. You can continue on your own, which many people find more feasible. You can combine your workouts, and use both a reformer at a studio and the mat at home. This will give you maximum benefit and flexibility, to suit your schedule even better. You owe it to yourself to take some time out of your day, to stay healthy and fit. A good workout helps reduce stress levels, blood pressure and many other stress-related issues. Most important, it improves your immunity and helps you regain vitality and is anti-ageing.
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg]Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-a-Do-It-Yourself-(DIY)-Pilates-Program&id=6476843] The Benefits of a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Pilates Program
If you have been doing Pilates for some time, whether in many one on one session or in a group setting, and you understand your program and the exercises, you are probably ready to embark on a "Do-It-Yourself" (D.I.Y) Pilates program.
Before you jump into a DIY Pilates Program, be sure to consult your Pilates instructor to make sure you are ready to begin one. This is to make sure that your workout is safe and can give you results!
Some studios offers personalized DIY Pilates programming services. Your training program will be drawn up accordingly to your goals. You will be fully instructed properly on how to execute the routines correctly and you can ask questions to clarify any doubts before you begin.
Here are some benefits from doing Pilates on your own:
- Improved posture
- Strengthened core
- Proper breathing technique
- Toned muscles
- Develop balance and stability
- Gain muscular endurance
- Improved flexibility
- Increased metabolism
- Less risk of injury
- Permanent pain relief
When you start your DIY Pilates program both on mat or machine, it's important to start slowly, and build it up as you get more comfortable with the exercises. With time, you can progress to more advanced moves, and add other soft apparatus like dynaband, mini ball, pole and more.
Pilates done on mat is easier because it is more portable and you can do the exercises at home or anywhere. There are many DVDs that you can purchase on the market, but you need to be sure the DVD you picked is appropriate for your level of fitness and you know how to execute the routine properly.
Even though the mat is more portable and there are benefits to be achieved from performing mat routines, mat exercises do not give you the resistance that the Pilates reformer does. The Reformer works on springs from which the resistance can be adapted to suit your level of training. Resistance training is important because it adds strength and endurance to your muscles. This means you can do the same activity like walking longer distance easily without feeling tired or getting out of breath. You improve your stamina and strength.
When your muscles are toned, they burn more calories which in turn increase your metabolism, thus more fat loss. The Pilates machines transform your body much faster than simply using the mat. This however, doesn't mean you will look like a bodybuilder; but you will not have any loose skin that hangs or jiggles when you move. The reformer also gives you a broader range of motion when doing your exercises, so you can work your core more effectively and more efficiently.
The most important long term benefit of embarking on a rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates program is about taking ownership of your body. You learn all about the how, why, what of the program that you are doing. You understand why certain exercises suit you might not suit your friend. It is important to know which area of the body you are working and why you need to focus on as you do each move.
As you gain more experience from doing more DIY sessions, it becomes easier to fit your training as you don't have to follow a fixed schedule. You manage and plan your own time for training. It is flexible and easy to stay committed and consistent. You can continue on your own, which many people find more feasible. You can combine your workouts, and use both a reformer at a studio and the mat at home. This will give you maximum benefit and flexibility, to suit your schedule even better. You owe it to yourself to take some time out of your day, to stay healthy and fit. A good workout helps reduce stress levels, blood pressure and many other stress-related issues. Most important, it improves your immunity and helps you regain vitality and is anti-ageing.
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg]Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-a-Do-It-Yourself-(DIY)-Pilates-Program&id=6476843] The Benefits of a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Pilates Program
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Hot Tips to Practise Pilates on Your Own - The DIY Way
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Ng]Joanna Ng
Where do I go from here? This is the most common question asked by anyone who had been doing Pilates for a while. You might have taken 1 on 1 session for some reasons like chronic pain or for just for general health and fitness. Or you might have been taking group lessons and had a change in work schedule, which makes it hard for you to join your regular group classes.
Although it might seem rather intimidating to embark on a D.I.Y Pilates program on our own, it is actually quite a fulfilling journey. And once you get into the hang of it, it is both easy and simple. You are taking over the responsibility of looking after your own health and fitness. As long as you are committed and serious about your program, you can see significant results from this D.I.Y program.
Here are 3 tips to get you started:
1.Get a Pilates Professional
But you are not alone on your D.I.Y journey. You can seek the help of a qualified Pilates instructor to assist you on your program plan. There are a number of Pilates studios that offer this service for a small fee. Always make sure you are familiar with the machine set up safety rules and apply proper form and technique before starting your program. If in doubt, seek the help of a Pilates professional. Ask questions to make certain you understand your program and the routines. You can also compliment your program with mat exercises at home. There are some very good DVDs you can purchase that will help you at home. Just check that it is appropriate for your level.
2.Compliment With Machine
Most people prefer Pilates mat exercises over the reformer because it offers more versatility and flexibility. And since most people don't have the equipment at home because it takes up too much room and is expensive to purchase, the ultimate choice is still the mat. With a mat, you can pull it out and perform the exercises whenever it is convenient for you, without having to step out of the house. However, there are certain limitations to doing mat exercise. No matter how you take mat exercises, you are merely working with the weight of your body. You need resistance to challenge muscular strength and endurance. This resistance must be more than your body weight. And we definitely do not intend to increase our body weight just for the sake of taking up this challenge. Hence, mat exercise does not offer significant improvement in these areas.
3.Claim Ownership of Your Health
When you start on a DIY Pilates program, you start learning seriously how to do them on your own. You increase your knowledge and understanding of both your body and the exercises that are needed to challenge it. As you improve your skills and your ability to perform the routines with ease and confidence, you are reaping the results of your program. You and your body become more connected and more intelligent.
There is a strong awareness. What you learnt through this DIY journey stays on. Your DIY program is not restricted to just this program. It can be modified, add on and changes made to suit your increase strength and stamina to challenge up at a different level.
How many times have you not stepped into class, thinking of work, chores to be done, kids at home and more? It is hard to switch off but doing DIY Pilates on your own, changes that. You are forced to take charge of your program and your health.
There are more great reasons on what rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates program can give you if you take up the challenge. But that is for you to go find out. Once you embark on this journey, you will wonder why you had not thought of doing it sooner. Because it works!
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg]Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Hot-Tips-to-Practise-Pilates-on-Your-Own---The-DIY-Way&id=6492026] Hot Tips to Practise Pilates on Your Own - The DIY Way
Where do I go from here? This is the most common question asked by anyone who had been doing Pilates for a while. You might have taken 1 on 1 session for some reasons like chronic pain or for just for general health and fitness. Or you might have been taking group lessons and had a change in work schedule, which makes it hard for you to join your regular group classes.
Although it might seem rather intimidating to embark on a D.I.Y Pilates program on our own, it is actually quite a fulfilling journey. And once you get into the hang of it, it is both easy and simple. You are taking over the responsibility of looking after your own health and fitness. As long as you are committed and serious about your program, you can see significant results from this D.I.Y program.
Here are 3 tips to get you started:
1.Get a Pilates Professional
But you are not alone on your D.I.Y journey. You can seek the help of a qualified Pilates instructor to assist you on your program plan. There are a number of Pilates studios that offer this service for a small fee. Always make sure you are familiar with the machine set up safety rules and apply proper form and technique before starting your program. If in doubt, seek the help of a Pilates professional. Ask questions to make certain you understand your program and the routines. You can also compliment your program with mat exercises at home. There are some very good DVDs you can purchase that will help you at home. Just check that it is appropriate for your level.
2.Compliment With Machine
Most people prefer Pilates mat exercises over the reformer because it offers more versatility and flexibility. And since most people don't have the equipment at home because it takes up too much room and is expensive to purchase, the ultimate choice is still the mat. With a mat, you can pull it out and perform the exercises whenever it is convenient for you, without having to step out of the house. However, there are certain limitations to doing mat exercise. No matter how you take mat exercises, you are merely working with the weight of your body. You need resistance to challenge muscular strength and endurance. This resistance must be more than your body weight. And we definitely do not intend to increase our body weight just for the sake of taking up this challenge. Hence, mat exercise does not offer significant improvement in these areas.
3.Claim Ownership of Your Health
When you start on a DIY Pilates program, you start learning seriously how to do them on your own. You increase your knowledge and understanding of both your body and the exercises that are needed to challenge it. As you improve your skills and your ability to perform the routines with ease and confidence, you are reaping the results of your program. You and your body become more connected and more intelligent.
There is a strong awareness. What you learnt through this DIY journey stays on. Your DIY program is not restricted to just this program. It can be modified, add on and changes made to suit your increase strength and stamina to challenge up at a different level.
How many times have you not stepped into class, thinking of work, chores to be done, kids at home and more? It is hard to switch off but doing DIY Pilates on your own, changes that. You are forced to take charge of your program and your health.
There are more great reasons on what rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates program can give you if you take up the challenge. But that is for you to go find out. Once you embark on this journey, you will wonder why you had not thought of doing it sooner. Because it works!
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg]Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Hot-Tips-to-Practise-Pilates-on-Your-Own---The-DIY-Way&id=6492026] Hot Tips to Practise Pilates on Your Own - The DIY Way
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The Basic Fundamentals of DIY Pilates on Pilates Reformer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Ng]Joanna Ng
If you have been practising Pilates for a while and are familiar with the basic fundamentals of Pilates, it might be time you consider getting started on a "Do It Yourself"- D.I.Y. program. This program should be designed by your Pilates instructor based on your needs and goals. You should be taught on how to execute the moves properly and eventually performed them with confidence.
Before you start your program, there are some things to keep in mind in order perform all of the DIY Pilates exercises safely, especially if you are going to use a Pilates machine, like the Pilates reformer. The Pilates reformer can be a little intimidating at first, and you may not know where to start. Understanding how to use the reformer with the guidance of a Pilates instructor is a good start.
Here are some notes on the basic anatomy of the Pilates reformer:
-Carriage: This is the part that you lie down on. The carriage slides up and down when the springs are activated according to the specific exercises you are doing.
-Head rest: Many exercises are done lying down, and this is where you rest your head. The head rest can be adjusted up or down. Set it to flat for certain exercises that need the neck to be lengthen, as in the "Short Spine". And adjusted up so that your head is up slightly which is more comfortable.
-Shoulder Rests: These keeps you in place and stabilized as the carriage slides up and down. They also act as a good indicator of your body alignment on the machine.
-Straps: These are connected to the raisers at the top end of the machine and have handles or loops attached, making it easy to either grab or placed your feet in. Long straps are for the legs and short straps for the hands.
-Foot Bar: This is where you placed your feet according to the exercises to be preformed.
-Spring Resistance: The springs come in different colors which indicate the different tension of the resistance, particular to each individual brand. The springs are loaded both accordingly to the exercises to be performed and your fitness level.
-Long & Short Box: This is actually just one box structure. The terms of long and short refers to how the box is to be placed with reference to the exercise and its position on the carriage. There are both basic and advance moves that can be done on the box. Take special note to get on and off the box with caution.
The Pilates reformer works on the basic principle of "Push and Pull". You will be pulling or pushing yourself on the carriage using the tension of the spring and the weight of your body.
When you have completed your rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates exercises, it is important to clean the machine for hygiene purposes and as an act of courtesy. You don't need to use harsh chemicals. Add some droplets of essential oils like lavender, lemon grass to a portion of water in a spray bottle. Spray the Pilates machine, paying particular attention to the handles, carriage, foot bar, and any part that appeared stained or areas you've touched with your hands.
There are of course, other machines that you may want to use as well. The Wunda chair and the Cadillac also provide amazing benefits but it is wise to consider the guidance of a good Pilates instructor to avoid being injured.
The Pilates reformer, however, is the most popular, because of the variety of exercises you can perform easily on it. It is a straight forward and simple to use!
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Basic-Fundamentals-of-DIY-Pilates-on-Pilates-Reformer&id=6491957] The Basic Fundamentals of DIY Pilates on Pilates Reformer
If you have been practising Pilates for a while and are familiar with the basic fundamentals of Pilates, it might be time you consider getting started on a "Do It Yourself"- D.I.Y. program. This program should be designed by your Pilates instructor based on your needs and goals. You should be taught on how to execute the moves properly and eventually performed them with confidence.
Before you start your program, there are some things to keep in mind in order perform all of the DIY Pilates exercises safely, especially if you are going to use a Pilates machine, like the Pilates reformer. The Pilates reformer can be a little intimidating at first, and you may not know where to start. Understanding how to use the reformer with the guidance of a Pilates instructor is a good start.
Here are some notes on the basic anatomy of the Pilates reformer:
-Carriage: This is the part that you lie down on. The carriage slides up and down when the springs are activated according to the specific exercises you are doing.
-Head rest: Many exercises are done lying down, and this is where you rest your head. The head rest can be adjusted up or down. Set it to flat for certain exercises that need the neck to be lengthen, as in the "Short Spine". And adjusted up so that your head is up slightly which is more comfortable.
-Shoulder Rests: These keeps you in place and stabilized as the carriage slides up and down. They also act as a good indicator of your body alignment on the machine.
-Straps: These are connected to the raisers at the top end of the machine and have handles or loops attached, making it easy to either grab or placed your feet in. Long straps are for the legs and short straps for the hands.
-Foot Bar: This is where you placed your feet according to the exercises to be preformed.
-Spring Resistance: The springs come in different colors which indicate the different tension of the resistance, particular to each individual brand. The springs are loaded both accordingly to the exercises to be performed and your fitness level.
-Long & Short Box: This is actually just one box structure. The terms of long and short refers to how the box is to be placed with reference to the exercise and its position on the carriage. There are both basic and advance moves that can be done on the box. Take special note to get on and off the box with caution.
The Pilates reformer works on the basic principle of "Push and Pull". You will be pulling or pushing yourself on the carriage using the tension of the spring and the weight of your body.
When you have completed your rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]DIY Pilates exercises, it is important to clean the machine for hygiene purposes and as an act of courtesy. You don't need to use harsh chemicals. Add some droplets of essential oils like lavender, lemon grass to a portion of water in a spray bottle. Spray the Pilates machine, paying particular attention to the handles, carriage, foot bar, and any part that appeared stained or areas you've touched with your hands.
There are of course, other machines that you may want to use as well. The Wunda chair and the Cadillac also provide amazing benefits but it is wise to consider the guidance of a good Pilates instructor to avoid being injured.
The Pilates reformer, however, is the most popular, because of the variety of exercises you can perform easily on it. It is a straight forward and simple to use!
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Basic-Fundamentals-of-DIY-Pilates-on-Pilates-Reformer&id=6491957] The Basic Fundamentals of DIY Pilates on Pilates Reformer
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Why You Should Join a Pilates Studio
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marco_English]Marco English
Are you feeling tired of the boring exercises in the gym? Are you not excited enough to have a brisk walk every single day? Maybe you have come to the conclusion that physical exercises are not for you. Because it involves a lot of work, many people have difficulty taking up physical activities. The resistance to a fitness plan is very common. Let's face it: it is not possible to walk into a drugstore and buy a sort of 'workout in a pill'. Luckily it is possible to find out a physical activity which keeps you motivated enough to carry on with your fitness program. Give yourself a chance to feel healthier and happier by practicing Pilates. Lately, millions of people around the world have decided to practice it. Maybe your best friend is on the list. Maybe your neighbour or workmate. There is a growing number of practitioners worldwide because it really works. It gives you flexibility, body alignment and muscle-strengthening. You deserve to reap the benefits of Pilates exercises.
Created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates (1883-1967), such a physical fitness system emphasizes both mental and physical well-being through a variety of exercises. It draws attention to breath awareness because proper breathing can do wonders for you. Correct inhalation and exhalation play a key role in every Pilates exercise. It is a kind of breathing which involves concentration, control and precision. Pilates promotes connection between breath practice and movement.
Pilates gives special attention to flexibility and muscle-strengthening. It builds up your muscles. As a result, you get in touch with more energy,resistance and physical power. The firmness of your muscles increases gradually. Besides that Pilates practice is able to bring you an excellent flexibility by stretching your body through a wide range of exercises. Correct postural alignment is extremely important to the practice of Pilates. Different pieces of equipment help you develop proper alignment and posture.
Running out of time to physical activities? Good news! Regular exercise is one way to save time because it gives you more energy for the rest of your day. It boosts overall health. Once you start practicing Pilates, the exercises will provide new insights into the way you look at your body. Is laughter the best medicine? OK! Don't stop laughing, but keep in mind moving is also great. You are responsible for your health. And there is no question about the link between health and well-being.
I'm a professional article writer. [mailto:marcoenglish@gmail.com]marcoenglish@gmail.com [http://www.twitter.com/ESLTipsnow]http://www.twitter.com/ESLTiipsnow
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Join-a-Pilates-Studio&id=6194641] Why You Should Join a Pilates Studio
Are you feeling tired of the boring exercises in the gym? Are you not excited enough to have a brisk walk every single day? Maybe you have come to the conclusion that physical exercises are not for you. Because it involves a lot of work, many people have difficulty taking up physical activities. The resistance to a fitness plan is very common. Let's face it: it is not possible to walk into a drugstore and buy a sort of 'workout in a pill'. Luckily it is possible to find out a physical activity which keeps you motivated enough to carry on with your fitness program. Give yourself a chance to feel healthier and happier by practicing Pilates. Lately, millions of people around the world have decided to practice it. Maybe your best friend is on the list. Maybe your neighbour or workmate. There is a growing number of practitioners worldwide because it really works. It gives you flexibility, body alignment and muscle-strengthening. You deserve to reap the benefits of Pilates exercises.
Created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates (1883-1967), such a physical fitness system emphasizes both mental and physical well-being through a variety of exercises. It draws attention to breath awareness because proper breathing can do wonders for you. Correct inhalation and exhalation play a key role in every Pilates exercise. It is a kind of breathing which involves concentration, control and precision. Pilates promotes connection between breath practice and movement.
Pilates gives special attention to flexibility and muscle-strengthening. It builds up your muscles. As a result, you get in touch with more energy,resistance and physical power. The firmness of your muscles increases gradually. Besides that Pilates practice is able to bring you an excellent flexibility by stretching your body through a wide range of exercises. Correct postural alignment is extremely important to the practice of Pilates. Different pieces of equipment help you develop proper alignment and posture.
Running out of time to physical activities? Good news! Regular exercise is one way to save time because it gives you more energy for the rest of your day. It boosts overall health. Once you start practicing Pilates, the exercises will provide new insights into the way you look at your body. Is laughter the best medicine? OK! Don't stop laughing, but keep in mind moving is also great. You are responsible for your health. And there is no question about the link between health and well-being.
I'm a professional article writer. [mailto:marcoenglish@gmail.com]marcoenglish@gmail.com [http://www.twitter.com/ESLTipsnow]http://www.twitter.com/ESLTiipsnow
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Join-a-Pilates-Studio&id=6194641] Why You Should Join a Pilates Studio
Friday, March 2, 2012
Improving Health Through The Opportunities Of Balanced Body Pilates
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Luies_Fernandis]Luies Fernandis
Health is an element in life that all people should pay a significant amount of attention to, in order to enhance daily happiness and live a long life. There are many special opportunities an individual can take advantage of to enhance their total health and one of the best resources they can discover, is seen with opportunities that persists with balanced body Pilates. Exercise has always indicated a chief resource individuals can rely upon, concerning improving their overall health and this particular exercise routine can prove to be highly advantageous.
When considering all the benefits that are developed as an outcome of balanced body Pilates, the first prospects which you can take advantage of, is found with the development of strong muscle mass. When most people consider the opportunities that persists with building muscle, they usually associate this with weight lifting and individuals who have acquired massive muscle size. The increase of muscle mass does not represent the only opportunity that will help to strengthen your body and the resources a Pilates can prove to be extremely beneficial to enhancing the overall strength of your muscles, without increasing their mass. This special muscle building prospect is why individuals like acrobats and dancers, utilize these exercise regimes to strengthen their muscles while not becoming excessively bulky.
An extra advantage you can reap the benefits of by making the investment into balanced body Pilates, is seen with making use of an exercise regime that will strengthen your core nothing like any other exercise prospect. Modern exercise prospects have an inclination to focus on the development of single muscle groups, which consume a huge amount of time. When you can get benefitted from a high quality Pilates routine, you will be in a position to get a full body workout that uses every muscle in the body and significantly improves the strength of your core. This is incredibly advantageous when you are looking to improve health, as well as save a significant amount time when it comes to exercise demands.
In order to further improve the outcomes of your Pilates efforts, it would also be advisable to reap the benefits of exclusive opportunities, like balanced body Pilates equipment. While there are several exercise routines you can get benefitted from, which do not need the utilization of equipment, these resources are created to improve the results of your workouts and also increase the opportunity for workout effectiveness. By making investments in high-quality equipment to support your Pilates efforts, you will be able to significantly improve your efforts of increasing health and accomplishing a high quality workout opportunity.
To discover a significant resource to help provide you with all the opportunities that exist with Pilates, as well as the potential of investing in [http://peakpilates101.org]balanced body Pilates equipment, visit [http://peakpilates101.org]http://peakpilates101.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Improving-Health-Through-The-Opportunities-Of-Balanced-Body-Pilates&id=6499850] Improving Health Through The Opportunities Of Balanced Body Pilates
Health is an element in life that all people should pay a significant amount of attention to, in order to enhance daily happiness and live a long life. There are many special opportunities an individual can take advantage of to enhance their total health and one of the best resources they can discover, is seen with opportunities that persists with balanced body Pilates. Exercise has always indicated a chief resource individuals can rely upon, concerning improving their overall health and this particular exercise routine can prove to be highly advantageous.
When considering all the benefits that are developed as an outcome of balanced body Pilates, the first prospects which you can take advantage of, is found with the development of strong muscle mass. When most people consider the opportunities that persists with building muscle, they usually associate this with weight lifting and individuals who have acquired massive muscle size. The increase of muscle mass does not represent the only opportunity that will help to strengthen your body and the resources a Pilates can prove to be extremely beneficial to enhancing the overall strength of your muscles, without increasing their mass. This special muscle building prospect is why individuals like acrobats and dancers, utilize these exercise regimes to strengthen their muscles while not becoming excessively bulky.
An extra advantage you can reap the benefits of by making the investment into balanced body Pilates, is seen with making use of an exercise regime that will strengthen your core nothing like any other exercise prospect. Modern exercise prospects have an inclination to focus on the development of single muscle groups, which consume a huge amount of time. When you can get benefitted from a high quality Pilates routine, you will be in a position to get a full body workout that uses every muscle in the body and significantly improves the strength of your core. This is incredibly advantageous when you are looking to improve health, as well as save a significant amount time when it comes to exercise demands.
In order to further improve the outcomes of your Pilates efforts, it would also be advisable to reap the benefits of exclusive opportunities, like balanced body Pilates equipment. While there are several exercise routines you can get benefitted from, which do not need the utilization of equipment, these resources are created to improve the results of your workouts and also increase the opportunity for workout effectiveness. By making investments in high-quality equipment to support your Pilates efforts, you will be able to significantly improve your efforts of increasing health and accomplishing a high quality workout opportunity.
To discover a significant resource to help provide you with all the opportunities that exist with Pilates, as well as the potential of investing in [http://peakpilates101.org]balanced body Pilates equipment, visit [http://peakpilates101.org]http://peakpilates101.org.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Improving-Health-Through-The-Opportunities-Of-Balanced-Body-Pilates&id=6499850] Improving Health Through The Opportunities Of Balanced Body Pilates
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Information About Pilates Equipment
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mariah_Johnston]Mariah Johnston
Pilates has become a worldwide trend due to its success in growing strength and balance. There are a lot of benefits of Pilates including increased fitness, increased core strength and reduction in pain and injury prevention. There have been different types of equipment introduced to further improve the workouts and boost results over the time. In this article you will come to know about some of the most common Pilates Equipment like Pilates mat, Pilates reformer, Pilates Magic Circle, Pilates Fitness Ball and the Pilates roller.
Pilates Mat - Pilates mat is basically the most common equipment you need. Therefore, it really should be at the top in your search listing. When buying, try to remember that this rug is available in two styles that fold and roll mat so you can choose according to your choice and comfort.
Pilates Reformer - Pilates reformer is the following have to have gear in Pilates work out. This product is a must if you want to call in the upcoming training for this level of support for building resilience to help strengthen the core. There are a handful of housing reformers to choose from that are much less expensive and add up.
Pilates Magic Circle - A Pilates Magic Circle or the so called work out ring requirements have to be involved in your checklist of equipment if you want to do the job on toning your whole system. Seizing this mechanism will help you gain a lot more resistance, which is crucial for everyday training.
Pilates Fitness Ball - Pilates fitness ball is an additional sort of machines that you will need to have. This ball perform outs your abdominal muscle tissue. Believe it or not, use of exercise balls helped many men and women that have in achieving the body they always have dreamed of.
Pilates Roller - Pilates roller is a foam cylinder about a meter long. This is a very multipurpose and can be integrated into many existing exercises pilates. It also has its own set of unique exercises and is great when you want to mix your routine. There are exercises where you lie on your back on the roller with only your feet touching the floor. This provides an unstable surface and forces you to activate the deep muscles of the core. It is advisable to complete several months of supervised classes with a foam roller for many exercises quite difficult and could cause injury if not performed correctly.
ZooStores proudly offers the finest [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates Equipment from Top Manufacturers including STOTT Pilates, Stamina, and IMX. They carry a wide selection of Equipment from Reformers to Cadillacs to Pilates Chairs along with [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates Accessories and DVDs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Information-About-Pilates-Equipment&id=6501852] Information About Pilates Equipment
Pilates has become a worldwide trend due to its success in growing strength and balance. There are a lot of benefits of Pilates including increased fitness, increased core strength and reduction in pain and injury prevention. There have been different types of equipment introduced to further improve the workouts and boost results over the time. In this article you will come to know about some of the most common Pilates Equipment like Pilates mat, Pilates reformer, Pilates Magic Circle, Pilates Fitness Ball and the Pilates roller.
Pilates Mat - Pilates mat is basically the most common equipment you need. Therefore, it really should be at the top in your search listing. When buying, try to remember that this rug is available in two styles that fold and roll mat so you can choose according to your choice and comfort.
Pilates Reformer - Pilates reformer is the following have to have gear in Pilates work out. This product is a must if you want to call in the upcoming training for this level of support for building resilience to help strengthen the core. There are a handful of housing reformers to choose from that are much less expensive and add up.
Pilates Magic Circle - A Pilates Magic Circle or the so called work out ring requirements have to be involved in your checklist of equipment if you want to do the job on toning your whole system. Seizing this mechanism will help you gain a lot more resistance, which is crucial for everyday training.
Pilates Fitness Ball - Pilates fitness ball is an additional sort of machines that you will need to have. This ball perform outs your abdominal muscle tissue. Believe it or not, use of exercise balls helped many men and women that have in achieving the body they always have dreamed of.
Pilates Roller - Pilates roller is a foam cylinder about a meter long. This is a very multipurpose and can be integrated into many existing exercises pilates. It also has its own set of unique exercises and is great when you want to mix your routine. There are exercises where you lie on your back on the roller with only your feet touching the floor. This provides an unstable surface and forces you to activate the deep muscles of the core. It is advisable to complete several months of supervised classes with a foam roller for many exercises quite difficult and could cause injury if not performed correctly.
ZooStores proudly offers the finest [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates Equipment from Top Manufacturers including STOTT Pilates, Stamina, and IMX. They carry a wide selection of Equipment from Reformers to Cadillacs to Pilates Chairs along with [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates Accessories and DVDs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Information-About-Pilates-Equipment&id=6501852] Information About Pilates Equipment
Sunday, February 26, 2012
How to Do Pilates on Your Own?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Ng]Joanna Ng
Although Pilates has been around for more than 90 years, it has only become extremely popular over the last decade. The main reason is the result it yields. And Pilates had been recommended by doctors as a tool in recovery after an injury or the treatment of chronic low back pain.
Many people are raving about the healing benefits, as well as the overall good health they have attained from their program. A drawback has been the expense of having to take one on one session or join group sessions to continuously achieve these benefits. With Pilates DIY program, it is possible to continue on your own and achieve the same fantastic results.
DIY simply means 'do-it-yourself.' While the reformer can be expensive to purchase, and bulky to keep in your home, you can do a mixed combination; mat exercises can be done at home, while Pilates reformer exercises can be done in the studio, or gym. However, there are some important things to keep in mind, when you embark on your own program.
In order to get the most out of your program, here are some key notes you need to be aware of before getting started.
Right Pilates DIY Program Design
Work with a professional Pilates instructor who is familiar with your health issues and has a good know how and the experience in planning a program suitable for you. This program needs to take into consideration your health history, your present state of fitness and the goals to achieve. If the goals are not realistic, an alternative should be recommended.
Build Your Pilates Foundation
In taking over the responsibility of working out on your own, learn to understand the "why's" and the "how's" of doing the routines correctly so that you know you are not injuring yourself. Learn the fundamentals of the Pilates form in a proper Pilates studio so you can ask questions if in doubt. Learn Pilates fundamentals like breathing, control, precision, balance and more the proper way.
What's more? You know you are working with the professionals. This is to ensure you are being taught the latest techniques and forms. Don't learn outdated stuff or dangerous routines from unreliable sources.
Develop Mind Connection
Pilates is always associated with building core strength. But there is more to it than just core. It is not about completing a set of routines or perspiring buckets of sweat. Pilates is deep work. So deep that it takes time to understand what body mind connection means. It takes patience and long hours of practice to get to the point where your body is able to do what the mind commands without much effort and with much ease. When the body cannot perform a simple task what the mind wants, there is no connection. Just lots of resistance and stiffness, and ultimately frustration!
Conclusion
It is important to take into account the length of time you have been practising Pilates before embarking on a rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]D.I.Y Pilates program. A good gauge would be about 6 months of consistent training with a trained Pilates instructor. It gives you the confidence of knowing you have the ability to get on the mat or on the reformer without worrying about all the "what ifs".
You can also rest assured your program is designed with you in mind, specific to your goals so that you see yourself getting fitter and stronger, closer to your goals. It is vital to set goals to avoid a plateau in training where you stopped seeing progress. Hence, the reason why your program has to change continuously, like every 3 months if you are consistent.
Pilates DIY exercises can be done for as long as you are persistent and determined to set a schedule and stay on it. You can do it anywhere, even when you travel. So as long as you are disciplined and enjoyed seeing a great "yourself" always, it is one of the best investment you can put in yourself!
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg]Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Do-Pilates-on-Your-Own?&id=6507781] How to Do Pilates on Your Own?
Although Pilates has been around for more than 90 years, it has only become extremely popular over the last decade. The main reason is the result it yields. And Pilates had been recommended by doctors as a tool in recovery after an injury or the treatment of chronic low back pain.
Many people are raving about the healing benefits, as well as the overall good health they have attained from their program. A drawback has been the expense of having to take one on one session or join group sessions to continuously achieve these benefits. With Pilates DIY program, it is possible to continue on your own and achieve the same fantastic results.
DIY simply means 'do-it-yourself.' While the reformer can be expensive to purchase, and bulky to keep in your home, you can do a mixed combination; mat exercises can be done at home, while Pilates reformer exercises can be done in the studio, or gym. However, there are some important things to keep in mind, when you embark on your own program.
In order to get the most out of your program, here are some key notes you need to be aware of before getting started.
Right Pilates DIY Program Design
Work with a professional Pilates instructor who is familiar with your health issues and has a good know how and the experience in planning a program suitable for you. This program needs to take into consideration your health history, your present state of fitness and the goals to achieve. If the goals are not realistic, an alternative should be recommended.
Build Your Pilates Foundation
In taking over the responsibility of working out on your own, learn to understand the "why's" and the "how's" of doing the routines correctly so that you know you are not injuring yourself. Learn the fundamentals of the Pilates form in a proper Pilates studio so you can ask questions if in doubt. Learn Pilates fundamentals like breathing, control, precision, balance and more the proper way.
What's more? You know you are working with the professionals. This is to ensure you are being taught the latest techniques and forms. Don't learn outdated stuff or dangerous routines from unreliable sources.
Develop Mind Connection
Pilates is always associated with building core strength. But there is more to it than just core. It is not about completing a set of routines or perspiring buckets of sweat. Pilates is deep work. So deep that it takes time to understand what body mind connection means. It takes patience and long hours of practice to get to the point where your body is able to do what the mind commands without much effort and with much ease. When the body cannot perform a simple task what the mind wants, there is no connection. Just lots of resistance and stiffness, and ultimately frustration!
Conclusion
It is important to take into account the length of time you have been practising Pilates before embarking on a rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Classes/diy-pilates.php]D.I.Y Pilates program. A good gauge would be about 6 months of consistent training with a trained Pilates instructor. It gives you the confidence of knowing you have the ability to get on the mat or on the reformer without worrying about all the "what ifs".
You can also rest assured your program is designed with you in mind, specific to your goals so that you see yourself getting fitter and stronger, closer to your goals. It is vital to set goals to avoid a plateau in training where you stopped seeing progress. Hence, the reason why your program has to change continuously, like every 3 months if you are consistent.
Pilates DIY exercises can be done for as long as you are persistent and determined to set a schedule and stay on it. You can do it anywhere, even when you travel. So as long as you are disciplined and enjoyed seeing a great "yourself" always, it is one of the best investment you can put in yourself!
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is the only [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg]Singapore Pilates Studio that offers customised D.I.Y. Pilates that are targetted at your goals. All DIY Pilates exercises are customised according to your needs and goals!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Do-Pilates-on-Your-Own?&id=6507781] How to Do Pilates on Your Own?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Utilizing Pilates Accessories to Expand Your Health Opportunities
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Merino]Jacob Merino
Positive health represents a very important resource that all individuals should strive to achieve when finding ways to improve their physical appearance and increase the opportunities for greater health satisfaction.
When determining the best solutions that are available to you to accomplish the goal of positive health, one of the greatest resources you can take advantage of is found with exercise. Pilates represents a high quality exercise resource that many individuals have sought to take advantage of, as a result of the incredible full body workout that is achieved. When looking to expand upon your opportunities with Pilates, it would be ideal to pursue the resources that exist with Pilates accessories.
In the exercise environment, the utilization of clothing can play a very important role when attempting to determine the best resources to support your workout efforts. Wearing clothes that are large and baggy can often be difficult to manage, as you take advantage of Pilates resources, that require you to constantly adjust your entire body. In the alternative, wearing clothing that is too tight, can restrict motion and place unnecessary strain on your body as you adjust. Identifying Pilates accessories such as supportive clothing, can be ideal to determine the best attire to wear while getting the most out of your workout.
Another opportunity an individual can take advantage of, when pursuing the resources of this exercise routine, can be found with the best Pilates machine. Advancements in exercise technology have helped many individuals in discovering significant results from their workout efforts. It is often difficult for many individuals to take advantage of all the opportunities that exist with Pilates and the utilization of machines help simplify these demands, while still providing the full body workout you desire. One of the greatest opportunities to identify the best Pilates machine is to utilize a resource, such as the online environment, to meet your specific workout demands.
In addition to the opportunities that exist with machines, another Pilates accessories you can take advantage of, is found with the various equipment that can be utilized throughout your workout. Resources, such as equipment, help to expand the potential of your Pilates workout, so that you not only gain the full body workout you are hoping to achieve but are able to move beyond the limitations of physical strain. This can often assist you in achieving results in a quicker time period, so that you can enjoy the efforts you have made, when it comes to exercise.
Health plays a very important role in the lives of most individuals and it is important to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to improve results.
Are you looking to expand your health opportunities through exercise? Then it would be ideal to pursue the resources that exist with Pilates accessories. Pilate Accessories represents a high quality exercise resource that many individuals have sought to take advantage of to have an incredible full body workout. The greatest opportunities to identify the best Pilates machine is to utilize through online environment this will help to meet your specific workout demands. For more info Visit http://www.pilateaccessories.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Utilizing-Pilates-Accessories-to-Expand-Your-Health-Opportunities&id=6508163] Utilizing Pilates Accessories to Expand Your Health Opportunities
Positive health represents a very important resource that all individuals should strive to achieve when finding ways to improve their physical appearance and increase the opportunities for greater health satisfaction.
When determining the best solutions that are available to you to accomplish the goal of positive health, one of the greatest resources you can take advantage of is found with exercise. Pilates represents a high quality exercise resource that many individuals have sought to take advantage of, as a result of the incredible full body workout that is achieved. When looking to expand upon your opportunities with Pilates, it would be ideal to pursue the resources that exist with Pilates accessories.
In the exercise environment, the utilization of clothing can play a very important role when attempting to determine the best resources to support your workout efforts. Wearing clothes that are large and baggy can often be difficult to manage, as you take advantage of Pilates resources, that require you to constantly adjust your entire body. In the alternative, wearing clothing that is too tight, can restrict motion and place unnecessary strain on your body as you adjust. Identifying Pilates accessories such as supportive clothing, can be ideal to determine the best attire to wear while getting the most out of your workout.
Another opportunity an individual can take advantage of, when pursuing the resources of this exercise routine, can be found with the best Pilates machine. Advancements in exercise technology have helped many individuals in discovering significant results from their workout efforts. It is often difficult for many individuals to take advantage of all the opportunities that exist with Pilates and the utilization of machines help simplify these demands, while still providing the full body workout you desire. One of the greatest opportunities to identify the best Pilates machine is to utilize a resource, such as the online environment, to meet your specific workout demands.
In addition to the opportunities that exist with machines, another Pilates accessories you can take advantage of, is found with the various equipment that can be utilized throughout your workout. Resources, such as equipment, help to expand the potential of your Pilates workout, so that you not only gain the full body workout you are hoping to achieve but are able to move beyond the limitations of physical strain. This can often assist you in achieving results in a quicker time period, so that you can enjoy the efforts you have made, when it comes to exercise.
Health plays a very important role in the lives of most individuals and it is important to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to improve results.
Are you looking to expand your health opportunities through exercise? Then it would be ideal to pursue the resources that exist with Pilates accessories. Pilate Accessories represents a high quality exercise resource that many individuals have sought to take advantage of to have an incredible full body workout. The greatest opportunities to identify the best Pilates machine is to utilize through online environment this will help to meet your specific workout demands. For more info Visit http://www.pilateaccessories.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Utilizing-Pilates-Accessories-to-Expand-Your-Health-Opportunities&id=6508163] Utilizing Pilates Accessories to Expand Your Health Opportunities
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Skip The Gym And Do Your Pilates At Home
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Toh_Lee_Goh]Toh Lee Goh
Started by Joseph Pilates back in the early 1900s, Pilates is a century old proven exercise that is still practiced widely today. It is a set of exercises that focuses on strengthening your core muscles and improving your flexibility. In fact, it is the Pilates workouts that have helped Joseph Pilates to grow from a physically weak and sickly child to a strong and healthy adult.
Pilates is known to benefit practitioners well beyond the physical body. It is claimed to be able to calm one's mind and stabilize one's emotions. This may be due to the slow movement of Pilates workout routines coupled with controlled breathing that soothes one's nervous system. In this way you not only become stronger but also feel better after every Pilates workout.
So is the gym the only place you can practice Pilates?
Practicing Pilates at the gym definitely has a lot of benefits to offer. Firstly the gym will usually provide you with mid to professional grade Pilates mat that you can comfortably perform your exercises on. Secondly they have certified Pilates instructors that can provide you with professional guidance and correct you on the spot when you are doing it wrong. The only downside to doing it at the gym is that it is very costly. This is mainly because the membership fees will include the rental of the studio space as well as hiring the Pilates instructor for your class.
But the gym is definitely not the only place you can do your Pilates exercises. In fact, you can just do it at home without compromising too much on the quality of the workout.
Doing your Pilates workout at home has its advantages. Firstly you save time and money traveling to the gym for your Pilates class. Secondly you can do it at your own comfortable pace and will not be embarrassed if you can't execute some of the moves. Thirdly you can do it at any time of the day when you are free and don't have to stick to a fixed class schedule. With the right routines and equipment, you too can achieve a gym-quality Pilates workout from the comfort of your home.
So what are the right routines and equipment you should look out for when considering to do Pilates at home?
There are many different types of Pilates workouts using different combinations of routines and equipment. The recommended exercise for home Pilates will be the Pilates mat work (also known as Pilates mat workout or Pilates mat exercise). The Pilates mat work is very affordable due to the lack of need for any heavy, costly or specialized equipment (such as the reformer). All it requires is just a Pilates mat, where you can get it off a local departmental store or an online shop, some loose clothing, and a Pilates DVD for the guidance.
Pilates mat exercises can be easy or hard depending on your level. There are basic routines designed for beginners and patients recovering from injuries, and there are the challenging routines that the advanced practitioners will appreciate. Thus, selecting a Pilates DVD of the correct level is very important. Always look out for an indication of the difficulty level on the DVD cover or search for reviews online before you buy so that you will not waste your money. One good way to find out is to look for the author or actor or actress name or the DVD title on YouTube. Usually they will share a few basic instructional videos on YouTube for free as part of their promotional efforts. In this way you can gauge if the level of difficulty suits you before you buy their DVD.
Watch Pilates mat videos at http://www.pilatesmat.info before your buy your Pilates DVD. Find out more on how you can perform your Pilates mat work at home and what are the best Pilates mats available for your exercise. You can also find a wide range of Pilates mat DVDs to suit all difficulty levels at http://www.pilatesmat.info.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Skip-The-Gym-And-Do-Your-Pilates-At-Home&id=6523966] Skip The Gym And Do Your Pilates At Home
Started by Joseph Pilates back in the early 1900s, Pilates is a century old proven exercise that is still practiced widely today. It is a set of exercises that focuses on strengthening your core muscles and improving your flexibility. In fact, it is the Pilates workouts that have helped Joseph Pilates to grow from a physically weak and sickly child to a strong and healthy adult.
Pilates is known to benefit practitioners well beyond the physical body. It is claimed to be able to calm one's mind and stabilize one's emotions. This may be due to the slow movement of Pilates workout routines coupled with controlled breathing that soothes one's nervous system. In this way you not only become stronger but also feel better after every Pilates workout.
So is the gym the only place you can practice Pilates?
Practicing Pilates at the gym definitely has a lot of benefits to offer. Firstly the gym will usually provide you with mid to professional grade Pilates mat that you can comfortably perform your exercises on. Secondly they have certified Pilates instructors that can provide you with professional guidance and correct you on the spot when you are doing it wrong. The only downside to doing it at the gym is that it is very costly. This is mainly because the membership fees will include the rental of the studio space as well as hiring the Pilates instructor for your class.
But the gym is definitely not the only place you can do your Pilates exercises. In fact, you can just do it at home without compromising too much on the quality of the workout.
Doing your Pilates workout at home has its advantages. Firstly you save time and money traveling to the gym for your Pilates class. Secondly you can do it at your own comfortable pace and will not be embarrassed if you can't execute some of the moves. Thirdly you can do it at any time of the day when you are free and don't have to stick to a fixed class schedule. With the right routines and equipment, you too can achieve a gym-quality Pilates workout from the comfort of your home.
So what are the right routines and equipment you should look out for when considering to do Pilates at home?
There are many different types of Pilates workouts using different combinations of routines and equipment. The recommended exercise for home Pilates will be the Pilates mat work (also known as Pilates mat workout or Pilates mat exercise). The Pilates mat work is very affordable due to the lack of need for any heavy, costly or specialized equipment (such as the reformer). All it requires is just a Pilates mat, where you can get it off a local departmental store or an online shop, some loose clothing, and a Pilates DVD for the guidance.
Pilates mat exercises can be easy or hard depending on your level. There are basic routines designed for beginners and patients recovering from injuries, and there are the challenging routines that the advanced practitioners will appreciate. Thus, selecting a Pilates DVD of the correct level is very important. Always look out for an indication of the difficulty level on the DVD cover or search for reviews online before you buy so that you will not waste your money. One good way to find out is to look for the author or actor or actress name or the DVD title on YouTube. Usually they will share a few basic instructional videos on YouTube for free as part of their promotional efforts. In this way you can gauge if the level of difficulty suits you before you buy their DVD.
Watch Pilates mat videos at http://www.pilatesmat.info before your buy your Pilates DVD. Find out more on how you can perform your Pilates mat work at home and what are the best Pilates mats available for your exercise. You can also find a wide range of Pilates mat DVDs to suit all difficulty levels at http://www.pilatesmat.info.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Skip-The-Gym-And-Do-Your-Pilates-At-Home&id=6523966] Skip The Gym And Do Your Pilates At Home
Monday, February 20, 2012
Why Pilates Is Effective for Knee Pain Treatment
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Ng]Joanna Ng
Most of us suffer from some kind of knee pain, at one time or another. There are different reasons for the many kinds of knee pain that each individual has. You can suffer from knee pain as a result of a sports injury, an auto accident, or an overuse syndrome. It can also happen through an innocent knee knock or a slight tug when you missed your footing. Whatever the reason is, it is important to understand how it came about in order to be specific in knee pain treatment.
Major knee dislocations and fractures that required surgical intervention and professional medical help do not fall into this category until the rehabilitation phase. Other knee pain that comes about as a result of unbalanced patella due to tightness in the Iliotibial Band (IT Band), knock knees, bow legged individuals, knee tendinitis and more can be effectively solved with Pilates.
So how does Pilates play a part in the treatment of knee pain? Why Pilates?
Pilates For Knee Pain Relief
Pilates, as a form of total body conditioning training program, is both functional and specific in knee pain treatment. Here are the reasons:
1. Alignment
2. Articulation
3. Form
4. Muscular Strength
5. Creating Space in Joint
6. Improve Range of Motion
7. Develop flexibility
When you're looking at Pilates for knee pain relief, keep in mind there are several methods and exercises that you can perform, both at home and in a studio. These exercises will help strengthen and lengthen your muscles so that your knee becomes stronger and more agile. It will bend with ease, and without pain. At home, you can use your mat and combine it with a DVD if you wish. In the studio, you can use the reformer to get a greater benefit and heal your knee faster. Here are some specific exercises you can do at home and at the studio.
Pilates Knee Pain Relief Exercises (with a Mat)
Knee Folds: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor; using your abdominal muscles, lift one foot off the floor and bring it towards you; inhale as you lift in, exhale as you come back down; Repeat 8-10 times, then switch legs. It's important to focus on your breathing as you do these. Keep your abdominal muscles tight and your spine to the floor.
Kneeling Side Kick: Kneel on your mat and pull your abdominals in while dropping your tailbone to the floor; extend your right leg directly out to the side, with your toe on the floor; drop your left hand to the floor directly under your shoulder, leaving your arm straight; place your right hand on your hip; lengthen your right leg away from you and lift up to hip height and then swing your leg to the front. Do 6-8 reps on each side.
Pilates Knee Pain Relief Exercises (with Machine)
First Position: Lie on your back with your legs bent and your heels on the bar and your feet flexed; your knees should be squeezed together and your torso and arms are relaxed; as you inhale, fully extend your legs but be careful not to lock your knees; exhale as you come back down into first position.
Knee Stretch: With your feet flat against the shoulder rests, kneel on the carriage; your hands should be on the foot bar. Using your hands, push away; this gives your legs and back a good stretch.
All of these rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Knee-Pain/index.php]pilates knee pain relief exercises will help to strengthen your knee and help you become pain-free. Pilates reformer exercises can give you a bigger benefit by adding some resistance, and giving you a broader range of motion. Remember the proper breathing technique, and concentrate on your knee as you perform each exercise. This will help you achieve a mind-body connection and allow you to listen to what your body is telling you.
Once your muscles and joints are strengthened and lengthened, you will be able to walk with ease. You would not hear any cracking or crackling in your joints. As you become more comfortable with your routine, you can add more advanced moves.
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is an authentic Singapore Pilates Studio that specialises in using Pilates Pain Relief. Joanna uses various techniques like myofascial release, gyrotonic and pilates to nurse many of clients who has suffered from serious knee pain injuries. She uses these techniques as means to instant [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Pain-Relief/index.php]Pilates Pain Relief.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Pilates-Is-Effective-for-Knee-Pain-Treatment&id=6540468] Why Pilates Is Effective for Knee Pain Treatment
Most of us suffer from some kind of knee pain, at one time or another. There are different reasons for the many kinds of knee pain that each individual has. You can suffer from knee pain as a result of a sports injury, an auto accident, or an overuse syndrome. It can also happen through an innocent knee knock or a slight tug when you missed your footing. Whatever the reason is, it is important to understand how it came about in order to be specific in knee pain treatment.
Major knee dislocations and fractures that required surgical intervention and professional medical help do not fall into this category until the rehabilitation phase. Other knee pain that comes about as a result of unbalanced patella due to tightness in the Iliotibial Band (IT Band), knock knees, bow legged individuals, knee tendinitis and more can be effectively solved with Pilates.
So how does Pilates play a part in the treatment of knee pain? Why Pilates?
Pilates For Knee Pain Relief
Pilates, as a form of total body conditioning training program, is both functional and specific in knee pain treatment. Here are the reasons:
1. Alignment
2. Articulation
3. Form
4. Muscular Strength
5. Creating Space in Joint
6. Improve Range of Motion
7. Develop flexibility
When you're looking at Pilates for knee pain relief, keep in mind there are several methods and exercises that you can perform, both at home and in a studio. These exercises will help strengthen and lengthen your muscles so that your knee becomes stronger and more agile. It will bend with ease, and without pain. At home, you can use your mat and combine it with a DVD if you wish. In the studio, you can use the reformer to get a greater benefit and heal your knee faster. Here are some specific exercises you can do at home and at the studio.
Pilates Knee Pain Relief Exercises (with a Mat)
Knee Folds: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor; using your abdominal muscles, lift one foot off the floor and bring it towards you; inhale as you lift in, exhale as you come back down; Repeat 8-10 times, then switch legs. It's important to focus on your breathing as you do these. Keep your abdominal muscles tight and your spine to the floor.
Kneeling Side Kick: Kneel on your mat and pull your abdominals in while dropping your tailbone to the floor; extend your right leg directly out to the side, with your toe on the floor; drop your left hand to the floor directly under your shoulder, leaving your arm straight; place your right hand on your hip; lengthen your right leg away from you and lift up to hip height and then swing your leg to the front. Do 6-8 reps on each side.
Pilates Knee Pain Relief Exercises (with Machine)
First Position: Lie on your back with your legs bent and your heels on the bar and your feet flexed; your knees should be squeezed together and your torso and arms are relaxed; as you inhale, fully extend your legs but be careful not to lock your knees; exhale as you come back down into first position.
Knee Stretch: With your feet flat against the shoulder rests, kneel on the carriage; your hands should be on the foot bar. Using your hands, push away; this gives your legs and back a good stretch.
All of these rel=nofollow [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Knee-Pain/index.php]pilates knee pain relief exercises will help to strengthen your knee and help you become pain-free. Pilates reformer exercises can give you a bigger benefit by adding some resistance, and giving you a broader range of motion. Remember the proper breathing technique, and concentrate on your knee as you perform each exercise. This will help you achieve a mind-body connection and allow you to listen to what your body is telling you.
Once your muscles and joints are strengthened and lengthened, you will be able to walk with ease. You would not hear any cracking or crackling in your joints. As you become more comfortable with your routine, you can add more advanced moves.
Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation is an authentic Singapore Pilates Studio that specialises in using Pilates Pain Relief. Joanna uses various techniques like myofascial release, gyrotonic and pilates to nurse many of clients who has suffered from serious knee pain injuries. She uses these techniques as means to instant [http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg/Pilates-Pain-Relief/index.php]Pilates Pain Relief.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Pilates-Is-Effective-for-Knee-Pain-Treatment&id=6540468] Why Pilates Is Effective for Knee Pain Treatment
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Pilates Reformer - What Are the Benefits?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ash_Kali]Ash Kali
The reformer classes are one of the main choices when it comes to Pilates classes. The Pilates Reformer is an exercise equipment that is used for Pilates exercises to achieve a powerful and effective workout.
Pilate's founder, Joseph Pilates, designed a number of equipments to facilitate the exercise moves that he created. The reformer is one of his greatest inventions, and the most essential Pilates equipment that instructors nowadays run toward to for an effective toning and sculpting workout.
There are several benefits that the reformer can bring.
What you will get:
Increased Core Strength
The core muscles are the muscles forming the center of the body, which includes the abdominal, the obliques (sides), mid and lower back. The reformer helps increase strength in this core area. As you develop stronger core muscles, it becomes easier for you to carry out other functions that require movement, including sports.
Improved Posture
Good posture not only allows the body to move and function properly, but also gives confidence. Workouts using Pilates Reformer machines take care of the spine well by improving its alignment. These exercises can help correct the posture of those who struggle with maintaining proper posture, and help improve the posture of those who need little correction. With a good posture, no doubt you will carry everyday movements with grace.
Improved Breathing
One of the beautiful art of Pilates is the breathing technique. Be it a mat or a reformer workout, Pilates exercises focus on proper breathing. With the increased resistance that the reformer provides, breathing efficiency is improved during workouts. When you breathe better, your get healthier lungs and a more energetic body.
Better Results
Compared to the mat workouts, the pulley and the springs in the reformer gives more resistance, so the results are usually much better and faster.
In addition, this exercise machine is one of the most versatile machines available. Unlike most exercise machines that work on one or two muscle groups, the Pilates Reformer can be used to work on all the muscles in the body effectively. There are in fact more than 200 exercises you can perform on this sleek machine!
To obtain the best benefits of the reformer, one must know how to use it properly. Therefore, if you are a beginner, it's best to work with an instructor by enrolling in a class or through private trainers to understand the foundations and to learn the correct moves. Once you start to feel more confident with the Pilates Reformer workouts, you may want to get a rel=nofollow [http://pilatesathome.net/the-5-essential-pilates-equipments-for-home-workouts]portable reformer machine for home use.
Most reformers for home use usually come with instruction DVDs. If you are serious about practicing Pilates, go ahead and give reformer workouts a try!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Reformer---What-Are-the-Benefits?&id=6531987] Pilates Reformer - What Are the Benefits?
The reformer classes are one of the main choices when it comes to Pilates classes. The Pilates Reformer is an exercise equipment that is used for Pilates exercises to achieve a powerful and effective workout.
Pilate's founder, Joseph Pilates, designed a number of equipments to facilitate the exercise moves that he created. The reformer is one of his greatest inventions, and the most essential Pilates equipment that instructors nowadays run toward to for an effective toning and sculpting workout.
There are several benefits that the reformer can bring.
What you will get:
Increased Core Strength
The core muscles are the muscles forming the center of the body, which includes the abdominal, the obliques (sides), mid and lower back. The reformer helps increase strength in this core area. As you develop stronger core muscles, it becomes easier for you to carry out other functions that require movement, including sports.
Improved Posture
Good posture not only allows the body to move and function properly, but also gives confidence. Workouts using Pilates Reformer machines take care of the spine well by improving its alignment. These exercises can help correct the posture of those who struggle with maintaining proper posture, and help improve the posture of those who need little correction. With a good posture, no doubt you will carry everyday movements with grace.
Improved Breathing
One of the beautiful art of Pilates is the breathing technique. Be it a mat or a reformer workout, Pilates exercises focus on proper breathing. With the increased resistance that the reformer provides, breathing efficiency is improved during workouts. When you breathe better, your get healthier lungs and a more energetic body.
Better Results
Compared to the mat workouts, the pulley and the springs in the reformer gives more resistance, so the results are usually much better and faster.
In addition, this exercise machine is one of the most versatile machines available. Unlike most exercise machines that work on one or two muscle groups, the Pilates Reformer can be used to work on all the muscles in the body effectively. There are in fact more than 200 exercises you can perform on this sleek machine!
To obtain the best benefits of the reformer, one must know how to use it properly. Therefore, if you are a beginner, it's best to work with an instructor by enrolling in a class or through private trainers to understand the foundations and to learn the correct moves. Once you start to feel more confident with the Pilates Reformer workouts, you may want to get a rel=nofollow [http://pilatesathome.net/the-5-essential-pilates-equipments-for-home-workouts]portable reformer machine for home use.
Most reformers for home use usually come with instruction DVDs. If you are serious about practicing Pilates, go ahead and give reformer workouts a try!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-Reformer---What-Are-the-Benefits?&id=6531987] Pilates Reformer - What Are the Benefits?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
How Pilates Can Change Your Life
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bill_J_Lyman]Bill J Lyman
Pilates were developed in the early 20th century and named after the man who invented them - Joseph Pilates. They are a form of exercise involving abdominals, lower back, hips, and thighs. The intent is to build strength in your core muscle groups to help improve your posture, flexibility, and balance.
If you have ever spent time performing calisthenics, then you have probably come close to doing Pilates. A Pilates workout will involve 25-50 strength training exercises.
Anyone can exercise using Pilates. And the benefits are the same whether you are an experienced athlete or a beginner at the fitness game. If you have a desire to improve your posture, to prevent or treat back pain, gain a better balance and stability over your body frame, and increase your flexibility, then Pilates are the perfect workout routine for you.
If you are over 40 or it's been awhile since you've been physically active, be sure to speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan. If you have health problems, you should check with your doctor as well.
Pilates are best performed with a workout partner or a training manager. They make for a good strength workout, but if you are looking for aerobic exercises, then you should try something else.
Before you start your Pilates routine, do some warm-up exercises. Start with some imprinting, then some arm reach and pulls, and pelvic curls. Swan preps and wall roll downs are also good warm-up exercises.
After10-15 minutes of warm ups, if you are a beginner or you are not used to a rigorous workout, perform some beginner exercises before moving on to more advanced Pilates. Chest lifts, roll ups, and one leg circles are good Pilateexercises for beginners. It's a good idea to mix up your routines so that you don't work on the same muscle groups over and over and ignore others. For instance, your first Pilates exercise could be a workout for your abdomen with a follow-up exercise that works on your lower back. Then, throw in an exercise that works out your hips and thighs. If possible, choose an exercise that works out two muscles at once.
When working out with Pilates, dress comfortably. Make sure that you choose clothing that gives you a full range of your muscles, particularly your legs. Dress simply, but don't wear clothing that is too loose. Baggy clothing might reveal more than you want to reveal and your instructor or workout partner won't be able to see your muscles and determine whether you are getting a good workout.
The most essential Pilates equipment you'll need is an exercise mat. You'll spend a lot of time on the floor so be sure you get a mat that pads your body well. You might also invest in exercise and toning balls, exercise bands, magic circles, and body rollers.
Before you start your new Pilates workout routine, learn as much as you can about them and study a few of the exercises before trying to perform them. Get a good vision of how you will approach them before you actually try it. Never work out alone, even if you are planning a light Pilates workout.
Bill Lyman is an online entrepreneur with 10 years of experience. His website http://www.onlineEbiz.com which publishes information on various healing concepts, including pilates, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, Yoga, Lucid Dreams, Binaural Beats, Therapeutic Touch, Polarity Therapy, and many more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Pilates-Can-Change-Your-Life&id=6539861] How Pilates Can Change Your Life
Pilates were developed in the early 20th century and named after the man who invented them - Joseph Pilates. They are a form of exercise involving abdominals, lower back, hips, and thighs. The intent is to build strength in your core muscle groups to help improve your posture, flexibility, and balance.
If you have ever spent time performing calisthenics, then you have probably come close to doing Pilates. A Pilates workout will involve 25-50 strength training exercises.
Anyone can exercise using Pilates. And the benefits are the same whether you are an experienced athlete or a beginner at the fitness game. If you have a desire to improve your posture, to prevent or treat back pain, gain a better balance and stability over your body frame, and increase your flexibility, then Pilates are the perfect workout routine for you.
If you are over 40 or it's been awhile since you've been physically active, be sure to speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan. If you have health problems, you should check with your doctor as well.
Pilates are best performed with a workout partner or a training manager. They make for a good strength workout, but if you are looking for aerobic exercises, then you should try something else.
Before you start your Pilates routine, do some warm-up exercises. Start with some imprinting, then some arm reach and pulls, and pelvic curls. Swan preps and wall roll downs are also good warm-up exercises.
After10-15 minutes of warm ups, if you are a beginner or you are not used to a rigorous workout, perform some beginner exercises before moving on to more advanced Pilates. Chest lifts, roll ups, and one leg circles are good Pilateexercises for beginners. It's a good idea to mix up your routines so that you don't work on the same muscle groups over and over and ignore others. For instance, your first Pilates exercise could be a workout for your abdomen with a follow-up exercise that works on your lower back. Then, throw in an exercise that works out your hips and thighs. If possible, choose an exercise that works out two muscles at once.
When working out with Pilates, dress comfortably. Make sure that you choose clothing that gives you a full range of your muscles, particularly your legs. Dress simply, but don't wear clothing that is too loose. Baggy clothing might reveal more than you want to reveal and your instructor or workout partner won't be able to see your muscles and determine whether you are getting a good workout.
The most essential Pilates equipment you'll need is an exercise mat. You'll spend a lot of time on the floor so be sure you get a mat that pads your body well. You might also invest in exercise and toning balls, exercise bands, magic circles, and body rollers.
Before you start your new Pilates workout routine, learn as much as you can about them and study a few of the exercises before trying to perform them. Get a good vision of how you will approach them before you actually try it. Never work out alone, even if you are planning a light Pilates workout.
Bill Lyman is an online entrepreneur with 10 years of experience. His website http://www.onlineEbiz.com which publishes information on various healing concepts, including pilates, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, Yoga, Lucid Dreams, Binaural Beats, Therapeutic Touch, Polarity Therapy, and many more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Pilates-Can-Change-Your-Life&id=6539861] How Pilates Can Change Your Life
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Important Things to Know Before Buying a Pilates Mat
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mariah_Johnston]Mariah Johnston
A mat is one of the most important equipment for workout, especially when you are doing an exercise to build your strength and flexibility. Since this type of exercise requires you to have a padded surface under your body to provide you balance and stability. There are different kinds of mats available in the market for doing different exercises and you should make sure to choose a correct mat for you. A correct mat will help you in doing each movement while doing Pilates exercises with comfort and in right way.
Many people choose to buy a Pilates mat for practicing Pilate at home. Pilate concept is relatively new but its popularity in increasing with every passing day and the reason of this increase are the exceptional results people have experienced.
There is a huge difference in a Pilates Mat comparing to an aerobic mat or a yoga mat. This is because yoga and aerobic exercises have different poses and need solid support from the ground while for doing Pilates workout effectively the base need to be soft.
You can find Pilate mats in your local fitness or sports stores or you can also find a large variety online. These mats have been designed in many colors, shapes and sizes so you always have plenty of choices to choose from. Buying a mat for your home requires more attention and it is important to always consult with your instructor before buying a mat as he can give you accurate measurements for length, breath and the thickness of the mat.
These mats are available in different qualities and prices both in the market and also on the internet to satisfy almost any pocket. You can get quotes from different vendors before buying. If you are trying to save on the budget, there are also second hand mats that can be found in the shop next door or on the internet.
Pilate mats require no maintenance in general. However, there are few simple guidelines to maintain and clean your Pilates mat depending on the material used on the surface of the mat. To learn more about the types of mats you can visit some Pilates exercise centers or you can check some Pilate DVD's and websites that direct you to exercise.
Always remember to follow your instructor while working on the mat. Improper posture can lead to injury and back pain. Also, do not overdo any exercises on the mat for a result. Just follow the instructions may give you a good body.
ZooStores proudly offers the finest Pilates Equipment from Top Manufacturers including STOTT Pilates, Stamina, IMX and [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates mat. They carry a wide selection of Equipment from Reformers to Cadillacs to Pilates Chairs along with Pilates Accessories and [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates DVDs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Important-Things-to-Know-Before-Buying-a-Pilates-Mat&id=6528411] Important Things to Know Before Buying a Pilates Mat
A mat is one of the most important equipment for workout, especially when you are doing an exercise to build your strength and flexibility. Since this type of exercise requires you to have a padded surface under your body to provide you balance and stability. There are different kinds of mats available in the market for doing different exercises and you should make sure to choose a correct mat for you. A correct mat will help you in doing each movement while doing Pilates exercises with comfort and in right way.
Many people choose to buy a Pilates mat for practicing Pilate at home. Pilate concept is relatively new but its popularity in increasing with every passing day and the reason of this increase are the exceptional results people have experienced.
There is a huge difference in a Pilates Mat comparing to an aerobic mat or a yoga mat. This is because yoga and aerobic exercises have different poses and need solid support from the ground while for doing Pilates workout effectively the base need to be soft.
You can find Pilate mats in your local fitness or sports stores or you can also find a large variety online. These mats have been designed in many colors, shapes and sizes so you always have plenty of choices to choose from. Buying a mat for your home requires more attention and it is important to always consult with your instructor before buying a mat as he can give you accurate measurements for length, breath and the thickness of the mat.
These mats are available in different qualities and prices both in the market and also on the internet to satisfy almost any pocket. You can get quotes from different vendors before buying. If you are trying to save on the budget, there are also second hand mats that can be found in the shop next door or on the internet.
Pilate mats require no maintenance in general. However, there are few simple guidelines to maintain and clean your Pilates mat depending on the material used on the surface of the mat. To learn more about the types of mats you can visit some Pilates exercise centers or you can check some Pilate DVD's and websites that direct you to exercise.
Always remember to follow your instructor while working on the mat. Improper posture can lead to injury and back pain. Also, do not overdo any exercises on the mat for a result. Just follow the instructions may give you a good body.
ZooStores proudly offers the finest Pilates Equipment from Top Manufacturers including STOTT Pilates, Stamina, IMX and [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates mat. They carry a wide selection of Equipment from Reformers to Cadillacs to Pilates Chairs along with Pilates Accessories and [http://pilates.zoostores.com/]Pilates DVDs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Important-Things-to-Know-Before-Buying-a-Pilates-Mat&id=6528411] Important Things to Know Before Buying a Pilates Mat
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