Simply by adding a bit of light resistance to your Pilates workouts, you will increase your intensity and as such step up your aerobic activity which will burn more fat, resulting in a greater weight loss, and a more sculpted body.

Pilates classes can offer you a great way to get into shape because they are designed to help you not only lose weight but deliver a strong mind and body as well. Since Pilates is a low impact type of workout, it can be used by all ages and all degrees of physical fitness and flexibility. The workout itself is also quite flexible offering a wide variety of movements and exercises. This is an important element to any exercise routine.

Variety in the workout will keep the boredom minimized and increase the likelihood that you’ll stay with your routines longer, thus increasing your chances of personal success. With so many different movements available for you to master, using Pilates as your primary exercise routine will change the shape and the definition of your body. In fact, Pilates will even change the way you use your body. Over time, Pilates workouts will strengthen your ‘core’ muscle group (abdomen, lower back, and all of the mid body).

Today, there are many different kinds of Pilates programs and educational material available to you. Purchasing Pilates equipment for developing your own home workout routine is as easy as getting online. Many of the DVD’s available to a very good job of educating you on Pilates and the use of proper techniques. Some even provide a complete workout and shaping program for beginners all the way through advanced.

If you haven’t yet tried Pilates, and are seriously considering getting an exercise routine started, I would highly recommend Pilates as your exercise routine. It’s easy and inexpensive to get started and you can workout within the privacy of your home. So, take the first step toward a happier, shapelier, you!

Pilates Fitness Program

You may be among those who are interested but are afraid or too shy to visit a nearby gym that offers the program. With the very friendly and knowledgeable staff and trainers that every Pilates fitness program venue has, you wouldn’t need to think twice about making a visit.

The first thing that you’ll notice when you visit any of the many Pilates classes that are held all over the country are the happy and friendly people all around you. Backed by many years of positive experience, the Pilates trainers are typically happy and confident to be able to help you meet your fitness goals.

You’ll be introduced to the fitness mats where most of the exercises will take place. The mats offer a great way for you to begin your fitness exercises. They are actually designed to meet the fitness requirements of any person at any level, whether they are beginners, intermediate, or advanced practice. It would help you quickly gain the necessary strength and confidence to press on with the Pilates method of physical fitness.

Pilates classes that you will be attending will expect you to come in proper fitness attire. You can basically wear anything comfortable. However, it is a good idea to consider that you will be performing fitness exercises such that you would not want to wear clothes that would restrict your movement. Neither would you want to wear to clothes that are too loose or baggy.

Pilates classes, nothing fancy or fastidious about attending one, just wholesome and effective exercise regimen that is designed to tone, stretch and firm up your body.

Mothers everywhere are always concerned about safety during pregnancy.

For those who either continue to exercise or who begin to exercise during pregnancy, safety is always of the utmost concern. It is important to always work with a Pilates instructor who has been trained specifically in prenatal exercises.

There is little research done specifically on the benefits of Pilates during pregnancy.

However, there is a significant amount of research done on the benefits of exercise in pregnancy in general to support its practice.

Pilates is a gentle form of exercise. It does not place undue stress on the joints.

Because it focuses on the “powerhouse’ or the core of the body, it works to improve balance, coordination and strength even during pregnancy. Pilates during pregnancy can be especially beneficial since it works to strengthen the abdominal core and spine which are the primary muscles supporting the expanding pregnancy belly.

The abdominal muscles work with the back muscles and the muscles of the pelvic floor to support the weight of the pregnancy and these same muscles are also the focus of Pilates…the “powerhouse”.

There are several good Pilates books and Pilates videos, specifically Pilates pregnancy videos, to guide you through the months of pregnancy.

Denise Austin is an expert in the field of health and exercise. She has several powerful exercise videos that are easy to follow and that are designed to provide you with easy exercises which target the core abdominal muscles.

My favorite Denise Austin book is Pilates for Every Body.

This book is designed to provide you with the guidance to strengthen, lengthen and tone your body through a complete body makeover. Denise is a wonderful teacher and I particularly love her very practical tips called “Denise-eology” that she shares throughout the book.

Another well respected teacher, Mari Winsor, is the author of The Pilates Pregnancy. Mari developed the Winsor Pilates method based on the fundamentals of Joseph H. Pilates. She is a sought after trainer for A-list celebrities.

It is important to listen to your body, especially during pregnancy. If certain movements are painful for you then work with your Pilates instructor to either modify those movements or eliminate them from your Pilates routine during pregnancy.

Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe if you do your part to listen to your body and make adjustments as your pregnancy progresses.

So pick out some fabulous and comfy Pilates clothing, put on some soothing music, clear your mind and work with your beautiful body.

Enjoy your pregnancy! Here’s to a happy, healthy and safe pregnancy.

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!