pilates

You may be one of the many people who have heard about the benefits of Pilates, but really don’t know what it’s all about. You may think its like Yoga or aerobics. If that describes you then this article will help you better understand this unique and fantastic exercise program.

The Pilates Method was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920s by combining mind and body work through a controlled sequence of movement. Pilates developed these movements based on his experiences with Zen meditation, martial arts, and other fitness techniques.

Regular practice and mastery of the technique stretches, strengthens, and tones muscle, improves posture, flexibility, and balance, and unites mind and body. Almost nine decades later, the benefits of Pilates continue to be recognized by people who want to take a more controlled low-impact approach to fitness.

The benefits of Pilates are many, and through continued dedication, movements can be mastered and the benefits clearly defined. Regular practice of the method builds a strong, long, and lean body core using deep abdominal muscles. Pilates movements also reduce stress and tension, increase energy, improve circulation and range of motion, strengthen the spine, improve flexibility, promotes back health and speeds recovery from injury.

The old adage, “no pain no gain” is simply not true. A good work out does NOT have to leave you exhausted and sore. No one wants to feel like they can’t walk the day after working out.

Joseph Pilates said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” This is another example of the benefits of Pilates; the entire body functions better with regular exercise; besides weight loss and control, endorphins are released that improve ones mood and outlook on life.

Pilates has been proven to be effective and beneficial to people of all ages all over the world. Joseph Pilates also said, “In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you’ll see the difference and in thirty you’ll have a whole new body.” I can personally attest that you will start feeling more toned after only three sessions, so go ahead and experience the benefits of Pilates for yourself!

By: Subodh Jain

Most Pilates exercises tone the abs, so nothing too new here. But the Flat Abs Series includes some of my favorite ab busters and some, like criss cross, that have been declared by experts to be among the best ab flatteners, ever. Strong abdominal muscles support the spine, free up our movement, and look good too. With that in mind, I thought you might appreciate the Flat Abs Series.

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Most of us have some Pilates exercises we love, and some we wish would disappear. Maybe you are a student struggling with a perpetually frustrating exercise. Maybe you are an instructor having trouble getting an exercise across to a student. Maybe you just wonder how a specific exercise is done. In any case, we have a fun new part of the Pilates forum dedicated to helping people work on Pilates exercises.

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Loved Theater in the Open's production of Ionesco's "The Bald Soprano" in Maudslay State Park this very afternoon!

Glad my piano could be of use for Justin Scarelli's beautiful song composition for "Book Ends" web series!

Why do some people have neck pain when they do Pilates? Get tips for overcoming neck pain when you do Pilates.

Fun Raytheon shoot today! I got to be the boss :)

It's high summer and it's  hot, hot, hot. And so, we sweat, sweat, sweat.  That's not necessarily a bad thing. Sweat helps keep your body temperature at a safe level when you exercise, if if extra sweating does cause a few problems.

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Fila has a new line of exercise clothes called personal performance. Read a review of this line of workout pants and tops which is directed toward the Pilates and yoga practitioners.

Get an in-depth look at Pilates, Pilates Instructor Training and the issue of Pilates certification in this compelling interview with Pilates Instructor, Rachel Segel, of The Pilates Center in Boulder, CO.

When you sweat during exercise it's usually a good sign. But you might want some tips on sweating problems and how to stay comfortable in a workout.

Stott Pilates has produced a two volume DVD set of indoor walking cardio routines and Pilates exercises intended to support weight loss.

The many curl up exercises that we do in Pilates all incorporate the head nod, as do roll downs. Yet the head nod being a small, fundamental move, is easy to skip.

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Last week I had a great time at a lecture and slide show about the history of Pilates. The lecture was given by Ken Endleman, the founder and owner of Balanced Body, a Pilates equipment and education company. I was there because I was curious, and because I think the history of Pilates is important - especially as Pilates grows and changes. Fortunately, the history of Pilates, Ken Endleman style, was entertaining as well as informative.

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Corkscrew is a challenging Pilates exercise that works the abdominal muscles, especially the obliques. Get free Pilates exercise instructions for Pilates mat exercise, the corkscrew.

In this interview with Dr. Jonny Bowden I ask the low carb diets and nutrition expert about weight loss, getting more energy with nutrition, increasing flexibility, exercise and more.

Corkscrew is a classic Pilates exercise that gives the abdominal muscles a great workout, especially the obliques, our waist muscles. It is also one of the best for challenging shoulder stability. Learn Corkscrew

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This gallery of Pilates equipment pictures will show you all the major Pilates machines used in Pilates equipment exercises. See pictures of equipment from Stott Pilates, Peak Pilates and Balanced Body as well as exercise demonstrations.

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