Every magazine under the sun is talking of the all famous Winsor Pilates program for fitness. Even fitness clubs and the talk shows are featuring it. It is being followed in yoga studios, health clubs and even in private studios. There are still people out there who have not heard of Winsor Pilates.

Winsor Pilates is a set of exercises developed by a person named Mari Winsor. At the very basic level, it is a simple series of exercises which are quite specific. These are to be performed over a mat or any of the other specialized equipments like the Pilates chair, ball, etc.

Below is very specifically on the mat that is used for this fitness program.

Pilate’s repertoire is also referred to those exercises that are done on the Winsor Pilate mats. There are quite a few numbers of these exercises. For any sort of Pilate’s workout you can use the Winsor Pilates mat. This can be very useful. The exercises are done on these mats just like what is done on any other sort of equipment. It is said to have a specific sequence, flow and breath. All these exercises aim at keeping in the mind as well as the heart together to develop a sort of deep and an ossifying core strength in the lower back and the abdomen. A very vital element of usage of the Winsor Pilates mats is the awareness and the deep concentration. Breathing has to also be done as a part of these exercises. It keeps the body and the mind in harmony. It is also the key to which the inner strengths are discovered, maintained and further improvised upon.

A good Winsor mat will also have to protect the user form the hard floors. It will also need to provide comfort during the workout. The Winsor Pilates mat will also have to be firm to be able to provide a staunch platform over which you can put your foot. These hints will surely be provided along with the mat. According to the researches that have been done, it is found that these mats do play a major role in the Winsor Pilates as these mats need to have that sort of quality. It is cushioned and is non slippery. It provides a cozy area over which you can perform or practice in any sort of pose you like.

In addition to all the above said properties, the mat is light in weight, durable, washable and can also be rolled easily and can be taken on trips when you travel. With the mats you will experience a new sort of experience to this program. You may also try other equipments that can be used.

Winsor Pilates work out systems have been acclaimed as a major break though in the fitness industry across the globe now. They have got some very prestigious clients, that ensures their levels of success & conformance of keeping their assured words. Further, their video tapes are getting them more & more clients, believers & followers.

Here are some reviews of the Winsor Pilates, that comment on the unmatched performance of conditioning & shaping of the body gained by this program, along side explaining its pros & the cons.

1. Most oft the reviews are most positive and they range until least negative. More or less, a majority of the reviews have been more positive & less negative. This proves the effectiveness of the Winsor Pilates work outs.

2. Some of these reviews include some valuable information along with the proofs that this program or system actually works.

3. People have frequently made use of the adjectives such as great, challenging, fun, etc. These all words are fully supported with the claims that the Winsor Pilates work out schedules make - that is - being the best fitness regime of the industry made till date.

4. People have mentioned that they were indeed very successful in toning their body, especially working out the abs.

5. Elaborating the above, the clients agree that as soon as they initiated with the Winsor Pilates work out schedules, their abs became quite tighter. They felt the toning in their leg area, mainly the quads.

6. However, most oft the Winsor Pilates reviews prove that neither of the moves prescribed there in target the arms.

7. Many comments confirm that Winsor Pilates helped them strengthen their abdominal & back muscles.

8. Some clients say that they could equate the Winsor Pilates schedules & the moves to yoga, as it pays a lot of attention to all the body kinetics forces and helps the users vent out of their stress & negative feelings.

9. However, like all the things in the world, even this too perfect Winsor Pilates schedule also has some critics who mention some negation comments on the service. Many users assume it unworthy of the high price it comes at.

10. These critics believe that these instructions seem just wordy, and not practical.

11. These unsatisfied clients explain that the program does not live up to its claim that by merely using their program alone through the video tapes, the person would be able to shed of the extra pounds & inches.

12. These unsatisfied clients also explain that this program is incomplete as it needs to incorporate a routine for the well-balanced life, along with a plenty of aerobic exercises & a healthy diet.

However, it is quite evident that Winsor Pilates has more of a positive side and very less negatives. These are just some modes of expressions.

very magazine under the sun is talking of the all famous Winsor Pilates program for fitness. Even fitness clubs and the talk shows are featuring it. It is being followed in yoga studios, health clubs and even in private studios. There are still people out there who have not heard of Winsor Pilates.

Winsor Pilates is a set of exercises developed by a person named Mari Winsor. At the very basic level, it is a simple series of exercises which are quite specific. These are to be performed over a mat or any of the other specialized equipments like the Pilates chair, ball, etc.

Below is very specifically on the mat that is used for this fitness program.

Pilate’s repertoire is also referred to those exercises that are done on the Winsor Pilate mats. There are quite a few numbers of these exercises. For any sort of Pilate’s workout you can use the Winsor Pilates mat. This can be very useful. The exercises are done on these mats just like what is done on any other sort of equipment. It is said to have a specific sequence, flow and breath. All these exercises aim at keeping in the mind as well as the heart together to develop a sort of deep and an ossifying core strength in the lower back and the abdomen. A very vital element of usage of the Winsor Pilates mats is the awareness and the deep concentration. Breathing has to also be done as a part of these exercises. It keeps the body and the mind in harmony. It is also the key to which the inner strengths are discovered, maintained and further improvised upon.

A good Winsor mat will also have to protect the user form the hard floors. It will also need to provide comfort during the workout. The Winsor Pilates mat will also have to be firm to be able to provide a staunch platform over which you can put your foot. These hints will surely be provided along with the mat. According to the researches that have been done, it is found that these mats do play a major role in the Winsor Pilates as these mats need to have that sort of quality. It is cushioned and is non slippery. It provides a cozy area over which you can perform or practice in any sort of pose you like.

In addition to all the above said properties, the mat is light in weight, durable, washable and can also be rolled easily and can be taken on trips when you travel. With the mats you will experience a new sort of experience to this program. You may also try other equipments that can be used.Winsor Pilates - Mats Do Matter!

Invented by German born Joseph Pilates (pronounced Pi-la-tees) some 70 years ago, the original total body conditioning program was defined as “Contrology”. Contrology was the basic fundamental of the Pilates’ Method consisting of 34 mat work exercises. “Return to Life through Contrology” was originally published in 1945. The inventive German instructor taught his students to believe that “contrology exercise develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” In 1920 this revolutionary method of physical and mental conditioning was brought to the United States. By 1940 Mr. Pilates had his own studio on Eighth Avenue in New York City. Many new students flocked to his sessions, dancers in particular. His techniques allowed dancers to perform at new levels of expertise and also to extend the time they could continue to dance. Other professions and just heath conscious people benefited from his methodology too.

Following his death, rights to the Pilates’ name were sold. Sean Gallagher acquired the original contrology studio and exercise instruction service marks in August of 1992. Gallagher immediately set out to monopolize the Pilates surname and restrict who could teach the method. He filed suits with several companies intimidating hundreds of fitness instructors into paying yearly fees to him.

In 1996 Gallagher sued Balanced Body, the world’s largest manufacturer of Pilates equipment. On October 2000 a decision in Manhattan’s federal court declared that Pilates was ruled generic, similar to yoga. This was indeed a victory for the fitness community as well as the general public.

Joseph Pilates died in 1967 at the the age of 87. “I am fifty years ahead of my time,” Joe had claimed. His inspiring and beneficial work–contrology, now commonly know as Pilates–will live on forever bequeathed to the world with love.

I have recently received many questions about the Pilates Method. Even though I don’t teach Pilates, I have attended several classes, including training sessions. I have also asked many of my students who have been attending Pilates classes how they react, feel and what results they have noticed. Therefore, I am going to share what I have learned in hopes that it will answer most of your questions.

What is Pilates?

Developed in the 1920s by the physical trainer, Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, balance, coordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength and flexibility.

The basic principles will teach you how to flow from one movement to the next by:

· Centering
· Alignment
· Control
· Precision
· Flowing Movement
· Relaxation

With emphasis on stretching as well as strengthening of muscles, the Pilates system works the body as a whole, coordinating the upper and lower musculature with the body’s center (known as the “power house”).

What are the Benefits?

Besides the improvement in strength, flexibility, posture and coordination, other benefits include a natural lengthening and slimming. For years, the Pilates Method has been popular with dancers, enhancing the lean look of their bodies and improving their movement. Many of the certified instructors of Pilates have a dance background and teach that every one of our movements start in that center core or “power house.”

What Do I Need to Know before Beginning Pilates?

As with all other fitness programs, before you start make sure that your physician approves. The Pilates approach, as with Yoga, believes in individual progress in a non-competitive, non-stress and low-impact arena. Designed to work the body as a whole, Pilates caters to everyone, from beginners to advanced and is suitable for all age groups.

Start slowly and listen to your body. It doesn’t happen overnight! For optimal effectiveness, it is recommended that you practice Pilates two to three times a week depending on your goals and level of fitness. I suggest that a balanced workout schedule will not only include Pilates, but also some combination of cardiovascular activity such as fast walking, jogging, aerobic stepping, swimming, biking, etc.

What Important Questions Should I Ask?

There was a time, until recently, when someone had to receive special and time-intensive training before being certified to teach any form of Pilates. My worry is that there are instructors teaching Pilates and/or Yoga without sufficient training and understanding of the methods. Be sure to attend and/or watch the class you plan to take, and observe what kind of instruction is happening. Ask the instructor about his/her background and certification (they may have regular group fitness instructor certification, but not an extensive background in the Pilates Method).

Is the environment in which the class is being held comfortable? Do I like the instructor and the teaching method? Would I be motivated by this instructor? Talk to the other students in the class and find out how long they have been attending and what they like and/or don’t like about the class. I have asked the students who attend my non-Pilates Method classes how they have taken to Pilates. Most are enthusiastic, but also enjoy the cross-training. A few prefer using the Resist-A-Ball which also produces similar results when used properly and on a regular basis.

Taught properly, the Pilates Method is definitely a winner.

But, as with any fitness program, you must be committed to embrace it on a consistent and persistent basis, along with practicing proper nutrition to accomplish and see rewarding results!

Rolling Like a Ball – The most popular of Pilates abdominal exercise techniques, rolling like a ball is said to be effective and fun. It is easy and quick to perform knowing that all you need to do initially is to sit up and pull the ankles of your feet near your buttocks. To make the best moves, make sure to wrap your hands around your ankles and buttocks. Then, move your head toward your knees. From there, lift your feet from the surface, then allowing you to balance through your tailbone. This method also includes tightening your stomach, while rolling in backward direction until the shoulders reaches the floor. One thing to note here is not to roll on the neck. Try to do this in five repetitions.

Video of rolling like a ball: Read the rest of this entry »

Crisscross – The second most popular Pilates abdominal exercise, you can do the crisscross by first slightly raising your head. While doing the movements, bring your knees toward your chest. Position your hands gently just at the back of your head, but make sure not to interlace your fingers. From here, inhale slowly and twist your position to the right. Bring the left of your elbow toward your right knee, but make sure you extended your right leg. Now, start to inhale and go back to the initial position. Make sure to repeat the step in five sets.

Video of Criss Cross: Read the rest of this entry »

The Hundred – To do this method, start lying on your back. Bring your knees above your chest and put your arms extending on the sides. Lift your chest and chin a bit and then your legs on upward direction. To proceed, lift your arms about six inches and pump them down and up fast, but while doing this, make sure to exhale. Pump your arms again for about five times and inhale. To make the best result, repeat the movements ten times.

This is one of the first moves that are in someones pilates routine.

This video is provided by Ocean Pilates via Youtube

Video of The Hundred : Read the rest of this entry »

Pilates in the simplest form is a series of exercises that are designed to help you improve your flexibility and strength by doing different types of balancing and stretching moves.  Pilates was invented by a man named Joseph Pilates, who actually was incarcerated in a prison during the second world war.

From the time that Joseph Pilates was very young, he took much inspiration from the ancient Indian art form that is known as Yoga, and also of Zen Buddhism, and the physical exercises that soldiers in the roman and  Greek empire used to use to tone and condition their body.  He uses this different techniques to help himself gain strength.

Pilates, while he was in prison, taught other prisoners the exercises he used — in the German interment camp, to help them stay physically fit.  He also introduced the idea of a workout mat, and invented a make-shift version out of bedding, with removed bed springs.

Today, pilates has become very popular, especially among people in the eye of the public such as actresses, athletes, celebrities and models, because not only does pilates develop excellent flexibility, but it also helps imrpove posture — all without any strain on your muscles.

If someone was to stick to a strict pilates regimen, you could expect to gain a flatter stomach, thinner waist and thinner thighs — and also increased mobility in all of your joins and limbs.  Like yoga, pilates is also known to help relieve anxiety and stress from the body.

Chiropractic consultants regularly recommend pilates to their clients to help strengthen their backs and spine, as well as just increasing their general health.  Also people who recently acquired injuries receive this recommendation from their physiotherapists to help in speeding up the recovery of their limbs.  Also it is recommended for the elderly and obese, as it can do wonders for both of them.

Pilates has also become quite popular among dancers and athletes, even football players, because they not only have muscle but flexibility, giving them the best of both worlds when they are on the field.  Basically, pilates is for everyone who is looking to have a strong inner core, and improve all aspects of their body such as strength, balance, tone and flexibility.  The other benefits is doing pilates daily will help rid your body of stress, anxiety, tension and get a natural energy boost from deep stretching only pilates can provide.

It can help you creater a stronger, more flexible spine and core, and helps promote recovery from injury, increases the motion in your joint, and helps with circulation.  And bottom line, increases the look, and feel of your body, it can literally change your life.

Many people who are looking to get into doing pilates, do not want to have to travel to a class every time they want to do a session, or would much prefer the convenience of learning and practicing this form of exercise from the comfort of their home. This is why many people come looking online to learn about doing pilates, techniques, and even watch videos to see demonstrations of the moves they will soon be performing.

Pilates Videos on About.com the website linked here is a great resource for videos regarding pilates, that can all be watched online at your convenience through your computer. About.com has teamed up with Pilates on Fifth to create some very good Pilates exercise videos that you can view anytime.

Another good site to learn from is this website right here, they have many examples that are for beginners, that will get someone who has never done pilates before, doing it for the first time.

There are many resources for learning pilates online, between this website, the websites I have listed, and what you can find on google — you can be a master without ever leaving your bedroom (although we recommend you take a step outside at least every once and a while)

Welcome to Pilates Workouts

Pilates is a form of exercise that really targets your core muscles. Pilates not only makes you fit and trim, it makes you strong and centered as well. Pilates has become very popular due to its benefits on the body in so many ways.

Pilates is an exercise program that incorporates exercises that target certain areas of the body at a time whilst concentrating on a particular breathing pattern. Due to the breathing aspect of Pilates you will become quite conscious of your pattern of breathing during the exercise routines.

Along with many other benefits, Pilates assists the spine by promoting proper alignment and there is a strong focus on improving the strength of the muscles that lay deep within the torso.

You will actually find that by using Pilates you wont be as stressed about day to day events. Here at Pilates Workouts you will find all the information and products you need to start getting your own Pilates body.

We have a Pilates Store for all your Pilates needs and you’ll even find some free exercises here too.

Browse around and you’re sure to find all you need to get your Pilates underway.

There are many benefits to be had by introducing Pilates into your daily routine, benefits such as giving you a more toned and shapely body. Did you realise though that Pilates can also assist in reducing back aches and pains?

Dealing with back problems on a daily basis can really make life difficult and downright unenjoyable and if you’ve tried to exercise in the more traditional ways you’ve no doubt discovered that a sore back will ineed do poorly if you are not careful with your chosen routines.  Well now there is a way to help you improve you back and even how to stop further back injury and pain. Here are some free Pilates exercises and how they can help you.

Pilates helps correct alignment of your spinal cord which can reduce the aches and pains common when alignment is out. Another great added benefit of using free Pilates exercise is that you strengthen the postural muscles in your back and learn the proper posture for both resting and exercising. Pilates focus on the proper posture during workouts to prevent back pain. This is also great for alleviating that annoying lower back pain that can drive us crazy. Read the rest of this entry »

Pilates exercises are an amazing way to tone and shape your butt, hips, and thighs. If you want to focus on these areas of your body and get them in great shape, Pilates is the way to go. When you workout these areas, you gain greater confidence and strength.

Butt

We all want to have a great butt. Using Pilates is a simple way to shape, tone, and lift your butt. This area is best addressed using side leg lifts. The free Pilates exercise below will show you how to use Pilates to shape and tone your butt and it also works on thighs as well so you get to work two areas at once.

Side Leg Lifts
You will need a padded mat for this free Pilates exercise. You don’t want to have a great butt and a million bruises!
1. Lie on your side with the bottom arm extended out and your head resting on it. Your body should be one straight line. You can place the other hand flat on the ground in front of your neck for support. Now, move your legs out just a bit for support.
2. Pull your abs in while you do this free Pilates exercise to get benefit there as well. Now, lift both legs off the ground about four or five inches. Keep your legs together. Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to exercising your abs you really can’t go past Pilates. For a workout that will really build strength into your core and achieve the flat and toned stomach you’re striving for take advantage of the free Pilates exercise for abs we’ve shown below.

Your first step is to master what is referred to as the C curve. If you can ensure you do this correctly then you will manage the Pilates with more ease and most importantly ensure you squeeze the absolute maximum out of the effort you put in.

Get into a seated position on your Pilates mat or set up on the floor somewhere if need be. Place both feet on the floor flat and bring your knees toward your chest so they are bent. It’s important to relax your upper body, particularly the shoulder area.

Now it’s time to put your hands under your knees, as you do so take a breath in then let the air out. As you let out your breath you need to tighten your stomach and pull it in toward your spine in its entirety. This is where the C curve comes into play. As you practice the breathing and tummy tightening you find that you end up looking more down toward your stomach as your back forms the curve of the c during the exhale stage of the exercise. Read the rest of this entry »

Using a Pilates circle gives you the resistance you need for your workouts in a very compact easy to use product. A pilates circle can replace quite a few more expensive Pilates machines. Making it a very economical choice to add to your workouts. There are many exercises that require a Pilates circle to really see any noticeable effects. If you add a pilates circle to your workout, you will be able to take advantage of all of them.

There are many Pilates circles to choose from and all with varying prices too, some for as little as $20 and others priced as high as $70. A circle isn’t a massive expense, especially when compared to some of the Pilates machines but it still warrants some investigation to ensure you get the best circle for your particular needs. Read the rest of this entry »