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Pilates Exercise: A Basic Guide

Why are so many Hollywood stars obsessed with Pilates? Everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Oprah to Jennifer Anniston swears by the results and benefits of Pilates exercise. Hollywood celebrities are not the only ones either! Professional dancers, gymnast, and now even male athletes are using Pilates to increase physical endurance and recover from injuries. Pilates with its focus on deep breathing, and elongating the muscles is not like any other exercise program available.

Even though Pilates has been around for decades, it has only recently gained worldwide attention. Developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises are designed to build a “core” of strength in the body by focusing the mind on controlling the body. The core or powerhouse becomes the foundation for completing Pilates exercise and with mental concentration teaches you to build strength and flexibility through your entire body.

What makes Pilates exercise so appealing and what has helped make Pilates the hottest exercise phenomenon is the realization that Pilates can be used by those who are suffering from poor physical health or a disabling health conditions. Couch potatoes, seniors, pregnant women and even bed ridden individuals can use Pilates to increase circulation, build up their strength and to get in better shape.

Though Pilates exercise may look like simple stretching and toning moves don’t be fooled! Pilates is not a cardiovascular workout but it can be intense and strenuous. It’s important that you start slowly with a fitness instructor who has had experience teaching Pilates. Remember it will take time and dedication to achieve improved flexibility and see toning results.

When you are ready to learn Pilates exercises consider your individual personality and needs to decide how and were you want to learn Pilates exercise. Most gyms offer Pilates classes and private classes are also available. For those who prefer to exercise at home there are dozens of Pilates exercise DVD’s available. Before exercising at home it’s a good idea to take a few classes with a trained instructor to ensure you properly understand the moves and the breathing techniques involved.

If you ultimately decide to try Pilates exercise at home then proper equipment is a must!

Pilates exercise has two basic types; mat work or through the use of resistance equipment. For a beginner it’s a good idea to first learn the basics of Pilates using a mat before progressing on to more intense and difficult moves that Pilates equipment would entail. Pilates mat workouts can be easily performed at home. Although Pilates resistance equipment can be purchased by individuals the cost of such products make it impossibility for most people.

Pilates has evolved a lot over the decades, before starting a Pilates exercise program consider what your goals are. If you are trying to improve strength and flexibility only then traditional Pilates exercise might be for you. For those who are looking to lose weight a more modern exercise program such as Winsor Pilates provides more benefits. Remember to consult with your doctor before undertaking any new exercise programs. Especially important for anyone who suffers from neck pain, or is recovering from an injury. Remember Pilates is a non aerobic exercise and for the best results consider adding in an aerobic exercise and well as strength training exercises

Pilates exercise truly has something for everyone. When done properly Pilates can be a fun way to get in shape. Unlike many other popular exercise programs its low impact and gentle on the body. With its focus on precise systematic movements instead of repetition Pilates has the ability to keep you invigorated and interested in meeting your goals.