Pilates is an unhurried workout that strengthens your core muscles and you’ll soon develop what is known as the “Pilates stomach”. The use of the “core” muscles (abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks) to produce smooth flowing movements and controlled breathing helps the stomach and ab muscles develop quickly. You’ll be toned, trim, and stronger after just a few workouts. You’ll notice an improvement in your posture, coordination and stamina as well as a greater economy of movement in your everyday life.

The first thing you’ll notice is that your posture has improved. Pilates participants report that they stand taller and straighter after only one or two workouts. Because of the emphasis Pilates places on engaging your stomach and core muscles, they become stronger. It requires less conscious effort on your part to use them. You’ll find yourself using your core muscles the Pilates way even when you’re just standing around.

Stronger stomach muscles also lead to increased coordination. Because your stomach muscles are part of your “core” muscles, you use them in almost every movement you make. A Pilates stomach increases your level of coordination as you go about the business of everyday life. Concentrating on smooth flowing movement along with correct breathing (two basic Pilates principles) makes doing two things at once second nature in no time at all.

Many Pilates users report that they have an increased level of stamina and endurance since beginning their exercise program. Stamina is a direct result of the strength of your muscles. Pilates begins to strengthen stomach and ab muscles from the first workout, as long as you do the exercises using proper form.

Finally, most new Pilates users report that they seem more able to move quickly, with a minimum of effort. This phenomenon is known as “increased economy of movement.” Again, this is a direct result of strengthening the core muscles. If the biggest muscles in your body–abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks–are strong, your every motion and movement is easier. Strong muscles mean that you expend less effort to move the mass that is your body. That equals greater economy of movement.

The “Pilates stomach” that you develop when you start a Pilates exercise program will directly impact your physical movements, even when you’re not exercising.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

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There are many different ways to find and receive Pilates instruction. The best and most affordable way to get Pilates instruction is with videos because you can learn in the privacy of your own home. Pilates mat work routines need no special equipment in order to be effective workouts. Another option is group or individual classes, which are available in virtually any major city in the world.

The most popular and affordable way to learn Pilates is through videos watched in the privacy of your own home. Videos are available for all fitness levels and virtually all types of Pilates instruction.

In your own family room you can watch videos that teach Pilates mat work, machine work, developing your abs, cardio Pilates workouts, cross-training, rehabilitation from injury, and Pilates for men, among others.

The best part about learning Pilates with videos is that you can move at your own pace. You have the option of doing only a few of the exercises instead of the whole routine, if that’s where your skill level lies.

Group classes are available at fitness clubs and community centers, as well as private Pilates organizations and even religious institutions. They offer Pilates instruction in both mat work and machine work. Class size and whether or not equipment is used will determine the cost of the classes.

There is a wide range of types of Pilates classes offered, from beginner through expert. Other Pilates instruction is available in classes that specialize in targeting specific areas of the body or even “cardio” Pilates, which steps up the intensity of the movements.

Private classes are available at most places that offer group classes. You will receive individualized instruction at a much greater cost than in group classes. In some cases the instructor will come to your home for the sessions.

Whether you choose to receive Pilates instruction with videos at home, in group classes, or in private classes, the important thing is to start. Most Pilates users begin to see changes in their bodies after just a few workouts. Many say these small changes were enough to motivate them to continue working out. All of them say they’re glad they did.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

Advanced Pilates challenges you to do a more vigorous workout through the use of portable accessories you can use when doing mat work at home.

Some of the accessories available are the Magic Circle, the Swiss ball, toning balls, foam rollers, rotating disks and resistance bands. The resistance they provide increases the intensity of your workout and adds a new dimension to your fitness routine.

The Magic Circle is a flexible metal ring with padded handles. It is used to provide resistance to the arms and legs while performing advanced Pilates movements.

• The Swiss ball is like a giant vinyl beach ball. You balance your body on it in various positions and perform Pilates exercises. Because you have to balance yourself in addition to doing the exercises, it requires more effort and you get a more intense workout.

• Toning balls are small weighted balls that are held one in each hand while performing Pilates exercises. They increase resistance and require more effort to perform each exercise. It is recommended that you use toning balls that are just heavy enough to command your attention, but not heavy enough to make you strain.

• Foam rollers are giant foam cylinders. You balance your body on top of one. The effort required to balance while doing Pilates exercises challenges your muscles in new ways, providing a more intense and advanced Pilates workout.

• Rotating disks for exercise are usually used in pairs. They are similar to a lazy Susan–two disks with a spinning mechanism sandwiched in between. You put one under each foot and do your Pilates moves. As with other Pilates accessories, you are required to expend more energy keeping your body balanced while you simultaneously perform Pilates exercises.

• Resistance bands are widely used in many different exercise methods. Pilates uses them to add resistance while doing mat work, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout. One end is held in each hand, or by each foot, or by one of each. Whatever combination you choose, the resistance of the bands when you move your arm or leg pumps your workout up a notch.

It’s easy to create an advanced Pilates workout by adding one or more accessories designed to increase the difficulty of performing the exercises.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

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It may appear that women are the ones who benefit the most from Pilates, but Joseph Pilates originally invented Pilates for men. For himself, actually. Men can and do exercise with Pilates and benefit greatly from its smooth, controlled movements and attention to the use and development of the core muscles.

Many men resist trying Pilates because they are already involved in some type of sport or other exercise program. Men can greatly benefit from adding Pilates to their workout regime. It works in tandem with other types of fitness programs and enhances performance in every way. And Pilates works for men at all levels of fitness.

What benefits can men expect from adopting Pilates as a workout?

The controlled, smooth movements and low impact of Pilates can help men heal and rehabilitate from injury. Many athletes begin Pilates to recover from an injury and continue doing it long after they’ve healed. They recognize the benefits and their overall increased performance after just a few workouts.

Pilates works in tandem with cardio exercise programs. Men experience increased endurance and stamina during cardio after beginning a regular Pilates workout program.

Many men report diminished arm strength as they age. Pilates helps stop and reverse this, along with maintaining, strengthening and toning the entire body. Men who regularly workout with Pilates experience increased overall body strength.

Pilates also strengthens the core muscles and improves posture. Good posture means you’re not fighting gravity so you expend less energy in everyday life. Good posture also commands respect and makes you look healthy and fit. By using Pilates, your posture automatically improves as you continue to perform the exercises.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of Pilates for men is that it improves core strength. The “core” muscles–abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks–are the muscles from which most movement originates. Building a strong core improves posture, stamina, and overall control of the body. And it translates into increased physical performance in all aspects of life.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

6 Tips to Make Your Pilates Beginners Experience More Successful

	Wear comfortable clothing that is loose, but not overly baggy. You need to be able to see your body to judge whether or not you are doing the exercise correctly.
	Do your Pilates workout in bare feet or socks with anti-skid treads on them. You want your feet free to flex and extend them as needed.
	Work on an exercise mat, rug or carpet. This protects your spine and is generally more comfortable than bare floor. You can also use a thick blanket or several large towels.
	Always do a series of warm-up stretches before you begin any exercise routine. Warm muscles are less susceptible to injury.
	Any time an exercise causes you pain or discomfort, stop immediately. Never try to work through the pain. Pilates is all about listening to your body.
	Take as much time as you need to learn and master the series of exercises. As long as you are using smooth, flowing movement, proper breathing, and engaging your core muscles, your body is benefiting from Pilates.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

Pilates beginners will find it an exercise method that begins to show results quickly. Right away you’ll learn to engage your core muscles, using them as the springboard for all Pilates moves. You will learn about controlled, flowing movement and proper breathing techniques.

One of the fundamentals of Pilates is the use of the “core” or “powerhouse” muscles. These muscles consist of the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. Pilates beginners first learn how to engage these muscles and how to use them as the basis for all other movement in Pilates. Eventually this becomes second nature and affects all of your movements in everyday life.

Pilates movements are slow, deliberate, controlled and flowing. Even the smallest movement is done with precision. All Pilates exercises use this type of controlled and flowing motion. The transitions from one exercise to the next flow just as smoothly as the exercises themselves.

Every Pilates exercise is accompanied by instructions for proper breathing. The ability to engage your inner “core” muscles is essential to proper breathing techniques. Joseph Pilates, who founded the Pilates exercise method said, “Even if you follow no other instructions, learn to breathe correctly.”

Once you understand these fundamental techniques, you’ll start with a workout consisting of about a dozen different moves, just like other Pilates beginners. Emphasis is placed on performing each exercise using controlled, precise movement, proper Pilates breathing techniques, and the engagement of your “core” muscles.

Joseph Pilates believed that doing a single sit-up using correct form was infinitely better than doing a hundred of them using sloppy form.

For Pilates beginners, this translates into doing one or two repetitions of each exercise perfectly. Concentrate on precise movement, deep breathing, and engaging your core muscles through the entire exercise. After just a few workouts, you’ll begin to notice a difference in the look and feel of your body.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

Many Pilates users talk about their “Pilates abs” and how they begin to appear after only a few workouts. Pilates focuses on engaging the core muscles of the body–the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. These muscles are used in every Pilates exercise.

Pilates also engages your abs with its correct breathing techniques. Because your ab muscles are used almost continuously while doing a Pilates workout, you will notice that they begin to firm up and flatten after only a few sessions.

The first step to flat Pilates abs is correctly engaging your core muscles. Then learn to use correct form, movement and breathing as you perform each exercise.

What can Pilates do for your abs?

• It makes your abs look flatter. Pilates lengthens your muscles, which makes them appear to be flatter than they actually are.

• It sculpts your muscles and makes your abs strong, long and lean. Muscles that are well-used and stretched appear to look long and lean.

• Long, lean abdominal muscles change your appearance. The flexibility that goes along with this makes you look younger. Some even claim they look taller.

• The stronger your ab muscles, the better they support your back. This helps to prevent injury or re-injury. Some Pilates users claim the exercises relieve their back pain.

• Strong Pilates abs will affect the way you move in your everyday life. You’ll feel stronger, which will be reflected in how your carry yourself.

The basic Pilates beginners exercises are extremely effective in toning and creating the so-called “Pilates abs.” There’s a little more to it than that, though. You have to do the exercises using correct form in order flatten your abs. Remember to concentrate on pulling them in. And don’t forget to warm up. That’s important no matter which part of your body you’re interested in sculpting.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

Pilates exercises teach you to be aware of your breathing and the alignment of your spine. The goal is to strengthen your “core” muscles—abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. All exercises in Pilates begin with stabilizing the core muscles and transferring that to the movement of your arms and legs.

The Pilates system encompasses over 500 different exercises. Joesph Pilates, the founder of the method, started with a collection of just 34 that were worked on a mat on the floor. The exercises are designed to be performed in a specific order. Finishing the complete workout is essential.

Pilates exercises work your whole body, rather than targeting a specific set of muscles. It’s about working the entire body in synergy for overall fitness, rather than developing a few bulging muscle groups.

Pilates stretches, lengthens, and improves your balance with each exercise you master. It encourages you to focus mentally and increases your strength as well as your flexibility. You may find your Pilates exercises spilling over into your everyday life in the form of improved posture, coordination, and economy of movement.

Every Pilates exercise includes unique instructions for proper breathing. You should begin each breath deep within your core muscles and push it outward from there. This is not as hard to master as it sounds. Soon your breathing and movements will always be in sync without you having to think about them.

You can complete a typical Pilates exercise routine in under an hour. It usually consists of at least thirty different exercises that flow into each other smoothly without pausing. Many of the Pilates exercises require only an exercise mat and proper instruction, so you can easily do them at home.

The Pilates exercise method is gentle but challenging and sculpts your body while increasing strength, flexibility and stamina. Pilates cultivates an awareness of your body in your everyday movements that translates into improved coordination and posture.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

Pilates moves are smooth, flowing and continuous. You learn to move from deep within the body’s core muscles—the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. Proper breathing instructions are part of all Pilates moves. One exercise flows into the next and they all work in harmony to create a balanced, highly effective workout. Pilates moves your body in a different way than other exercise methods. The result is a strong, lean, sculpted body along with improved posture and balance.

The emphasis is on controlled, precise moves in Pilates. Concentrate on your muscles as you move and avoid quick, jerky movements. All Pilates moves should be slow, but still strong and flexible. The routine consists of a large number of different exercises, each worked for only a few repetitions. Correct form and movement is one of the major principles of Pilates.

Pilates teaches to initiate all movement from the body’s core, or “powerhouse.” The “core” consists of the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. These muscles form the starting point for all Pilates moves. This soon becomes second nature to Pilates participants in their everyday lives.

Pilates combines the rhythm of your breathing with the movement of your body. Proper breathing instruction accompanies all Pilates exercises. Breathing is initiated deep within the core muscles of the body, engaging the lower abdominals and other core muscles.

The Pilates workout is designed to work the muscles in a certain order that is beneficial to the body as a whole. Appropriate transitions are used to help one exercise flow into the next. It is important to keep moving continuously in a smooth and controlled manner. The order of the exercises is designed to build strength and stamina while sculpting the body.

In the beginning, you’ll be concentrating on learning the correct Pilates moves, along with proper breathing techniques. These will soon become second nature and you’ll begin to reap the benefits of Pilates in all areas of your life.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

The Pilates workout is done using either a mat on the floor or a Pilates exercise machine. Both methods use resistance to strengthen and tone your body.

The mat program follows a sequence of exercises which progress naturally from one to the next. It is important to do the exercises in the correct order and to complete the workout. These exercises use the body as its own resistance to strengthen and tone muscles.

There are several machines used for the Pilates workout, such as the Reformer, the Wunda Chair, and the Cadillac. The machines themselves provide the resistance that Pilates is founded upon. Participants do a series of exercises in a certain order, each one flowing smoothly into the next without pausing.

Typically, a Pilates workout lasts about an hour and contains thirty or more exercises. Pilates movements are meant to engage the whole body. They don’t use repetition; they emphasize correct form with fewer repetitions and then move on to the next movement.

During your Pilates workout, it is necessary to breathe in synch with your body movements. Concentrate on precise control of your breathing. Proper breathing oxygenates your muscles and also reduces stress. Participants are instructed to engage their deep abdominal muscles as they inhale. Breathing instructions are part of every exercise.

Avoid quick, jerky movements when doing a Pilates workout. Your movements should be slow, but strong, flexible and controlled.

Pilates exercises are designed to be done slowly. You can increase your heart rate by doing the exercises quickly (while maintaining proper form). Or you can alternate with a cardiovascular workout like biking, walking or even tennis.

Pilates will lengthen your spine, build muscle tone, strengthen your “core” muscles and increase your flexibility. This method is an excellent way to recover from injuries (but check with your doctor and physical therapist first).

If you want to condition your body from head to toe, Pilates is the workout for you. With over 500 different exercises to choose from, there is a Pilates workout for everyone.

About The Author

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self sufficient, do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today’s internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.