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Basic Information on Pilates rings.

admin — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 14:13:12 +0000

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

pilates arm rings exercises

pilates rings for arms

Pilates in Spain

admin — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:26:48 +0000

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

admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:26:27 +0000

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

admin — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 14:26:19 +0000

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

Pilates Certification Courses: An Overview

admin — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:25:15 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:29:40 +0000

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 Good in Pilates reformers

admin — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:22:15 +0000

Happy Birthday Zanya

Pilates is a method of exercise invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 1910’s. Joseph Pilates was a frail child, getting sick most of the time, he eventually got into exercising to improve his health. When he was detained in an English detention center for being an “enemy alien” in World War I, he used springs from hospital beds, for the resistance exercises that he used. It was these exact springs that inspired him to make the exercise machine that is now called the Pilates Reformer.

Joseph Pilates invented the Pilates technique of exercising to form a low intensity workout that is suitable for anyone in any condition. And indeed, Pilates has been successful both in the healthy and the slightly not well of population because of its low energy requirement. The Pilates reformer is just one of the many Pilates equipment that the technique employs and it is also the most popular of it all, with its simplicity and its economic size.

Essentially, doing Pilates Matwork would be the most ideal form of exercise that you can do, but reality wise, nobody can really do the demanding exercises of matwork without first experiencing less tiring methods; this is where the Pilates reformer comes in. But remember, it is really better to do Pilates of any form with an instructor. The Pilates instructor knows which part of the body to focus on, which exercise would benefit you most and which machine to really use.

But if you’re hell bent on using the Pilates reformer, then to each his own, the truth is the reformer is one of the most effective equipment of all the Pilates machines. Just its name entails something that is a big claim on its own, “reformer” meaning something that reforms, and indeed it does, reform, reform your body.

The first basic exercise would have you, the exerciser lying face up on the carriage, as they call it. This is where the instructor comes in, he positions you to prevent strain on your body, and then you push your body, carriage and all, up and down or back and forth, depending on the type of Pilates Reformer that you are using.

The good thing about a Pilates reformer is that it doesn’t even equal the leg presses that you usually do in a gym, it does something much more. The instructor guides you in order that you may maintain a neutral spine and pelvis, to prevent you straining them. And in addition you can even feel the movement come from your deep core muscles. Pilates aims to strength\then your core muscles, and this is just hat a Pilates Reformer does. Aside from this you must relax your quads, hip flexors and knees, these are the mostly tired parts of your body, what with all the walking, the Pilates reformer and with the help of the instructor, helps these parts of your body relax more, and put the other parts, such as the back of your legs and your hips in a way that can absorb most of the strain instead of the knee.

The Pilates reformer exercise progresses into much higher intensity ones, once your instructor has given the go for the removal of the foot bar, to circling your legs and to more complex movements. This is for increased intensity, and this is also where things get complicated, that is why it is really important to have an instructor. AS time goes, step by step all the mechanical support for your body are removed and your body will have to do more to compensate, this is what is good about a Pilates reformer, you only need one machine for increased intensity.

After every session, your body becomes stronger, your core harder, and with the Pilates reformer, you’re sure to be able to do strengthen yourself more and do more challenging workouts for a very long time.

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

What You Need and What You Get From a Pilates Mat Exercise

admin — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:12:48 +0000

You’ve probably heard of Pilates mat exercises, and have probably heard that it works great, or you probably heard that it sucks because it’s so hard. Pilates mat exercises, are the bare basics of the Pilates exercise invented by Joseph Pilates in the Early 1910. First of all, your idea of Pilates must have included something with machines that have springs and bands, but Pilates can also be done without machines, just a simple mat, and this is called Pilates mat work, or simple Pilates mat.

Pilates Mat exercises have been considered very beneficial, especially for those who want stronger abdominal muscles and a stronger core. By core I mean the abs and the lower back. Pilates, as Joseph Pilates made it to be, is a low intensity groups of exercises that supposed to strengthen your muscles. Usually, exercises are done with Pilates machines, but Pilates Mat exercises however, have more challenging exercises simply because your body doesn’t have to rely on the support of the machine to do the work, making it shoulder the work that you are making it do. These results in a variety of developments, more so, on the abs than any part of the body, and we all know that that piece of fat under the navel is really hard to get to.

The other benefit of a Pilates mat exercise is its sheer lack of exercise equipment. Unlike other Pilates exercises, this only requires you, as the name says, a Pilates mat. And you’re ready to go, of course every Pilates exercise requires you some sort of instructor, either a real one, or a video, to tell you what to do, or if what you’re doing is correct, which brings us to the question of do I really need an instructor? And the answer is yes, every exercise needs an instructor, even something you might think as simple as a Pilates mat exercise won’t look very simple once you’re in a hospital bed. Pilates mat exercises can be very advanced body work, and doing it wrongly can as with every type of work out, give you injuries. A Pilates mat instructor has to be certified by a qualified school make sure that your instructor has real qualifications before you take Pilates mat classes.

So when we touch the issue of a Pilates mat instructor, we ask what would be best. A DVD or a real one? Essentially, most Pilates experts recommend a real instructor, an instructor can point out what your doing wrong, can position you correctly if you don’t have the right posture, and can personalize the exercise you’re doing specifically for your body’s needs. However, there are lots of Pilates mat exercise videos out there that have been getting good reviews recently. Some people might have gone on to saying that it’s as good as the real instructor, well to each his own, but my suggestion is, if you can afford a real instructor, then get one. That’s the problem with real instructors though, the price, you’ll have to pay for classes monthly for that, but with a DVD, you’ll only have to buy it once and then you can use it for years to come. What’s also good with a Pilates mat exercise DVD is its convenience, you won’t have to travel to the gym or to class you can just spread your mat on the floor, turn on the DVD and the you’re good to go.

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

Pilates Videos Their Advantages

admin — Sun, 06 May 2007 12:53:59 +0000

Pilates is an exercise technique invented by Joseph Pilates, a German National, who when he was arrested in France during the first world war for being an enemy alien, invented a low resistance type of exercises which was later coined after him, Pilates. Joseph Pilates First used springs from beds to make the first machine for Pilates. He alter moved to The United States and opened his own Studio. Ever since then Pilates was on its uphill climb, and now there are a variety of Pilates videos that teach you at home rather than at a studio.

First of all the advantage of any Pilates video is its adaptability. You can do it anywhere that has a DVD player and a television. Especially for those people who don’t like going to the gym, the Pilates video is really in improvement for those that want to exercise in the comfort of their own home.

The disadvantages however, of a Pilates video are its lack of a tangible instructor. The instructions given on the DVD can hardly be enough of a substitute for an actual certified Pilates instructor. All the troubles all the questions and the probable injuries cannot all be covered by a single video, only a real instructor could do that.

So if you really want to do Pilates videos at home, it is advisable to first consult with an instructor, or probably take gym Pilates classes, just to orient yourself with the procedure, and then going on ahead to do it at home.

Winsor Pilates is one of the derivations of Pilates that has itself on video. This is a form of Pilates modified by Mari Winsor and claims to give results in 1 month, provided that you use it three times a week. Most people who have used it actually claim that it gives results in just two weeks.

Most people like Winsor Pilates, because, like other Pilates Videos it can be done in one’s own home. In addition most people nowadays, even if they do, do Pilates at homes till don’t have enough time to exercise. One satisfied user, after using it intermittently for 2 years, testifies to a healthier core, and higher body strength, although no weight loss was observable, provided his discontinuous usage, there we’re still good results from its usage.

The other good thing about Pilates videos is that as you progress in using it and using it continuously, meaning you’re not lazy, you tend to memorize all the routines as you go. So when you’ve memorized all the routines, you don’t really have to strain you neck so much by looking at the TV. Another thing about Pilates videos is their economy, you wont have to pay monthly payments or gym memberships, all you need is the video and you can use it for as long as you want, or until you want to move on to another form.

Most Pilates exercises and Pilates videos are low intensity, you can’t expect anything to strenuous form something that can be done for physical rehabilitation. For most people, low intensity workout for great results is already a great deal and would take it without so much as batting an eyelash, but for those muscle buffs who want a heavier workout, Pilates videos aren’t for you.

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

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The History of Pilates

admin — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:45:56 +0000

In order to understand the basics of Pilates and why it can work for you, you first need to understand where Pilates came from. Pilates was originally formed in Germany by a man of the same name, Joseph Pilates.

Joseph Pilates had many health afflictions as a child. The boy wanted to overcome the hardships he faced. He hoped exercise would not only boost his morale, but also his bodys defense against his illnesses.

The year was 1880 when Joseph Pilates was born. During his youthful years, he tried a number of things to try to strengthen his body. After several failed attempts to create the perfect program for his frail form he came up with the series of movements we now know as Pilates. However, it wasnt until the 1920s that the movements Joseph Pilates created were truly perfected.

One of the things that make Pilates so great is that the movements and exercises you do seek to give you strength and flexibility, but not to build any serious amount of bulk to your frame. Pilates is not about building muscle, it is about working with your body and not against it. You need to be able to take what you have been given and make that work for you before attempting anything else and that is the philosophy that Pilates was founded on.

As you learn more about Pilates you will find that it is designed for each persons body. Pilates will align your bones through a series of movements and this will allow your body to work with less strain thanks to the activity of exercise you are achieving.

Pilates appeals to a number of people. It doesnt matter what type of person you are or what level of training your body is at. Pilates can help you improve your bodys natural functioning as well as help boost confidence and your mental wellness.

The most wonderful thing you will discover about Pilates is that you dont have to suffer through the movements to feel better. You are training your body with intelligent design and therefore you will not need to work twice as hard, as you may have to do with other work out programs.

Pilates was set up to create balance within your body. This will help you to realign your bones and can also help to improve your posture. Another positive feature is the lean muscles that you will form thanks to your workouts.

Pilates is excellent exercise for everyone no matter their shape or size. In fact, many videos and exercise clubs have created classes for people with disabilities, arthritis, general strength or weight loss issues, different strength issues, and even for pregnant or birthing mothers.

About the Author

Shannon Beaty has been practicing Pilates for over 10 years, and has been a Pilates instructor for over 6 years. She teaches at the Johnthan Club in Loas Angeles and oversees their entire Pilates Program.

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Written By: PilatesPowerSystem.com