Winsor Pilates, a Great Addition to Your Exercise Routine

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 12:52:19 +0000

If you turn on the television after midnight you’ll notice that the infomercials for diets, fitness equipment and exercise tapes are becoming more and more popular. Do any of these systems really deliver what they promise? Winsor Pilates is one of the many exercise systems advertised through infomercials, and one of the biggest sellers. With celebrity endorsements from the likes of Daisy Fuentes and Madonna, it’s hard to resist the infomercial and not pick up the phone.

Pilates was developed as a rehabilitative program for injured dancers by Joseph Pilates. The basic premise is that by strengthening the core muscles and increasing flexibility the body will become toned and more coordinated. Dancers have used the system for years, and it is now catching on with the rest of the fitness community. Most users report increased flexibility, coordination, a lengthening of muscles and a much stronger “core”.

The floor exercises featured in the tapes all work together to strengthen the abdominal muscles and back, called the “core” in this system. Each movement involves these important muscle groups, and the results are fantastic. Not only do the abdominal muscles become more toned, but the entire midsection is strengthened. The results are less likelihood of injury and increased performance in other fitness activities. A stronger back is a less painful back. The pilates moves are also good for toning the legs and buttocks.

The moves are slow and deliberate, requiring not only physical exertion but concentration as well. Ensuring that you are performing the moves correctly actively involves the mind, causing us to focus on the movements of our bodies. This inevitably reduces stress. In this way, pilates is similar to yoga. Many users report feeling refreshed and relaxed after the workout, not tired.

Mari Winsor’s presentation of the pilates system is excellent. She is careful to explain each move in great detail so that the beginner can follow along and do the movements in proper form. Most beginners will be discouraged after their first session, but after the second or third the movements will not seem so difficult.

The exercises are useful and effective for core strengthening. You won’t see pounds just melt away, however, unless you combine the workouts with a sensible eating plan. Mari includes one for your reference, but you can use this system with the weight loss program you’re already on to help accelerate results.

Of course, you may want to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. However, Winsor Pilates is non-aerobic but effective in toning and strengthening the core of your body and may help you lose inches as well. Winsor Pilates is well worth a try.

About the Author

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.pilatesreviews.info a website specialized on Winsor Pilates, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Winsor Pilates. For more info visit his site: Winsor Pilates

Written By: Jay Moncliff

Insights into Pilates Equipment

admin — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:21:54 +0000

For anyone with even a remote interest in Pilates, the equipment used for training is extremely interesting. With exciting names like the Reformer and the Cadillac, how could one not be interested? While there are literally dozens of individual pieces of equipment and props for use in Pilates training, we will be focusing on two of the more popular ones.

The idea for the Reformer was born when the founder of the Pilates system, Joseph Pilates, was interned in England during the First World War. He spent much of his internment training investigators from Scotland Yard in the Pilates method, and working to find ways to help rehabilitate bed-ridden patients suffering from the 1918 influenza epidemic. The first prototype was actually created using bits and pieces of old hospital beds.

The Reformer is comprised of a series of springs attached to a sliding platform supported by a frame. In some ways, it is very similar to rowing machine. The platform can be moved in two ways; by pulling on the pulleys, or by pushing off of the foot bar. It can be challenging for some people to get used to the sensation of moving the platform and maintaining balance at the same time. There are dozen of exercises that can be performed on this piece of equipment, but please consult a professional instructor before attempting these exercises on your own.

The Cadillac is another popular piece of Pilates training equipment. It has been said that the Cadillac resembles some form of medieval torture equipment, and has earned the nickname of “the rack”. Be not afraid. The Cadillac is one of the most ingenious and effective types of fitness equipment ever designed. It has a platform and posts on each of the four corners. It is not unlike a bed, in some ways. The corner posts support various levers and pulleys, which provide resistance during your workout.

Joseph Pilates, and his legion of protgs, have designed well over 80 individual exercises that can be performed on the Cadillac. Each group of exercises is designed to focus on a specific group of muscles. Many of the exercises have a particular focus on developing core strength in the abdominal region. As with other types of exercise equipment, do not attempt to use the Cadillac without a proper demonstration from a certified professional.

About the author:

Natalie Brown is a certified Pilates instructor from Canada. When she is not consumed with her busy class schedule, she writes for http://www.pilatesinsight.com – a site that offers information about pilates equipment like the Reformer and the Cadillac.

Written By: Natalie Brown

Learn about Pilates » fitness equipment

Winsor Pilates, a Great Addition to Your Exercise Routine

Insights into Pilates Equipment