Most people today are out of shape. The excess weight pooled around your hips and thighs is the product of poor nutrition and no exercise. In fact, the decreased exercise levels of the busy professionals of today have caused many people to become obese, or at the very least have sluggish metabolisms. A slow metabolism leads to more and larger fat cells in the body, less muscle tone, and various other pains and health issues, ranging from annoying to potentially severe.
However, even if you are trapped in this cycle of health decline, don't panic; you can turn everything around with diet and exercise. The first step to good health is to get your metabolism to speed up through increased activity. Pilates is a great method to kick start and increase your metabolism. This is also helpful for weight loss.
Joseph Pilates, a nurse, originally developed the system as a method to help his patients during the rehabilitation phase of their recovery from illness or injury. This method uses the mind to control the muscles. Pilates provides support for the spine, focusing on the muscle responsible for the participant's posture. Improving a person's posture is one of the main goals of Pilates. Joseph Pilates designed his now-famous program as a way of using repetitious exercises of breathing and spinal alignment, through which a person can learn again how to move correctly and how the body can learn to cooperate and coordinate the body's movements with one's mind. Pilates has a holistic approach to exercise, with body and mind working as one.
So, if the idea of learning how to use your minds abilities to control your body, while reconstructing your posture and improving your physical fitness level appeals to you, then Pilates is a great way you could achieve your goals. Instead of just worrying about that piece of cheesecake you just ate, you could be more proactive by learning how to control your posture and muscles. One may argue that weight is largely determined by genes. But, although the body's ability to move is to a certain extent determined by genes, Pilates can be used to increase a person's ability, no matter the predisposition.
In addition, recent studies have shown that poor eating habits and low activity have gotten the population to where it is today. Although the obesity level in all ages in this country has increased to new proportions, the need to find a way to get the problem under control has increased proportionately. In this nation of plenty, there is a fine line between eating well and over indulgence and obviously the general population has a problem sensing that line, as evidenced by our ever-increasing waistlines.
By committing to an exercise program, like Pilates, you can soon start seeing results, leading to the happy feeling that accompanies a healthy habit. Joining the local Pilates team center, you can even enjoy an occasional ice cream cone or cookie without having to worry that you will gain weight or that you can join in on physical challenges like mountain biking because your muscles are in better condition.
Pilates has been popular for years and Pilates enthusiasts swear that it benefits one by helping to realign the spine, increase flexibility, build muscles, and promote a sense of general well-being. In fact, any regular exercise program can jump start the metabolism in a sluggish individual, causing weight loss. Performing simple sets of Pilates exercises can help the participant to get ready to live a more active and healthier life.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Health Benefits Of Pilates
How You Can Have Many Health Benefits From Pilates Execises?
One of the most popular forms of exercise for keeping in shape and being healthy today is the Pilates Method of exercise, which was once a well-kept secret of dancers and athletes.
There are many health benefits of pilates and it is safe for all individuals because it is a gentle method of toning and stretching the body, without putting any added strain on the joints or muscles of the body. Anyone, from old to young, from fit to flabby finds Pilates both relaxing and effective and it is popular with all generations and social classes.
Most people who start a Pilates exercise program would benefit from working in a beginning class with a certified Pilates instructor who could help them by showing them the correct way to perform the exercises. Because Pilates is generally offered at different levels, the student can
work his way up to an intermediate or advanced level of performance as his or her conditioning improves.
The best way to learn Pilates is with one-on-one instruction. The Pilates instructor can tailor a program that would best fit his client by asking questions about the health of the client and setting up the program to best optimize the health benefits of the client. This method is especially good for the client who is uncomfortable with the idea of participating in a large class, or someone who just wants the individual counseling.
If money is a factor, you can still enjoy the health benefits of Pilates without taking classes. There are a number of Pilates DVDs available that have the Pilates exercise program in them. These videos can usually be found in the exercise or video sections of any department store. Often the videos are sold with a Pilates mat, which is a must for the Pilates exercise participant. These videos are geared to the beginning Pilates participant and focus on helping him to understand the program and be able to do the moves shown.
The DVDs and videos are usually made at different ability levels. Each student who starts a Pilates exercise program needs to begin with one at the beginner's level. It would be unwise for a novice to start the program at the intermediate or advanced levels, which could lead to injury.
As soon as the new student feels that he or she has mastered the beginning level, then he or she can move on to a more advanced level, which usually incorporates more complex exercises targeting certain specific areas of the body, like the stomach, thighs, and arms. Pilates exercises that target one specific area of the body are more strenuous than the general or basic Pilates stretches. Therefore, it is imperative that the student be very comfortable with the basic Pilates moves before he or she moves on to the more advanced training because his or her body will not be ready for those moves.
In addition to the Pilates mat, there is a variety of Pilates equipment and machines available to the student. Before you run out and buy verything labeled "Pilates," it's a good idea to check out what each piece of equipment is like by visiting a Pilates class that uses it. Just because a piece of equipment is used in a Pilates class, doesn't mean that it is right for your particular Pilates needs.
People who use Pilates on a regular basis find that they feel better in several ways. They are less stressed, their muscles are more flexible and stronger than before. Many participants find that the health benefits of Pilates far exceed their expectations. Whether you have just begun to use Pilates or you have been using it for years, Pilates can add positive health benefits for your life.
One of the most popular forms of exercise for keeping in shape and being healthy today is the Pilates Method of exercise, which was once a well-kept secret of dancers and athletes.
There are many health benefits of pilates and it is safe for all individuals because it is a gentle method of toning and stretching the body, without putting any added strain on the joints or muscles of the body. Anyone, from old to young, from fit to flabby finds Pilates both relaxing and effective and it is popular with all generations and social classes.
Most people who start a Pilates exercise program would benefit from working in a beginning class with a certified Pilates instructor who could help them by showing them the correct way to perform the exercises. Because Pilates is generally offered at different levels, the student can
work his way up to an intermediate or advanced level of performance as his or her conditioning improves.
The best way to learn Pilates is with one-on-one instruction. The Pilates instructor can tailor a program that would best fit his client by asking questions about the health of the client and setting up the program to best optimize the health benefits of the client. This method is especially good for the client who is uncomfortable with the idea of participating in a large class, or someone who just wants the individual counseling.
If money is a factor, you can still enjoy the health benefits of Pilates without taking classes. There are a number of Pilates DVDs available that have the Pilates exercise program in them. These videos can usually be found in the exercise or video sections of any department store. Often the videos are sold with a Pilates mat, which is a must for the Pilates exercise participant. These videos are geared to the beginning Pilates participant and focus on helping him to understand the program and be able to do the moves shown.
The DVDs and videos are usually made at different ability levels. Each student who starts a Pilates exercise program needs to begin with one at the beginner's level. It would be unwise for a novice to start the program at the intermediate or advanced levels, which could lead to injury.
As soon as the new student feels that he or she has mastered the beginning level, then he or she can move on to a more advanced level, which usually incorporates more complex exercises targeting certain specific areas of the body, like the stomach, thighs, and arms. Pilates exercises that target one specific area of the body are more strenuous than the general or basic Pilates stretches. Therefore, it is imperative that the student be very comfortable with the basic Pilates moves before he or she moves on to the more advanced training because his or her body will not be ready for those moves.
In addition to the Pilates mat, there is a variety of Pilates equipment and machines available to the student. Before you run out and buy verything labeled "Pilates," it's a good idea to check out what each piece of equipment is like by visiting a Pilates class that uses it. Just because a piece of equipment is used in a Pilates class, doesn't mean that it is right for your particular Pilates needs.
People who use Pilates on a regular basis find that they feel better in several ways. They are less stressed, their muscles are more flexible and stronger than before. Many participants find that the health benefits of Pilates far exceed their expectations. Whether you have just begun to use Pilates or you have been using it for years, Pilates can add positive health benefits for your life.
Get Started With Pilates
The Pilates method has become increasingly popular these days. Maybe you're thinking of trying to incorporate Pilates into your personal exercise routine. Pilates has been widely touted today as a way to strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility. Millions have been using Pilates as a way to accomplish these goals. If you have been wanting to explore Pilates as an option, read on to find out exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Pilates was founded around 70 years ago as a series of 500 movements designed to build up the core muscle groups of the abdominals, shoulders, back, and pelvis, while improving flexibility in the practitioner at the same time. The Pilates method usually produces longer, leaner muscles rather than the shorter, bulky muscles that traditional weight training produces. Pilates also use the method of holding certain positions for a number of breaths rather than the repetitions of other exercise methods. Because you are holding poses, you are required to balance, which also brings smaller muscle groups into play, making the workout very effective in overall toning.
So, if you are interested... How do you get started? One likely place to look for help might be the public library, which should contain books or DVDs on Pilates. You need to see for yourself what Pilates looks like when its being practiced. You can learn a lot about the technique by seeing it in a DVD, book, or visiting a Pilates class. If you think that this method might appeal to you, then you are ready to move to the next step, which would be to visit your doctor for a checkup to see if you are physically fit enough to add Pilates into your exercise routine.
If your doctor agrees that you can add Pilates to your exercise routine, then join a beginning class and begin to build a relationship with a qualified Pilates instructor. This person will tailor a Pilates program especially for you, only adding exercises when you need them, with your particular exercise needs in mind. If you enjoy the beginning classes, you might want to visit an advanced class, with the ultimate goal being to eventually work your way to the class.
But, what if your schedule does not allow for outside classes? The beauty of the Pilates method is that, once learned, most of the exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home and in a matter of minutes a day. People nowadays need an exercise program that is flexible enough to move into a tight schedule and Pilates can fit into such schedule.
Eventually, if you become adept at the floor Pilates exercises, you may want to add exercises to your routine using some of the available Pilates equipment, such as a Pilates exercise ball, mat, circles, and resistance bands or others. But for right now, learning to perfect the floor Pilates exercises is enough of a challenge. Later on, if you become a Pilates enthusiast, you can research the most strenuous Pilates workout, which is called Windsor Pilates, which will burn the most calories and cause the most weight loss. This method, however, uses more complicated machinery, so it's best to save it for later.
Pilates was founded around 70 years ago as a series of 500 movements designed to build up the core muscle groups of the abdominals, shoulders, back, and pelvis, while improving flexibility in the practitioner at the same time. The Pilates method usually produces longer, leaner muscles rather than the shorter, bulky muscles that traditional weight training produces. Pilates also use the method of holding certain positions for a number of breaths rather than the repetitions of other exercise methods. Because you are holding poses, you are required to balance, which also brings smaller muscle groups into play, making the workout very effective in overall toning.
So, if you are interested... How do you get started? One likely place to look for help might be the public library, which should contain books or DVDs on Pilates. You need to see for yourself what Pilates looks like when its being practiced. You can learn a lot about the technique by seeing it in a DVD, book, or visiting a Pilates class. If you think that this method might appeal to you, then you are ready to move to the next step, which would be to visit your doctor for a checkup to see if you are physically fit enough to add Pilates into your exercise routine.If your doctor agrees that you can add Pilates to your exercise routine, then join a beginning class and begin to build a relationship with a qualified Pilates instructor. This person will tailor a Pilates program especially for you, only adding exercises when you need them, with your particular exercise needs in mind. If you enjoy the beginning classes, you might want to visit an advanced class, with the ultimate goal being to eventually work your way to the class.
But, what if your schedule does not allow for outside classes? The beauty of the Pilates method is that, once learned, most of the exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home and in a matter of minutes a day. People nowadays need an exercise program that is flexible enough to move into a tight schedule and Pilates can fit into such schedule.
Eventually, if you become adept at the floor Pilates exercises, you may want to add exercises to your routine using some of the available Pilates equipment, such as a Pilates exercise ball, mat, circles, and resistance bands or others. But for right now, learning to perfect the floor Pilates exercises is enough of a challenge. Later on, if you become a Pilates enthusiast, you can research the most strenuous Pilates workout, which is called Windsor Pilates, which will burn the most calories and cause the most weight loss. This method, however, uses more complicated machinery, so it's best to save it for later.
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