Basic Information on Pilates rings.
Posted on 27 March 2008 | No responses
You’ve probably been hearing about “core” exercises and Pilates for quite a while and are probably doing it once to thrice a week, you’ve probably used different DVD’s, different styles techniques and different equipment just to get that great body that everybody is drooling about. Hearing of all this, you’ve probably heard of the Ever present Pilates Ring, the non bulky, and cheaper alternative to all of those bulky machines.
The Pilates ring of course, as its name says, is used in the practice of Pilates, specifically for Winsor Pilates. Winsor Pilates makes use of low intensity workouts that work on the “core” of the body. By core it means the muscles in the abdomen, back and pelvis. As these are low intensity, these can be done even by those who are of weak health status. But just because it is low intensity doesn’t mean it’ll take a long time for results, or won’t have results, in fact Winsor Pilates promise results in a month, when it is used three days a week. Wisnor Pilates is distributed on DVDs.
A Pilates ring however, aside from being used to tone the buttocks and the abdominal and pelvic muscles can also be used to specifically target muscles in the leg, pecs, lats, triceps and biceps. It is an all around exercise accessory that everyone should have. To change position, you can reposition the ring in either your arms or your legs, whatever location it is that you want to tone and improve, and basically and squeezing it. But there is more to a Pilates ring than merely squeezing; anything done wrongly can cause injury, especially when exercising, so before you start, try to consult a certified Pilates instructor.
Pilates rings also have different brand names, and depending on the manufacturer, different resistances. Some manufacturers offer a line of different resistances; some offer just one line with one resistance. It is suggested that you get those that have varied resistances so that you’re your body has been used and toned at a certain level; you can further increase your workout by increasing the resistance of the Pilates ring. Some rings have a stronger resistance for a harder workout; some have lighter resistance for a lighter workout. Just remember, make sure that you can take the resistance before rushing into it. Anything, no matter how foolproof can be dangerous if used incorrectly, in short, you might get injured if you use too much resistance. Again, try to consult a certified Pilates instructor before changing resistances.
Pilates rings, boast of foam padded grips for the comfort of the user, these are the parts that make actual contact with the part of the body, making the exercise more comfortable than if done without one. Pilates rings are made of lightweight material, and may be brought with you anywhere, to the gym or at home or during travel.
The Pilates ring is only one of the few accessories, or if you must, equipment that Winsor Pilates incorporates into its program for a better workout. However, you don’t really need a Pilates program to be able to use a Pilates ring. Although the ring was made especially for this program, the Pilates ring itself can be incorporated into any other type of exercise program that you currently have, providing that you consult with your instructor.
About the author:
Gabae Weight Loss – The premiere free weight loss publication on the web. Updated daily with fresh feature packed articles.
Written By: Michael Bens
Learn About Pilates
Posted on 3 March 2008 | 1 response
Pilates is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Pilates wrote two books about the Pilates method: Return to Life through Contrology and Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education.
Pilates called his method Contrology, which refers to the way the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles. It is an exercise program that focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and strengthen the deep torso muscles, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain.
Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Pilates preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring control and form. He designed more than 500 specific exercises. The most frequent form, called “matwork,” involves a series of calisthenic motions performed without weight or apparatus on a padded mat. He believed that mental health and physical health were essential to one another.
Pilates created what is claimed to be a method of total body conditioning that emphasizes proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement (The Pilates Principles) that results in increased flexibility, strength, muscle tone, body awareness, energy, and improved mental concentration. Pilates also designed five major pieces of unique exercise equipment that he claimed should be used for best results. Although the two components are often taught separately now, the method was always meant to combine both matwork and equipment exercises. In all forms, the “powerhouse” (abdomen, lower back, and buttocks) is supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of the body to move freely.
Pilates is not designed to be a complete physical fitness discipline. For example, in its more original forms, it does not supply effective cardiovascular training.
Pilates largely avoids high impact, high power output, and heavy muscular and skeletal loading. As a result, Pilates is not as effective as other training methods at building muscle mass.
Some doctors have suggested that medical advice be sought by those who have, or who have risk factors for, conditions such as osteogenesis imperfecta, Osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and Paget’s disease, before choosing Pilates over other strength exercises.
Pilates in Spain
Posted on 8 February 2008 | No responses
A healthier lifestyle is a major motivator for people looking to relocate to Spain. We envisage ourselves eating fresh fruit and vegetables, living in a climate which enables an active lifestyle. However, the reality is if we are not careful our walk along the beach has been replaced by a sit down on the beach and our old chocolate addiction has been substituted with churros and Spanish cakes. Before long we are the stiff, old, slouchy couch potatoes that we thought we had left behind in our home countries. It is at this point that you need to think about doing some form of exercise.
What is Pilates?
One of the most increasingly popular forms of exercise at the moment is Pilates. Pilates is a series of slow controlled movements. It is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. During a Pilates class you will be encouraged to exercise at your own pace and within the limits of any restricted mobility, arthritic joints, back problems as the movements can be modified accordingly. On the other hand, those fitter or younger members of a class will be able to do the exercise at a higher intensity. There is always something for everyone.
Origins of Pilates?
The Pilates method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the1920′s. As a child he suffered ill health and to become stronger, he took up bodybuilding, was a gymnast and a circus performer. He was German but living in Britain and during the First World War, because of his nationality, he was made a prisoner of war. During this time he became a nurse, rehabilitating his fellow prisoners of war, using a method, which was to become known worldwide, as “Pilates”. There was a flu epidemic which killed many, but none of those whom Joseph Pilates trained died and this was noted. After the war he moved to New York where he set up his first studio, which was frequented by dancers and actors. Since then, the technique has progressed and become one of the most popular exercise techniques in the world.
Where can I find an instructor for Pilates in Spain?
In the UK it is very straightforward, you go to your local gym and enroll on a class. However, as an expat in Spain it is sometimes difficult to know what is on offer. Usually the gymnasiums offer mat work classes, or there are specialist Pilates studios which are mainly machine based. Most classes will be advertised using the usual methods, the internet, newspapers, magazines or leaflets. If you keep your eyes open you will be bound to find somewhere.
You must check that your instructor is fully qualified. Don’t be shy ask to see their qualifications, I am always delighted to show mine when I am asked and so will any other qualified instructors. After all, we work hard to gain and retain these qualifications so we are very proud of them! Before teaching Pilates in Marbella, I worked for the large leisure groups such as David Lloyd, Virgin Active and Moat House Hotels, all providing excellent experience. I have taught both very large and very small classes, with people of different fitness levels and ages in the same class. In addition to this, I have taught some clients on a “one to one” basis who have had very severe injuries and back problems. In all these cases I have always spoken to their physiotherapist or medical adviser beforehand, to obtain information as to what movements are beneficial or detrimental to the client. I have also had the pleasure of seeing a physiotherapist improve her own posture dramatically, after a series “one to one” sessions with me. I always welcome working with a fellow professional as both parties learn from each other.
What will Pilates do for you?
Pilates classes will improve your posture and provide you with tips on how to apply the technique to your day-to-day life when standing, sitting, walking and driving. Your flexibility will improve and likewise the mobility of the joints and spine. It will increase muscle strength and hence increases bone density, which in turn, helps to prevent osteoporosis. The added bonus is toning of the body and flatter tummies! The one thing it will not do is help you to lose weight. To do this you need to undertake some form of cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking, fast swimming, aqua aerobics, cycling, running etc.
Where injuries or joint problems are severe, it may be better to attend a “one to one” session, the exercises will be specifically adapted and chosen, considering you as an individual and how best to help you. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists in Great Britain has recognised the importance of the role of Pilates techniques in alleviating some back problems, joint problems and for post surgery rehabilitation. As an instructor, I have often worked alongside a physiotherapist to compliment their work and have seen some excellent results for the patient.
Mat work versus Machines?
There are two ways to practice Pilates, either floor based exercises, or Pilates machines such as The Reformer, The Cadillac and Wunda Chair. I am often asked which is best, or more often, I hear people say, “Machines are best as you can work harder”. This is not true, both methods can be equally as challenging, Joseph Pilates used both! Your choice will often depend on availability in your area and what you want to pay.
What does Pilates cost in Spain?
For a mat work class, most instructors will charge between 10 and 15 euros per class. For a machine based class this is usually more expensive than a mat work class and will be offered either as a group or “one to one” class. If you need physiotherapy treatment, it is likely that you would be recommended to take a “one to one” Pilates session, which averages 50 euros per hour, sometimes a discount is offered for an advance booking of say 5 or 10 sessions.
So where do you go from here?
My advice to everyone is, remember that your body is designed to move. Your joints and spine need regular movement. Without movement things start going wrong and hurting! Pilates will teach you skills to use in your day to day life, you will be stronger, more mobile and flexible, your body will perform your day to day tasks more efficiently and you will feel better. Remember, “prevention is better than cure”, but if you already need a bit of help, then maybe Pilates classes can help you.
About the author:
Clare Brannan is a qualified Pilates instructor, accredited by the Pilates Institue. Clare regularly contributes to the Eye on Spain (http://www.eyeonspain.com) Spanish off plan property website.
Written By: Clare Brannan
The Fundamentals of Pilates
Posted on 7 January 2008 | No responses
There are people who are fond of getting an exercise for maintaining their body figure as well as to condition their body so to look healthier and sexy. Some do the swimming or others stay in the gym to get their ideal body figure. We all dream and look forward to an exercise program that will always engage us and that will leaves us refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental being. From famous people down to women who are conscious enough with their body, the Pilates can be a great and stunning method in building up your most desired figure.
Well, the Pilates (pu-LAH-teez) Method is a kind of exercise system that focuses on improving the flexibility and strength for the total body without building a weight. The Pilates method is not just exercise as well, but it is a series of controlled movements that engages in your body and mind, and performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and presided by trained teachers. This Pilates was developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder of The New York Pilates Studio, Joseph H. Pilates.
Joseph Pilates was a performer and a boxer who lives in England in year 1914. During the outbreak of the WW1, he was placed under the forced internment along with the other German nationals in Lancaster, England, and there he taught his fellow camp members about his concepts and exercises that are developed through self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens. Just then, Joseph Pilates began devising the system of original exercises that is known as mat work, or an exercise that is done on the floor. John Pilates also became a nurse/caretaker to the internees that is struck with wartime disease and physical injury. He then began to devise some equipment to rehabilitate his patients.
The Pilates method provides a refreshing and energizing workout where it gives a physical harmony and balance for people of different ages and with physical conditions. The sessions of the Pilates are done one-to-one with a certified teacher or in close and well-supervised small groups. Each session is fitted perfectly for your specific needs. The Pilates method can also be the dominant mode of body conditioning and injury prevention, and can be integrated into a rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs that is designed to a speed recovery of soft tissue injuries. The Pilates method can also be used by pregnant women in a way to learn the proper breathing and body alignment. It also improves concentration, and recovers the body shape and tone of women after the pregnancy.
The founder of the Pilates really designed more than 500 specific exercises using its five major pieces of unique apparatus in developing the body uniformly. Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, the Pilates method was designed to have more absolute movements that require a proper control and form. Since the mind is required to engage with your body to perform the movements properly, you are meant to experience a new awareness of muscle function and control. The instructor of the Pilates methods is the only one who has the right to teach, who has completed a rigorous certification program that includes seminar training and 600 apprenticeship hours. This is because the Pilates want to provide safe and effective conditioning for their clients.
There are certain countries that usually practice the Pilates method, in which they enjoy the physical movement that is designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. The Pilates has an efficient practice of specific exercises accompanied with focused breathing patterns. Well, you could probably believe that Pilates has proven to be helpful and not just as a part of fitness itself, but also a supplement to professional sports training and to physical rehabilitation of all kinds. The Pilates brings out infinite benefits to your body, such as the increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, and where healthy breathing is a primary focus too. The key components in an effective Pilates program is the strength and the flexibility that is particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, with coordination to both muscular and mental. The posture, balance, and core strength are fairly increased in your body and where your bone density and joint health is also improved.
For more information about pilates please goto the pilates resource center
Written By: Michael Sanford
Winsor Pilates Can Be Very Effective For Weight Loss
Posted on 22 December 2007 | No responses
If you’re seriously interested in knowing about weight loss, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about weight loss.
Winsor Pilates has gone all the rage in todays ever changing market for the best weight Loss programs, and so far, it has received good reviews both from users and professional analysts. But for someone, who just got introduced to this form of the ever famous exercise regimen, one cannot resist to ask, what is it? How can it help me?
Reviewers say that Winsor Pilates is best for weight loss, fat burning, mental conditioning, and like its namesake, it offers better health through exercise. You can get Winsor Pilates in a DVD, and claims when used 3 days a week can produce results in as little as a month. This is a rather big claim considering the weight loss programs available to us today. But according to most users, Winsor Pilates, does work, with extra effects to boot.
Are Winsor Pilates Right For Me and Where Did This System Come From?
Winsor Pilates is a low intensity exercise that burns a lot of calories, because it is low intensity, it can be done by almost anyone in almost any condition. Joseph Pilates, first invented the Pilates method, and focused on breathing and stretching in slow paced movements. Winsor Pilates is a derivation of the Pilates that Joseph Pilates invented, made by Mari Winsor. It aims to train the core or the muscles in the abdomen, back and buttocks. It says that by strengthening your core, you get aside from physical fitness, mental clarity which allows the mind to work efficiently with the body.
Mari Winsor, the inventor of Winsor Pilates is 54 years old, with the physique of a 20 year old. Due to the Winsor Pilates System, her body is lean and flexible, which we cannot say for a lot of people her age.
I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain with this type of effective weight loss program.
Mari Winsor made Winsor Pilates for the use of the majority. It makes use of the Pilates method, modified into a low intensity exercise which as said earlier can be done by most people, even in the frailest of health stature. This makes it accessible as well as useful for anyone, even people of poor health, thus improving their health without the fancy requirements of other methods.
Beyond Weight Loss with Winsor Pilates
Some people even say the Winsor Pilates can be used for rehabilitation, although this is true, it is hardly very easy for a person with broken bones to work out only in front of a DVD. If however, someone wants to use it for rehabilitation, it should be under the supervision of a certified Pilates instructor. This is because, for rehabilitation, Pilates has to be precisely observed, no amount of DVDs can replace an instructor, an instructor assures that you execute the moves correctly, and that you are not damaging or hurting yourself doing it, in addition, they are a good source of answers for most of the questions youll have about Pilates. Plus it wont hurt to consult your doctor either, before using Pilates for rehabilitation.
Should You Use Winsor Pilates If You Are Ill or Pregnant?
For pregnant women however, Mari Winsor did not, modify the Pilates method to accommodate the pregnant women, so care must be taken. During the third trimester, Pilates done lying down should be avoided; this could damage the blood flow to the baby.
All in all, aside from pregnant women and extremely ill people, Winsor Pilates is for everyone interested in weight loss. It provides an exercise that is easy on the joints muscles and bones. After the increased focus on abdominal muscles and all in one gym, Winsor is definitely a good replacement for methods that dont work.
There’s a lot to understand about weight loss. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.
About The Author
Copyright 2006 Dean Shainin
Dean Shainin offers effective weight loss solutions, information on weight loss training, camps, programs and other effective ideas to help you lose weight. For free information visit: http://weight-loss.deans-knowledgebase.com.
Written By: Dean Shainin
Fantastic Winsor Pilates Abs Exercises
Posted on 6 December 2007 | No responses
Are you a Winsor Pilates beginner? Well, great! Here are some of the fantastic Winsor Pilates abs exercises that are best for you.
So here we are. The Winsor Pilates abs exercises are devised for the fact that many people especially those who are in the field of fitness industry found out that the classic abdominal exercises dont do what we want them to do. So it is considered that the Winsor Pilates abs movements are far by the excellent abdominal exercises. The Winsor Pilates abs exercises primarily works on the deeper abdominal muscles and the equilibrium that aid to hold it all in. This fact about the function of the Winsor Pilates abs exercises is commonly contrasted with the classic crunches which primarily work on the large six pack of muscle in the center of the abdomen. Aside from this, the Winsor Pilates abs exercises are also noted to lengthen the muscles substantially resulting to a taller and leaner physique.
So it is important to note that if you love to look smaller in the waist, definitely try Winsor Pilates abs exercises.
Oops! Enough for that. Here are the five fantastic Winsor Pilates abs exercises that surely tone the abs. The first Winsor Pilates abs exercise is the Hundred. This Winsor Pilates abs exercise is done through lying on the back with the knees above the chest and extend the arms at the sides. In this Winsor Pilates abs exercise it is important that after the mentioned starting steps, you move up your chin and chest a little, and if you are up on your shoulder blades you raise the legs upward. Then, upheave the arms six inches and speedily pump them up and down five times while exhaling. And, it is important to note that to gain a good result you repeat pumping for ten times until you make 100 pumps. Well, is this Winsor Pilates abs exercise sounds easy? Just try it!
The second Winsor Pilates abs exercise is known as the Roll-Up. In this Winsor Pilates abs exercise the sitting with the legs straight and the arms in front is the basic element. The method of this Winsor Pilates abs exercise is just simple. You just need to hold your abs in, and slowly roll all the way down, feeling each vertebra pack into the mat until you are lying flat. In doing this Winsor Pilates abs exercise, be careful not to let your feet pop up. Then, raise your arms above the chest and gradually roll your torso up and forward to tighten the stomach until you are back into the starting position. Execute this Winsor Pilates abs exercise for five to ten times.
The Rolling like a Ball Winsor Pilates abs exercise is said to be fun and effective. The position included in this Winsor Pilates abs exercise is just sitting up and pulling the ankles in toward the buttocks and wrapping the arms around them. The important consideration in this Winsor Pilates abs exercise is not to roll on your neck. This Winsor Pilates abs exercise is done for five times.
The fourth Winsor Pilates abs exercises which is the Teaser is performed by lying flat on the back with the legs straight out and arms on the mat, stretched up over the head. The lifting of the legs up while raising both arms overhead until the fingers are pointing at the toes is done in this Winsor Pilates abs exercise. In addition, in this Winsor Pilates abs exercise, you exhale and slowly roll back down and back to the original position. It must be noted that this Winsor Pilates abs exercise is hard at first.
Lastly, the Crisscrosses as the fifth Winsor Pilates abs exercise is executed with the head slightly moved up, bring the knees to the chest and put the hands gently behind the head. The interlacing of the fingers is not advisable in this Winsor Pilates abs exercise. Then, inhale and gently twist to the right bringing the left elbow to the right knee while aligning the right leg. This Winsor Pilates abs exercise must be repeated for five sets with the total of ten crisscrosses.
There are many more Winsor Pilates abs exercises that really tone the abs, but these five Winsor Pilates abs exercises are said to be the best.
About the Author:
Evan Chloe, author, is a fitness specialist who writes articles for http://www.bodybuildingdirect.com
Written By: Evan Chloe
Pilates, the Art of Contrology
Posted on 20 November 2007 | No responses
Pilates is an exercise technique, which encourages the mind to control the muscles by strengthening the powerhouse. In Pilates, the powerhouse resides in the middle of the body such as the abdomen, lower back and buttocks.
You will need to support and strengthen the powerhouse to enable the rest of the body to move freely.
Pilates is an exercise that you will perform while sitting or lying down. Thus, it is best for rehabilitation purposes especially for patients with injuries and those that are bedridden.
Initially, Joseph Pilates, the German national who discovered Pilates used this exercise to train police officers. Police officers perform this exercise in 1912 as a means to rehabilitate themselves after a long day of work.
Joseph Pilates also designed Pilates Cadillac, an exercise equipment patterned from an old hospital bed. He did this precisely for the purpose of teaching rehabilitating patients confined in bed and for those officers who are down from injury.
The exercises in pilates avoids too much repetition unlike other exercises do. This exercise uses fewer, but precise movements. These movements employ control and form. These exercises also reduce stress that regular exercise can do for the heart. It is thus safe for older exercisers and even for injured patients.
In almost five hundred exercises in pilates, the most frequent form is the mat work. The mat work involves a series of callisthenic motions without weight or apparatus and are done while lying down.
Additionally, Joseph Pilates believes that mental health and physical health are essential to one another, thus he creates this exercise program based on the belief that a total body conditioning is necessary and beneficial. Total body conditioning emphasizes proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, muscle tone, body awareness, energy and improved mental concentration. These words are the backbone of pilates.
Pilates focuses on the use of the mind to control the body, thus Joseph Pilates who lived his youth with asthma, rickets, rheumatic fever, overcame poor health and grew to be a body builder, diver, skier and a gymnast.
After which, in 1912, he worked in England as a boxer, circus performer and self-defense trainer. You will of course agree with me that this is quite odd for a sickly kid.
This therefore shows that the mind can be more powerful than the muscle. Following this belief, pilates practitioners use their body as weights in training to build strength and flexibility without focus on high-powered cardiovascular exercise.
You will not need to perform those rigorous exercises that put strain in your cardiovascular zone as other exercises do.
Pilates and the environment it evolves in is as an assistive environment that optimizes the acquisition of movement with a reduction of destructive forces. These exercises can be used to progress individuals through more challenging movements that represent day-to-day activities.
In fact, these exercises are an old approach to movement re-education that is coming to be important in physical fitness and rehabilitation from injury.
The method of performing Pilates especially for beginners consist of very gentle exercises done with a mat while sitting down or lying down. It focuses on awareness of the spine, proper breathing, core strength and flexibility.
The desired outcome of Pilates is a balanced body, which is strong and supple, flat stomach, balanced legs and strong back.
In today’s time, physical therapists use these exercises and techniques to help in the rehabilitation of injured patients. Only quite a few use pilates for general health and well-being, this however needs to change because Pilates offers more than just a cure for sick patients, it is in fact helpful for those overweight individuals who cannot find ways and means to lose weight and control their body.
It may be helpful to try Pilates if you want to be healthy and active.
About the author:
Shannon Brown is the editor of PilatesFactor.com. This site caters to Pilates enthusiasts. You can visit the site at: http://www.PilatesFactor.com
Written By: Shannon Brown
Pilates Certification Courses: An Overview
Posted on 12 November 2007 | No responses
Pilates Exercises have been getting more and more attention from lots of people. Since its introduction to the American Population in the 1910′s, the exercise technique invented by the German national Joseph Pilates has caught the attention of millions of Americans to date. Pilates first started with simple springs attached to hospital beds for his first Pilates machine, and since then the machines, as well as the techniques used have improved so well. Pilates also has his share of students, who continued his “teachings” his studio and his work. Nowadays, the modern day Pilates instructor, need only a certification, that they indeed have the proper training to supervise a safe and effective Pilates class. Pilates certifications are offered by a vast number of firms that aside from offering Pilates certifications also hold classes for practitioners.
A Pilates Certification course basically consists of the different basic techniques in the Pilates exercise, as well as good positioning, machine work and mat exercises.
The first Pilates certification course that would probably be taught in a typical Pilates Certification class is basic mat work exercises. These are beginner and intermediate level matwork classes after which, you will be certified to teach beginner or intermediate level Pilates Class. You won’t need a machine for Pilates matwork, which make it the highest in demand because, if you’re planning on teaching Pilates for a living, you can easily start on a low budget, and teach Pilates without using Machines.
The second topic in your Pilates certification course may probably be standing Pilates; this like mat Pilates doesn’t need machines as well, but may take a bit more experience to learn because of the complicated position of standing upright, most Pilates certification schools do not teach standing Pilates until after the trainee has a certification in matwork Pilates.
After standing Pilates, is advanced matwork Pilates. The Pilates certification for advanced matwork, is given later because as its name says, it is advanced, meaning more difficult moves, which entails a higher probability of someone making a mistake. It is therefore crucial that the instructor to be is well trained before he gets an advanced matwork Pilates certification.
After the non equipment courses, the next course for Pilates certification would be the apparatus courses, where you’ll be certified as an instructor for certain machines. First, the would-be instructor is trained with the basic Pilates equipment, Cadillac, reformer, circle, and barrels. After the course, you will have a Pilates certification for apparatus. Some schools offer standing apparatus Pilates certification, as a separate training program from basic apparatus training, if you want to learn it all at once, then you’ll most likely find a certification firm that will accommodate you.
The last and probably the most complicated one is the training for people with special cases, like those with back, neck, knee, shoulder problems. These are more complicated situations and need more focus on. The only one that probably needs a better trained instructor would probably be Pilates for rehabilitation. Yes, Pilates can be used for rehabilitation, but to get a Pilates certification for rehabilitation, you must be certified in all the other Pilates techiniques, this is because most people that need rehabilitaiton are fragile and therefore need extra care, as well as extra training. After getting a Pilates certification for every course, the trainees should have the skills to teach the exercise techniques, as well as its Pilosophical aspects to practitioners. Some schools even teach the trainees so that after they finish each course, they will also have enough skills to modify the exercise techniques to fit their class’ needs, so that after you train, you can further improve on the teachniques that we’re taught to you and apply them as the case may be.
About the author:
Authored by Michael Bens – For more great information on how to lose weight, get in shape, and live healthy, visit Gabae Weight Loss for great resources, training and motivation!
Written By: Michael Bens
How to Find the Best Pilates Instructor in Town
Posted on 4 November 2007 | No responses
The Pilates Method of body conditioning, which strengthens both the body and mind, has been around since the 1920s, but in just the past couple of years, interest in the method has grown by leaps and bounds. As a result, so have the number of instructors. But according to Kevin Bowen, co-founder of the Miami, Fla., based Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), the national not-for-profit trade association of Pilates professionals, not all of them are qualified to teach Pilates.
The Pilates Method is safely taught only by teachers comprehensively trained in the Pilates Method and the use of Pilates equipment, both of which differ significantly from other exercise systems, says Bowen.
Developed in the 1920s by German-born Joseph and Clara Pilates, the Pilates Method is an exercise system that focuses on precise, controlled movements and breathing, using a special spring-driven apparatus. Pilates training improves strength, balance, posture, and flexibility. It also helps to achieve elongation of muscles. Among the first to use the Pilates Method were dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine. Today, many athletes use it as well. They include basketball star Jason Kidd and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
To help you choose the safest Pilates alternative, the Pilates Method Alliance recommends the following guidelines for evaluation of Pilates instructors:
* Make sure the Pilates studio, gym or health club you choose has at least one comprehensively trained Pilates teacher on staff at all times when the facility is open for business.
* If you choose a studio with Pilates equipment for private lessons, you should receive a comprehensive physical assessment and initial training session prior to beginning the Pilates program. The assessment should include your personal fitness goals and medical history, including injuries, plus a clear, measurable assessment of your muscular strengths, weaknesses and imbalances.
* If you choose a group class with Pilates equipment, the PMA recommends there be no more than six participants per comprehensively trained instructor. Participants should receive physical assessments first, as above, and constant supervision while using equipment. Drop-ins should be prohibited without appropriate screening.
* For Pilates mat classes, the PMA recommends that no more than 10 to 12 participants are assigned to one comprehensively trained teacher. Classes should be defined with appropriate levels for the clientele and should include mandatory pre-screening for health related issues, as above.
The PMA also recommends that all programs teaching the Pilates Method of exercise provide the following information to clients:
* The names and various parts of the Pilates apparatus.
* The names of each Pilates exercise.
* The appropriate sequencing of the exercises, repetitions, and use of resistance.
* The appropriate set-up of the Pilates apparatus for each exercise, including all possible safety issues.
* Proper spotting and verbal cuing techniques for each exercise.
* The components of each exercise.
* The objectives of each exercise.
* The design of the clients specific program. Why a particular apparatus is used for a particular exercise.
* How to effectively modify, break down and/or adapt an exercise for your personal Pilates regimen.
The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is the international, not-for-profit professional association dedicated to the teachings of Joseph H. and Clara Pilates. The PMAs mission is to protect the public by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals.
About the author:
Contact www.pilatesmethodalliance.org to find a trained Pilates teacher in your area.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Written By: ARA
The Benefits of A Pilates Class
Posted on 27 October 2007 | No responses
Pilates is a technique of exercising devised by Joseph Pilates, a German National who as a frail child turned to exercise to strengthen his body. When he introduced the technique to America, I t instantly became a favorite among the dancers, who needed flexibility without bulking the muscles. And from there, the exercise grew to generally everyone who wants a low intensity workout. The benefits if a Pilates class is endless, not only does it help tone your body, it also helps your mind, kind of like yoga, but Pilates is most popular for its application to rehabilitation as well as to those people that are becoming weak with ageing.
Pilates and Pilates classes have been done for over 90 years since its introduction in the 1910′s and the benefits have been manifesting themselves since then. Here are a few of the benefits you’ll get when you take a Pilates class.
Improvement in Flexibility
A Pilates class improves your flexibility; it focuses on stretching after all. With every day starting to get something like a picture, nobody moving, stretching is very essential to help tone your body. Because we tend not to move so much, the muscles become stiff restricting muscle movement. Pilates Classes help with flexibility by stretching your muscles, and for all those who does gym work or weights, stretching also help avoid injuries.
Better Posture
Most of the time, we only do exercises that focus on certain muscles, the abs the arms the legs, this makes some parts developed and some slightly lagging behind. A Pilates class helps you exercise all of your body parts and it can correct all the imbalances that you may find in your body. The core muscle groups, the pelvis abdomen and buttocks, are being exercise more often giving making the body more symmetrical and aligned. Pilates classes essentially strengthen your muscles and lengthens it as well which improves your body shape as well as your posture. And with stretching exercises, it also makes your muscle elastic.
Stress Management
Stress is probably one of the most observable cons of modern day living, Pilates classes improves the body as well as the mind to help it cope with stress , it focuses your mind while doing relaxing breathing exercises, which relaxes the body and eases stress.
Mind
One other benefits of a Pilates Class is the overall mental wellness that it provides. By breathing correctly, you improve blood supply and flow to the brain. With the improve circulation, toxins that are in the body gets released, giving the brain more, for the lack of a better word, “breathing room” giving you a sounder, more alert mind.
Develops you core
The body’s core, is one of the main focuses of a Pilates class, simply because since it is the core muscles of your body, (near the spine and the lower pelvis) it facilitates movement and carries most of parts of the body, a stronger core means as stronger body.
Better motion
Pilates classes, unlike yoga, improve motion and make it, smoother to move from one position to another. By working many muscle groups at once in a continuous motion, the muscles get used to working together, making the pattern smother, and less strenuous. This smoother movement helps you avoid injuries as well as good posture.
About the author:
Gourmet cook and writer. Visit : http://www.phyllisrecipes.com for great food ideas!
Written By: Phyllis Wasserman