Cardio no doubt refers to your heart. Now could it really be possible that you can exercise your heart? Isn’t heart an involuntary muscle? It can function on its own without you taking control of its activities. Then how could you possibly control it? True enough you cannot control the movement of your heart as it seems to have its own mind yet you can develop and improve your heart fitness. How? Cardio Pilates is the answer. Cardio Pilates is an exercise known to improve cardio vascular fitness as it hastens calorie burn and multiply its result. In fact, this exercise is an invigorating fusion of the Pilates exercise and fat burning cardio exercises. Most people who have gone through this exercise can attest that this can deliver a satisfactory work out by strengthening cardiac’s fitness as well as evenly toning the body. Pilates mat work is the preferred type of exercise in cardio.

Doing cardio with Pilates is like getting the best of both worlds. You apply the principle of Pilates, which is using your own weight as resistance with standing cardio vascular rhythmic patterns. The cardio respiratory system is enhanced along with an increased heart rate by using the large muscles of the body while the Pilates inspired movements improves flexibility, balance and core strength. Combination of this exercise undoubtedly gives out a result which is beneficial for all fitness level.

Cardio Pilates is not only for your heart, it can also enhance your entire body’s fitness.

The basics of Pilates include exercises designed to help you improve balance, coordination, strength and flexibility. Mental concentration on the exercises and mental concentration on specific breathing sequences combine to create this beneficial exercise.

The secret to Pilates is in the “powerhouse”. In Pilates basics you quickly learn that the core of the body, the abdomen, is called the “powerhouse”. All movements are designed to work your body as an entire unit, a whole, in order to provide an exercise program that works the muscles through their full range of motion.

It is the muscles of the abdomen and the spine that are the focus of “powerhouse” in Pilates. The abdominal muscles are made up of the rectus abdominis, the transverse abdominis, and the internal and external obliques. Pilates basics focuses on creating strong abdominal and spinal muscles which work together to improve strength, coordination, flexibility and balance.

While Pilates is a kinder and gentler exercise, similar to yoga, it should not be mistaken for a “wimpy” exercise. Ask devotees of Winsor Pilates and they will be the first to tell you that Mari Winsor has created a Pilates exercise designed around “dynamic sequencing”. With “dynamic sequencing” Winsor Pilates aggressively works the core of to create a longer and leaner body.

Because Pilates is not a joint-jarring exercise, it can be practiced by people at varying fitness levels. But make no mistake, this is indeed a workout. However, this exercise workout will leave you feeling invigorated and strong. Pilates will leave you feeling taller, leaner, energized and confident. The breathing exercises that accompany all Pilates movements will help you to feel calmer and more centered.

Why not give it a try? Pilates basics is simply a group of exercises accompanied by specific breathing routines designed to help strengthen, tone and lengthen your muscles…especially those of the “powerhouse”. More energy, confidence, strength…yes, that makes Pilates basics sound like a plan for me!