Is Pilates Right For Me?
Pilates is a form of exercise based on focusing, breathing and incorporating movements from dance, gymnastics, yoga and calisthenics. But lets face it, not all forms of exercise is right for everyone. Read on to see if Pilates is going to give you what you are looking for.
Who can do Pilates
The fact is Pilates can be done by anyone irrespective of their age and lifestyle. Be it the strong or the weak, flexible or the rigid, the normal and the injured and even pregnant women. Doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors alike recommend Pilates to their patients. Pilates can be made into a complete fitness program by itself so that all your health problems are taken care of or can be followed along with other forms of exercises. Using workout videos to learn and train in the exercises is also a good idea so that you can reap the full benefits.
Who should not do Pilates?
Well technically speaking Pilates is for everyone. However in certain cases like pregnant women or osteoporosis patients all types of Pilates may not be advisable.
Pregnant women who would like to continue or do Pilates should take care of the following
Avoid exercises done lying on your back
Avoid over-stretching during any exercise
Only do Pilates if its OK with your doctor and if you were doing Pilates before you were pregnant.
For osteoporosis patients, tell your trainer of your condition as you will need modifications a number of exercises including, but not limited to The Hundred, Single Leg circle, and Swan-Dive. And at all costs avoid the following exercises:
Roll-up
Neck Pull
Spine Stretch
Spine Twist
Scissors
Rocking
Saw
Control Balance
Types of Pilates
Pilates are basically of two types - machine (reformer) and mat (pilates mat)
Mat exercises, evidently, is done on the floor. The exercises are designed to aim at the core muscles stabilizing the back and the pelvis. Mat Pilates are generally done along with a group of people and the instructor only occasionally gives specific instructions relating to individual movements. People with pain or injuries should preferably go for the machine Pilates as a one-size-fits-all formula may not suit them.
Machine Pilates are generally conducted by certified instructors who design or modify the Pilates exercise program to suit specific individual needs. Different types of specialized equipment are used and a program from over 500 exercises planned to give you the best benefit possible. The equipment generally uses spring-loaded resistance allowing you to stretch to your maximum limit and strengthen the targeted muscles without straining the joints and ligaments. Such resistance exercises have proved beneficial in the prevention of degenerative diseases like Osteoporosis.
Starting a Pilates program
While exercise videos of Pilate's program can help you learn the types of exercises and its benefits, it is essential to have an initial evaluation and a complete assessment. This will help you understand the principles and equipment used for Pilates, your own body's strength and weaknesses. It will also help you set a practical goal with a possible timeline to achieve it in. Once the assessment is over, you can use specific Pilates to target your problem area.
Another common question in people's mind is how often Pilates exercises should be done. Well the fact is the number of times or the frequency per week cannot be exactly determined as there are various factors to be considered - such as one's fitness level. But as a general rule of thumb Pilates produces great results if done at least 2 - 3 times each week and no more than 5 times a week. Just a few weeks of Pilates shows you the results and you will definitely be motivated to carry on.
Weight loss through Pilates
Pilates is also known to help create long, lean and fit bodies. So with a good measure of confidence it can be said that Pilates does help in weight loss programs.
Some of the Pilates mat exercises that can be done are the Beginner Pilates like The Hundred, the chest lift, the roll up, one leg circle, side kick series etc, or the Flat Abdominal Series.
Also for quicker results you can include aerobic workouts along with Pilates. Pilates will tone and lengthen your body while the aerobic workouts will help you burn extra calories. And isn't that a big reason you are considering doing Pilates? To create sexy curves that make you feel confident and strong? So how about it, grab an exercise mat and a Pilates exercise video and get started on your dream.
Pilates is a form of exercise based on focusing, breathing and incorporating movements from dance, gymnastics, yoga and calisthenics. But lets face it, not all forms of exercise is right for everyone. Read on to see if Pilates is going to give you what you are looking for.
Who can do Pilates
The fact is Pilates can be done by anyone irrespective of their age and lifestyle. Be it the strong or the weak, flexible or the rigid, the normal and the injured and even pregnant women. Doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors alike recommend Pilates to their patients. Pilates can be made into a complete fitness program by itself so that all your health problems are taken care of or can be followed along with other forms of exercises. Using workout videos to learn and train in the exercises is also a good idea so that you can reap the full benefits.
Who should not do Pilates?
Well technically speaking Pilates is for everyone. However in certain cases like pregnant women or osteoporosis patients all types of Pilates may not be advisable.
Pregnant women who would like to continue or do Pilates should take care of the following
Avoid exercises done lying on your back
Avoid over-stretching during any exercise
Only do Pilates if its OK with your doctor and if you were doing Pilates before you were pregnant.
For osteoporosis patients, tell your trainer of your condition as you will need modifications a number of exercises including, but not limited to The Hundred, Single Leg circle, and Swan-Dive. And at all costs avoid the following exercises:
Roll-up
Neck Pull
Spine Stretch
Spine Twist
Scissors
Rocking
Saw
Control Balance
Types of Pilates
Pilates are basically of two types - machine (reformer) and mat (pilates mat)
Mat exercises, evidently, is done on the floor. The exercises are designed to aim at the core muscles stabilizing the back and the pelvis. Mat Pilates are generally done along with a group of people and the instructor only occasionally gives specific instructions relating to individual movements. People with pain or injuries should preferably go for the machine Pilates as a one-size-fits-all formula may not suit them.
Machine Pilates are generally conducted by certified instructors who design or modify the Pilates exercise program to suit specific individual needs. Different types of specialized equipment are used and a program from over 500 exercises planned to give you the best benefit possible. The equipment generally uses spring-loaded resistance allowing you to stretch to your maximum limit and strengthen the targeted muscles without straining the joints and ligaments. Such resistance exercises have proved beneficial in the prevention of degenerative diseases like Osteoporosis.
Starting a Pilates program
While exercise videos of Pilate's program can help you learn the types of exercises and its benefits, it is essential to have an initial evaluation and a complete assessment. This will help you understand the principles and equipment used for Pilates, your own body's strength and weaknesses. It will also help you set a practical goal with a possible timeline to achieve it in. Once the assessment is over, you can use specific Pilates to target your problem area.
Another common question in people's mind is how often Pilates exercises should be done. Well the fact is the number of times or the frequency per week cannot be exactly determined as there are various factors to be considered - such as one's fitness level. But as a general rule of thumb Pilates produces great results if done at least 2 - 3 times each week and no more than 5 times a week. Just a few weeks of Pilates shows you the results and you will definitely be motivated to carry on.
Weight loss through Pilates
Pilates is also known to help create long, lean and fit bodies. So with a good measure of confidence it can be said that Pilates does help in weight loss programs.
Some of the Pilates mat exercises that can be done are the Beginner Pilates like The Hundred, the chest lift, the roll up, one leg circle, side kick series etc, or the Flat Abdominal Series.
Also for quicker results you can include aerobic workouts along with Pilates. Pilates will tone and lengthen your body while the aerobic workouts will help you burn extra calories. And isn't that a big reason you are considering doing Pilates? To create sexy curves that make you feel confident and strong? So how about it, grab an exercise mat and a Pilates exercise video and get started on your dream.
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