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Is Pilates, a New Fitness Trend, Right for You?

admin — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:45:12 +0000

When you talk about joining a gym, the first thing that comes to mind is, “What kind of yoga or Pilates classes do they have there?” Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on stretching and balancing, in finding peace and in strengthening the body and muscles with bouncing, running, hopping, jumping or other vigorous forms of movements. Pilates is all about movements that help rejuvenate the mind and strengthen the body, while injecting vigor into your everyday life. For people who like aggressive movements, go for cardio activities or classes, like Steps, Dance, Combat or other forms of Les Milles types of programs. For the rest of us, there’s always Pilates. And how do you know whether Pilates is right for you? Here’s the answer…

Pilates is perfect for those who have old sport injuries For those of us who have preciously been physically or emotionally injured in one way or the other, Pilates can help nurse your wounds back into normalcy. Pilates is non-strenuous, therefore, it does not strain your muscles, joints, bones or other parts of your body. In Pilates, the most important thing is that you move slowly and stretch as far as YOU can go. Pilates is also suitable for children and the elderly. Unlike other types of cardiovascular programs, it does not, generally speaking, raise your heart rate to a point that you will faint.

Pilates is good for those who like challenges Pilates, right now, probably sounds like a piece of cake to you. But in actual fact, it is not. It sounds so mild that many people think that it’s a walk in the park. But there’s a lot more to Pilates than meets the eye. Although you’re not pushed beyond your own limit and you don’t need to bounce, hop, skip and run around in a mad frenzy, you’re going to be stretching every single muscle in your body and hold different positions for some time. This can be a challenge for most of us. Exceptions are made for those who are older, very young and the injured. For Pilates fans, we’re in for the challenge. If you take a look at some of the positions in Pilates, you’ll see what I mean.

Pilates is suitable for those who are depressed The fantastic thing about Pilates is that it not only stretches your body and muscles, Pilates is a kind of program that also stretches you mentally. In order to hold positions and balance yourself, you need focus, you need concentration and you need the will to hold it there until the Pilates instructor says you can change position. It gives you a reprieve from whatever problems you’re facing and focus on you. Pilates helps you refocus your life and for the whole 45 min to 1 hour session, your focus is none other than YOU.

About the Author

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.your-healthy-lifestyle.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Written By: Dakota Caudilla

Body Harmonics and Pilates in Canada

admin — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 12:21:41 +0000

Body Harmonics Pilates, located in Toronto, Canada is an internationally recognized leader in Pilates training and instruction. It was founded in 1996 by Margot McKinnon, a well respected leader in the Canadian health and fitness industry. What distinguishes Body Harmonics from other studios is that it also functions as a Pilates teacher training facility. The primary motivation behind the establishment of Body Harmonics was to make Pilates accessible to everyone, and to train the next generation of teachers in the best practices available.

Body Harmonics has three main areas of specialization; Pilates for general health and wellbeing, post-rehabilitative exercise, and performance enhancements for athletes and dancers. They offer over 40 courses to new and experienced students and teachers alike. They offer three levels of Mat training, and extensive workshops dedicated to individual pieces of equipment such as the Reformer and the Cadillac. Body Harmonics has trained Pilates instructors from all around the world, and remains one the best facilities of its kind in Canada and beyond.

Studio director, Margot McKinnon, has a long and proven track record as an educator and a top-notch Pilates instructor. She has worked as a Pilates instructor since 1994, when she earned her first certification. She became a Master Teacher Trainer for The Pilates Method in 1996, and shortly thereafter launched her company. She has had the benefit of training and developing relationships with some the best and brightest mind in her industry. Margot is renowned for her inspiring teaching style, and her intricate knowledge of the theory behind the practice of Pilates.

Aside from the standard courses offered at Body Harmonics, there are also a number of specialized courses designed for people that might not associate Pilates training with other sports. Body Harmonics offers courses of particular interest to golfers, skiers, runners and rowers. They also offer courses for other health care practitioners, such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors. Regardless of your area of specialization, there is no doubt that you can benefit from the mind/body connection you will make at Body Harmonics. If you are serious about Pilates and you are considering professional certification, take some time to learn more about Body Harmonics.

About the author:

Natalie Brown is a history student and Pilates enthusiast. When she is not consumed with her studies, she likes to stretch and stuff. She also writes for pilatesinsight.com – a site that offers information about Pilates, Pilates Equipment, Pilates Chairs and more.

Written By: Natalie Brown

Choosing the Right Pilates Class

admin — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:20:07 +0000

Every Pilates studio, health club, spa and fitness facility has its own training classes and programs. If you have a limited budget, it is a good idea to join a group class. This is a great, relatively economical place for beginners to start, and have fun. Using standing, sitting and recumbent positions, the instructor guides students through the various stretches and movements.

Ideally, group mat Pilates classes have a manageable student-teacher ratio, not more than fifteen students per teacher, so the instructor can monitor each individual’s form and progress. Separate classes are held for beginner, intermediate and advanced students.

With the coming of smaller, less-costly equipment Allegro, more and more fitness clubs are adding group Reformer classes to their program. Ideally each participant has some experience on a Reformer prior to joining a group class.

Students work through a sequence of Reformer choreography at the appropriate level in unison, with the Pilates instructor monitoring for safe and proper form.

The most effective way to learn, practice and perfect Pilates performance is to go for a personal training session, in which the instructor devotes undivided attention to a student’s specific needs. These sessions usually begin with a warm-up on the mat, but a variety of Pilates equipment can be explored as well.

Club and studios have Pilates classes themed around specific props like the balance ball, resistance band or the Pilates circle/ring. A small prop can add variety and a challenge to a group mat class, and expands the programming possibilities for a facility.

Some clubs and studios offer Pilates classes designed for those who golf, play tennis, or swim in the summer, while programs for skaters and skiers are popular in the winter.

Studio and clubs are also offering a blend of Yoga and Pilates as “Yogalates” or “Piloga”. Similarly, cycling and Pilates are being blended for a unique hybrid “Cyclates” program.

About the author:

Pilates Info provides detailed information about Pilates exercises, equipment, videos, classes, studios, certification, and more. Pilates Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Written By: Richard Romando