Mari Winsor is a certified Pilates instructress. She is a former professional dancer who shifted to Pilates and one of the foremost trainers of the Pilates Hollywood celebrities. Winsor Pilates is one of the most branded names in contemporary Pilates. It is known for its sculpting, weight loss and abdominal work out videos. Her instructional videos are widely available now in the market, and don’t be surprised if you will be tempted to download Winsor Pilates program. The videos are oftentimes artistically and beautifully produced exuding that “let’s get moving, sculpt and lose weight” approach.

Among the major foci of Pilates are weight loss and body toning, an arena with which the Winsor Pilates has excelled in producing and promoting their video work outs. Originally trained in the classical Pilates, Mari Winsor did innovation with the Pilates exercise by focusing on trimming and body shaping. Through this she then develop her own technique called dynamic sequencing. If you are going to download Winsor Pilates facts, it defines dynamic sequencing as “a combination of exercises done in specific order and rhythm to produce specific result.” One thing to remember though about Winsor Pilates is that, this is not for everyone. The application of the Winsor Pilates method is quite extensive so if you are a beginner and you are working with the Pilates as a rehabilitative tool, this is not for you. Download Winsor Pilates and start enjoying the workouts and have some fun.

Believe it or not, Pilates is not a new type of exercise regime. In fact, it’s nearly a century old. Pilates was originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates. Trained originally as a nurse, Pilates worked in England during World War I and it was there that he developed a series of exercises designed to help bed ridden patients regain their strength. Named after its founder, Pilates is a nearly century old practice that was designed to strengthen the abdominal core of the body, to improve the posture, and increase flexibility.

Today Pilates exercises use floor mat workouts as well as other specific apparatus to tone your abdominal area (core muscles) while also improving your posture and increasing your overall flexibility.

How does Pilates compare to yoga?

Since both Pilates and yoga are directed toward your overall flexibility, these exercise genres are quite complimentary to one another, although they do differ in their techniques used to accomplish. Neither exercise type is ‘superior’ to the other. The right type of exercise for you will depend on your flexibility, body make up, and how you naturally move your body about.

Pilates focuses on what is called your ‘core’ muscles (abdominal and gluteus areas), while yoga invokes more spinal movement with exercises that stretch thigh muscles. Yoga is more body position work and improving upon various positions while Pilates is more dynamic in its exercise movements. As you would expect both programs can be quite effective and because of the differences in their techniques they can be very complimentary to one another as well.

Why should I take a private session?

Even if you are a fit person, you may find that Pilates is like any other form of exercise and the demands it will put on your abdominal region. Your initial results will vary depending upon how rapidly the new muscles groups respond to the new demands put upon them. If you’re not familiar with this form of exercise, a private Pilates session will be helpful as it allows the instructor to spend more focused time with you teaching you the precise movements and allows them to focus the exercises on your unique physical attributes.

What is the difference between mat class and equipment?

Mat class or mat work is but one component of an entire exercise program or group of systematic exercises. Different types of equipment is used to offer different exercise challenges and levels for students as well as to provide different levels of resistance during the Pilates exercise routines.

Do I need to be fit to start Pilates?

Not at all; with Pilates you can begin at any level.

When will I see results?

As with any exercise program you get out of it what you honestly put into it. Pilates will definitely deliver. If, however, you are not sure what or how to implement and how to put into the program, get with your local Pilates instructor to determine your fitness level and what your goals are. As always, consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

I have an old back injury that frequently flares up any time that I try to exercise. Can Pilates help me and can I actually do it?

Many of today’s back pain problems result in a muscular imbalance between the muscles of the lower back and abdominal strength (more specifically the lack of abdominal strength).

There are many people that report excellent benefits from Pilates. One of the main reasons is that the basis of Pilates is to focus on building abdominal strength, increasing flexibility and improving posture. When you concentrate on all of these areas and improve their strength and flexibility, these are known to help those with back pain.

When strengthening the “core” muscles, it only makes sense that it will help to strengthen the back. It is very important to remember that if you have a history of back pain, that you check with your healthcare provider before undertaking any new exercise program. You may also find it helpful to take a few private lessons with a certified Pilates’ instructor who can help to develop a program specifically designed for your physical abilities. It is important to avoid re-injury of your back so above all, practice safe Pilates.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, easy to move around in

I am really out of shape! Can I start getting into shape with Pilates?

Fortunately, Pilates is the perfect exercise for beginners and experts alike. It offers a variety of exercises for those at any fitness level. As with most exercise programs, the Pilates exercises are organized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts that can be adjusted based on your particular needs. Start with the beginners’ exercises and advance from there. Pilates truly caters to all levels and can be adjusted to your particular needs. Listen to your body, adjust the exercises as needed and you too can benefit from the practice of Pilates.

My mother would like to learn Pilates, but she is 70! Is this really a good idea at her age?

Oh dear! Of course not! If after checking with her physician and getting her approval, even a mother of 70 could learn the practice of Pilates. With a certified instructor and one that is willing to adjust exercises based on your mom’s needs, Pilates is a practice that will allow your mom to go at her own pace and gain strength and flexibility. Biggest thing to remember…encourage your mom to go at her own pace…go slowly…and I bet you will both be thrilled with the results.

Is Pilates the only exercise I will need to do?

Pilates isn’t a cardio vascular type exercise routine. In other words, it is not an aerobic exercise. So you should consider adding an aerobic activity to your exercise program in order to get the most benefits. To add aerobic activity, consider activities such as swimming, tennis, walking, running, kickboxing, or even a step aerobic class at your local gym. Pilates is a great compliment to your aerobic exercise of choice and vise versa.

Once I get started, exactly how often should I practice Pilates?

That’s a great question but the answer is not so simple….it depends completely on your personal health goals. When you first begin the practice of Pilates, you should practice two or three sessions a week to allow your body to learn the movements and to allow your body to also get some rest in between the sessions.

As you become more comfortable with the movements, it is suggested that you increase your practice session to three to four times a week. Adding in a 30-45 minute cardiovascular program as well as strength training will help you to see faster results if that is what you are looking for.

It is also helpful to remember that you can work Pilates movements into your daily activities when you are walking, working, driving, washing the dishes, vacuuming the floor, filing the papers…it’s when we all learn to incorporate exercise movements into our daily life that we really begin to see the real results.

Can you over develop your muscular strength?

The short answer is yes. Balancing your strength is the key. The majority of your muscle groups have a set of muscles that work (contract) in the opposite direction. If one set of muscles groups becomes much stronger than its opposing partner group, it can cause alignment problems in your body and eventually pain or discomfort. With Pilates (or any exercise and flexibility program) balance between your muscle groups is important.

Mari Winsor developed her specific brand of Pilates, called Winsor Pilates, over two decades ago. Mari’s business model is based on the traditional work of Joseph H. Pilates.

Winsor is a respected professional dancer, a certified trainer, teacher and business woman. She operates two Winsor Pilates studios in the Los Angeles area.

Winsor Pilates is based on a technique called “dynamic sequencing”. To put it simply, “dynamic sequencing” is set of exercises done in a specific order and rhythm.

The thought is that exercises done in a specific order and with a specific rhythm produce the most results. Winsor Pilates requires no equipment and can easily be done at home by following the certified instructors on the Winsor Pilates videos and DVDs.

When I first started learning Pilates I took classes at my local health club. But then I wanted to exercise outside of the Pilates classes offered at the gym. So that led me to the Winsor Pilates website…which is fabulous! My first purchase was the Basic Pilates.

Wow!

Even though I thought I was getting a good workout at my gym, when I first tried the Basic Pilates I was shocked! I was working muscles that I wasn’t even sure really existed. The initial package included a 20-minute circle workout, an accelerated fat-burning workout, a 10-minute sculpting blast workout, a fat-burning cookbook, an exercise planner and a Winsor Pilates Sculpting Circle.

The intensity of the exercises in this offer was impressive. I appreciated the ease of instructions and the way the videos kept things interesting and motivating.

The other thing I really liked about this package was that every other month two new workout videos were automatically delivered to my mailbox. I love the convenience of the automatic delivery and the variety of the Pilates videos. Mari Winsor is definitely on to something. Her program is phenomenal.

My friend, who is in her third month of pregnancy, also found that the Winsor Pilates program was enjoyable for her. Of course, “Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?” was the question foremost on her mind, but after checking it out with her doctor she was good to go and we were well on our way to enjoying not only the classes we started at our local gym but our newfound Winsor Pilates videos and DVDs as well, including Pilates During Pregnancy !

Winsor Pilates Basic is simply one of the best programs I have ever seen. The dynamic sequencing really seems to work. I am stronger, leaner and more flexible than ever. Even after taking classes at my local gym, I found that the Winsor Pilates videos and DVDs are an excellent addition to my overall workout plan.

I will definitely keep adding to my Winsor Pilates library. With results like mine, I can’t imagine stopping now!

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!