Archive for the ‘Pilates’ Category

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. Read the rest of this entry »

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. Read the rest of this entry »

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)

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 »

Stott Pilates is the best method for those who may be at risk for injuries. They focus on Pilates exercises that are anatomically-based.

Pilates originated from the late Joseph Pilates; Stott Pilates is considered to be the modern day equivalent of the first Pilates method. It took almost ten years for the Stott method to be perfected using some of today’s most qualified professionals combining their various areas of expertise.

With a particular emphasis on the spine, rehabilitation and physical therapy, Stott Pilates is gentle and often used in prenatal classes. Although many Pilates exercises might call for your back to be flattened this would be less likely with Stott Pilates. Stott focuses on promoting the balancing of the muscle groups at your joints, the proper curvature of your spine and striving for scapular stability.

Stott Pilates can help you become more conscious of your body, reduce back soreness and other aches along with many more benefits. Stott Pilates is more than likely the Pilates of choice for many Pilates professionals. Read the rest of this entry »

Zone Pilates prides itself on being at the forefront of Pilates exercise enhancement giving you a less difficult workout but with greater results.

With three specific body zones to focus on, you simply work on each zone for a short time every day and the outcomes you see can be quite significant. Because you’re targeting core muscles such as the quads, buttocks and abdomin you work with greater effectiveness.

Zone Pilates incorporates a Pilates Sculptor into the exercises which provides a force for you to resist against. If you’re really serious about your exercise program and want to ramp up your Pilates then Zone Pilates could be your best choice as it really is taking your workouts to another level.

In our efforts to save you money, we have brought you some of the best Zone Pilates deals in our Pilates Store. Why pay more for something you can get for less? Check out our store here.

Winsor Pilates is a fantastic way to work out. Do you know who the founder of Winsor Pilates is? It’s Mari Winsor, a women who at the age of 54 had a body that looked like someone’s half her age. Along with that sleek body of hers was a strong and flexible makeup expected of someone much younger.

The Winsor way was intended for everyday people just like you and I. You can rest assured that if you’re new to Pilates then Mari’s method might suit you well as it’s a less vigorous form than that of the very first Pilates method.

Mari Winsor’s Pilates method is so gentle that even those with poor health can attempt it to gain the benefits that Pilates brings, even for those needing rehabilitation might benefit however it’s important to remember that it’s not a magic fix-all. In any case a person of poor health should seek qualified advice prior to commencing any sort of physical exercise program and if Pilates is an option for them then a highly experienced instructor would be necessary to ensure that no further damage results from poor movements whilst undertaking a Pilates lesson. Read the rest of this entry »

Using Pilates Supreme gives you a low impact workout on an inexpensive pilates supreme machine.

Just because the Pilates Supreme workout is low-impact does not mean it is not highly effective. Your core muscles will get developed very quickly and you will notice results fast. None of the movements are stressful on the body.

The Supreme Pilates method is helpful for losing extra pounds and fat you might be  carrying. You will find the Supreme Pilatess equipment will stow away with ease beneath your bed, stairs or even in a wardrobe upright. Read the rest of this entry »

Using a Pilates Reformer can up your workout to the next level. You will be surprised at how quickly your body starts to develop when you use a reformer on a regular basis. It can be a little overwhelming trying to choose exercise equipment but when it comes to a reformer it really boils down to three main types.

The Pilates IQ Reformer is a machine that you can quickly assemble and be working out in minutes. This reformer will fit under most beds or even propping it up vertically behind a door or in a wardrobe for easy stow away. Combined with its appealing look and feel, its extra features and a price that means it’s within reach makes this one machine well suited to working out at home. Read the rest of this entry »

Working out with a Pilates DVD is a nice compact, simple and inexpensive way to do Pilates.

All you need to do is wake up in the morning and pop the disc into your DVD player and you’ve got your own personal Pilates instructor. Gone are the days where you had to pack up all your gear and make your way down to an expensive studio or fitness center to get your Pilates workout done for the day. Pilates equipment can be quite large and not everybody wants that in their home however there are different types of Pilates that do you a lot of good that don’t require large equipment.

All you really need is a good quality Pilates DVD, a Pilates mat and some light hand weights. Of course it’s up to you how much equipment you can afford and can accommodate in your home and the type of Pilates you really feel at one with. But if working out at home suits you best then you can keep it simple, cheap and enjoyable with Pilates DVDs.

One of the biggest benefits to working out at home is that you can choose exactly when you want to do your workout, no more fitting Read the rest of this entry »

Pilates mats work well to protect both you and your floor. If you do Pilates on a hardwood floor you will especially enjoy the mat because it will give you the cushion that you need.

Having a Pilates mat keeps you from slipping while in various poses. It also helps protect your carpet or rug from perspiration that may have built up during the workout.

Having a Pilates mat to workout on makes you feel more “official” in your workout routine and is a great motivator to take your health and fitness more seriously.

In our efforts to save you money, we have brought you some of the best Pilates deals in our Pilates Store. Why pay more for something you can get for less? Check out our Pilates Store here.

When you decide to add a Pilates exercise ball to your workout, you know you have really stepped it up in your routine.

You can increase your workout results dramatically by incorporating a Pilates ball.

Don’t be mistaken and think that having a Pilates ball makes your workout more difficult. The fact is, your workout does not become more difficult, but instead it simply becomes more efficient. You will now begin to develop more core strength as you work on balancing your body while working out.

Having a Pilates ball can really build your confidence in your workouts and see yourself as having moved into advanced Pilates, use all those positive feelings to keep you motivated and disciplined with regular workouts.

In our efforts to save you money, we have brought you some of the best Pilates deals fin our Pilates Store. Why pay more for something you can get for less? Check out our Pilates Store http://www.pilatesworkouts.net/pilates-store.