If you have decided you want to take pilates classes you will find there is a huge variety of classes for you to choose from.  Unless you live in a fairly small area where they may only be one or two pilates instructors, you should have a good variety to pick from.  So take your time and try and find the pilates class that is right for you.

Several pilates classes will be offering pilates reformer workouts.  The pilates reformer is a machine which is used to do lots of different types of exercise.  Originally all pilates was performed with these machines, but as they used to be quite expensive, pilates routines were developed that try to copy the movements.  All pilates classes will not offer the same thing, nor will you achieve the same benefits from them all. Read more »

The pilates reformer was designed by Joseph Pilates to give the best workout with as few repititions in as short a space of time as possible - so there is not really anything to compare with doing pilates reformer exercises.  You can of course just do the pilates movements without the reformer, which is what most classes teach, but you will get a much better workout by using the pilates reformer. Read more »

Due to the fact that both Pilates fitness and Yoga hit the mainstream around the same time, some people assume that they are similar. The truth is, Yoga and Pilates are quite different and though they both offer tremendous health benefits, they work and strengthen the body in completely different ways.

Pilates fitness focuses on the building and development of core strength. It encourages its participants to work their bodies while being aware of protecting and straightening their spine.  Yoga on the other hand, focuses on the overall body and places an emphasis on achieving unity between mind, body and spirit.  Yoga also primarily involves holding positions of varying difficulty to Read more »

When first beginning Pilates training it is hard to decide which type of routine is right for you.  Would you be more comfortable trying Pilates for the first time while in the privacy of your own home? Or would you rather know you are learning Pilates properly and attend a class at your local studio or gym? For some, a private lesson, with a personal instructor feels as though it may be the solution. But is the price for such lessons really worth it? The following are some tips that beginners can use to help decide which form of Pilates training is right for them.

The first and most important point to remember is that you are in fact a beginner. This should assist in some of the choices which you are about to make. For example, if you plan to purchase a Pilates training video to use in your home, make sure you choose one that is specifically geared towards beginners.  This goes for classes taught at your local gym as well.  Make sure that your first class is an introductory lesson.  This way you will not Read more »

Is there such a thing as Pilates for men? Of course there is, why wouldn’t there be? Pilates is a type of training that has been used by professional athletes for years and was even started by a man, Joseph Pilates.  However, Pilates is the fastest growing fitness trend in last few years. As a result the demographic has been primarily focused on women’s fitness.  This is what leads to the general misconception that there is no such thing as Pilates for men. The truth is, men can achieve and maintain many fitness and core strength benefits while participating in a regular Pilates regime.  Read more »

Pilates is a fitness trend that leaves you feeling refreshed, alert and with a sense of mental and physical well being.  Pilates body conditioning is a great way to get fit!

Pilates was developed by one Joseph J. Pilates in 1920, and it has long been thought of as an exercise system that increases flexibility and strength for the complete body, without building bulk at the same time.  Some of the very first practitioners of pilates were dancers Martha graham and George Balanchine. Read more »

Pilates exercise equipment can help make a wonderful workout program into an amazing way to transform your body. There are a many useful items available that will help you maximize the benefits of your pilates workout routine. These helpful tools are great for the seasoned exerciser as well as the beginner.

The first piece of Pilates exercise equipment you want to get is a DVD that lets you see someone actually working out.  You simply work out right alongside the people on the screen. While this is not the newest innovation in Pilates exercise equipment it is probably one of the most important items, and you can locate pilates dvd’s to suit all levels from beginners to advanced. Read more »

Pilates machines have become quite popular in the past few months and have been featured on many day time talk shows and fitness websites. They have also been the centre of in-store promotions at major fitness equipment suppliers. It seems as if there is a new, rewarding and guaranteed machine every day. The following are a few tips you can use to make sure you purchase the right Pilates machine. Namely, the one that will help you achieve your fitness goals and save your money.

1.  One of the most important functions that your Pilates machine should have is the ability to fold-up or become compact. Enough so, that you are able to take it with you wherever you go.  This is especially vital if you travel for business and want to be able to transport your equipment. Allowing you to continue your Pilates workout while on the road. Read more »

Whether you are just starting out as a raw beginner of Pilates or you consider yourself very experienced, you can easily locate pilates  Dvds which will allow you to perform Pilates exercise, at your chosen level,  in the privacy of your home.

DVDs are similar to the older style VHS tapes, and most people probably have a dvd player.  You can even watch your pilates dvd through many of the modern computers and laptops.  Read more »

There are many Pilates exercises that are for your abs, which are incredibly beneficial.  However, the hardest part can be performing the exercises correctly. It is important to remember that Pilates is meant to be done in a fluid and consistent motion with special consideration given to the protection of your spine and neck. Here are five pilates exercises you can use to master your movements and achieve the rock-hard abs you’ve always wanted. Read more »

Pilates is a form of physical fitness that was developed during the early 20th century by one Joseph Pilates. It was originally named The Art of Contrology as it encourages use of your mind to control your muscles. From here it evolved into an exercise program that helps to keep the body balanced and provide full support for the spine as it pays particular attention to the core postural muscles.

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A very popular accessory for Pilates is the Pilates Magic Circle, as it offers a good resistance workout that covers many fitness level. Another great advantage of the Pilates Magic Circle is that it is not too expensive and it is portable.

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4. Folding knees - these should be accomplished without changing the stability of your pelvic region. So take your neutral position on the floor, breathe in, and as you do so, bring your leg off of the floor, creating a deep fold at your knee - keep your abdominals engaged during this movement. As you start to breathe out return your leg to the original position on the floor, make sure to keep your ab muscles taut and that it is not your thigh that is controlling the move. Your hip must not leave the floor whilst you are doing the folding knee - try and keep your tailbone against the floor and this will help you to do the folding knees correctly.

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When commencing Pilates for beginners, it can appear very daunting, as you need to understand the concentration, different exercises, the focus and body awareness that all need to come together in a cohesive form.

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Pilates is a fitness trend that leaves you feeling refreshed, alert and with a sense of mental and physical well being. Pilates is the method of body conditioning.

Read more »