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