Does Pilates Fitness Workout Help Me Get Rid Of Cellulite?

There was a question that came to my attention when I was doing my usual research online for my Winsor Pilates Fitness Blog. The question was: I have some cellulite on my legs, and I started doing this things called Pilates. Are they efficient against cellulite?”

Well, the answer is a resounding YES. Contrary to what some think, Pilates is not an easy form of exercise and it’s not meant for women only. One needs to to gain awareness of muscles and motor patterns of muscle movements that you may have never been aware of before. It takes practice and dedication to develop these skills. The more experience you gain with Pilates the more you will feel the most basic and essential level exercises. Pilates begins with some basic principles and builds from there into essential, intermediate, and advanced level exercises.

In the usual Pilates fitness workout, you should be guided by a Pilates instructor on how to engage the proper muscles. Due to the fact that Pilates can be a complicated form of exercise it is recommended to complete 10-20 private sessions before attempting to do the Pilates workout on your own. Here are some workout patterns:

• Warm Up to get connected with your core muscles with some deep breaths engaging the Transverse with each exhale and trying to hold it on with the inhale. Then with your breath move the pelvis from neutral to imprint focusing on staying engaged in the core.
  Also draw awareness to your shoulder girdle by shrugging the shoulders up with the inhale and down into a stabile position with the exhale.

• AB PREP 8 reps knees bent, arms at side, inhale to prepare then flex the spine into the ab prep position, inhale to hold and exhale to lower down. Repeat ab prep 8 times.

• EXTENSION 5 reps lie prone, legs together, belly pulled up toward the spine, arms bent up with palms overlapping under the forehead, keep forehead on the hands and inhale to prepare, exhale to extend, lifting up slightly. Hover just above the surface with upper traps relaxed, inhale to hold, exhale to return.

• HUNDREDS 10 sets of 10 lie supine with legs in a table top position, arms at side. Inhale to prepare, exhale to flex spine. Pumping the arms, inhale for 5 counts, exhale for 5 counts, repeat 10 times. Stay in the flexed position with the back imprinted.

• SPINE TWIST 5 reps to each side seated with legs straight out and together. If you cannot sit upright with straight legs sit on a block to take the tension out of the hamstrings. Arms out to the side, inhale to prepare, exhale to twist, inhale to rotate. Repeat to the other side.

• SHOULDER BRIDGE 10 reps each leg lie supine, knees bent, your feet lined up with sit bones and arms by the sides. Inhale to prepare, exhale to lift the hips up, inhale to lift one leg straight up, exhale to lower that leg down to the height of the bent leg, then lift it right back up. Do 10 reps each leg.

• SIDE LYING LEG LIFT 10 reps each side lie on side, legs stacked on each other. Inhale to prepare, exhale to lift the legs together, inhale to lower. Keep legs together and straight. Repeat on other side 10 reps

• SHELL STRETCH roll to a prone position and push back to sit back on heels with arms stretched out over head. This is similar to fetal position. If shoulders are tight you can keep your arms down at your sides.

This is just a simple Pilates fitness workout that can be done everyday. This workout is a balance of flexion, extension, rotation, hip extension, and side flexion. You can certainly add additional exercises to this Pilates workout to make it more challenging, but this is a good starting point. This workout can be done anywhere and can be really helpful if done in the middle of your work day to stretch muscles that routinely tighten up while seated at your desk.

What is a Good Early Morning Pilates Exercise?

Question: I’m 13 and I have to get up for school around 4:30 am. This year I wanted to make a habit that everyday I get up and do pilates. I’m not doing it to lose weight but more to just get exercise and wake-up. Is this a good thing? And what would be a good workout? I have a tape the workout is a little harder for the morning. Should I use a Pilates video and just push myself? Thanks in advance!!!

Benefits of Pilates Video for Postnatal and Prenatal Mothers

In the previous post, we discuss on the fitness for postnatal and prenatal with Pilates video. In this post, we continue to cover some of the great benefits of Pilates fitness for expectant and busy mothers:

• Your energy levels are greatly enhanced with the breathing techniques used in Pilates. This will prevent tiredness and help you to prepare for labor.

• Aids in supporting the growing weight of the uterus and spine by enhancing the strength of the abdomen.

• Prevents lower back pain that is a common ailment in pregnancy by improving your posture. Prevents varicose veins and leg cramps.

• Gives more pelvic floor control, which helps in relaxation and birth facilitation during labor.

• Enhances the stamina of the muscles, which enables you to bear labor better and longer. It also prevents the possibility of wear and tear or injury to the joints.

• Helps in the release of endorphins that enhance your feeling of well being and help you to feel good.

Though Pilates is the ideal exercise for pregnant women, like with everything else, there are certain precautions which you need to take in order to prevent any problems and derive the maximum benefits.

* Some times we tend to get pretty enthusiastic while exercising. At that time, we may strain ourselves and not realize it. This can cause the over exertion of the abdominal muscles which in turn can lead to diastases recti or the separation of the abdominal muscles.

* You need to particularly pay attention to your lower back which already bears the weight of the foetus. In addition improper posture can also cause a strain.

* According to the American council of Obstetrics and Gynecology, if you are in the second trimester, you need to avoid doing any kind of excercises, including pilates which need you to lie on your back. Lying on the back can cause problems in your and your baby’s vascular system.

* During pregnancy, the body secretes large amounts of  progesterone and other muscle relaxants. This can cause the over stretching and loosening of the joints during exercise and other problems. Therefore you need to avoid overstretching.

* Pregnancy changes your sense of balance and center of gravity. So, you need to keep in mind while you bend or do any such forms of pilates.

Giving birth to a new life is not an easy task. Delivery takes a toll on your abdominal muscles, vaginal muscles and the entire body. Pilates fitness help in reducing the stress on your abdomen and bring your muscles into shape with some breathing exercises, postures and even strength training. Exercise also helps in preventing postnatal depression and keeps you healthy. Even half an hour a day for just about three times in a week can help you to get back into shape and on your feet with a Pilates video. You can enjoy your pregnancy and your baby with some great Pilates fitness techniques that can be easily learnt with the help of a Pilates video.

Fitness for Prenatal and Postnatal with Pilate Video

Most women would love to tell you about how much they loved their Pilates fitness routines during their pre pregnancy and postnatal days. Some would even tell you how they enjoyed working out with their Pilates videos, when they could not afford a proper instructor. It’s actually true. Pilates is one of the gentlest yet effective exercise routines to help a woman to prepare for birth. Moreover, this exercise can also effectively ensure postnatal fitness as well.

Pregnancy is one of the most significant events in the life of a woman. This is the time when she needs to be completely attentive to the health needs of her own body and that of her baby. Apart from eating well and resting, exercise is also essential to ensure a quick and smooth delivery. While aerobics and other such exercises may cause unwanted jerks and strains, Pilates is one of the safest and optimum exercises during this time.

In pregnancy, women tend to have less energy than usual. Moreover, if they have other kids, they are bound to be tired with the work involved and even hard pressed for time. Due to this, they often miss their exercise regimens, which can be detrimental to their overall health. However, Pilates is quite different. Not only can it be done in the minimum amount of time, but you also don’t need any special kind of equipment at home to do it. One of the easiest way is to get hold of a good Pilates video.

Pilates fitness is not just about physical, it’s about mental fitness as well. There are number of advantages doing Pilates whether you do it with the help of a master or a Pilates video.

Daisy Fuentes Pilates Video

Understanding the Difference Between Pilates Fitness Exercise and Yoga

The world is shifting its priorities and today, you won’t be able to enjoy a high calorie the same way your parents would have when they were of your age. It just goes to show how we value our health and the more we know, the less willing we are to take risks. Are you familiar why is pilates fitness exercise different from yoga? Hence, people strive to enjoy a healthy meal, in terms of tastes as well as for its nutritional value.

It should be of no surprise that almost every other celebrity in Hollywood either wants to practice yoga or Pilates. The advantages offered by these two unique exercises are such that only a few can match up to them and give the level of workout that can achieve individually. You can try to do regular exercises, but if you want results, you might want to give one of these two a try.

Now, it becomes important to differentiate between the two exercises. Their names might be lightly used and you would have come across both of them in a variety of shows on TV, in movies or even in your neighborhood. There is no shortage of people practicing one or both of these exercises and you should find someone relatively easily.

Yoga is more to do with spirituality. It aims to help people understand the concept of mind, body and soul. People who practice yoga are made to believe that with proper mind control, they can successfully treat their body and protect it from falling ill, while building muscle strength and improving their health all at the same time. It is very unique, and an exercise that has history dating back to thousands of years.

Pilates, on the other hand, is more to do with using your body in synchronization with your mind to perform exercises. It is built such that when you do your exercises physically, your mind is also aware of what is going on and contributes to the exercises. It is a modern approach and was developed in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a part Greek, part German individual who was assigned the task of developing an exercise regimen for WWII troops.

While it may seem like both the exercise programs are doing the same thing, the truth is that their approach is different. While yoga uses no extra apparatus other than a regular exercise mat, Pilates exercise has evolved to include some exercising equipment that offer resistant exercises and consequently make the workouts more physical.

Whatever may be your final goal; both of these techniques are proven to be extremely effective and are helpful in reducing your weight, toning your body and restoring your health. Under a qualified instructor, you should be able to attain a high degree of fitness and be able to cope with stress as well.

You shouldn’t really be worried too much about which technique you want to go ahead with and trying to be fit. If it is stress you want to deal with then go ahead with yoga; if it’s pure physical fitness exercise that you are after, then Pilates is the answer for you.

Pilates For Better Fitness and A Beautiful Body

I spoke to an old friend in Australia few days ago and was thrilled to hear that she too had just returned home from a Pilates class. I couldn’t explained why but it made so excited to hear that more people are recognizing that Pilates is a wonderful form of exercise and fitness activity.

As we all know, Pilates is a popular fitness activity among the celebrities and the stars in Hollywood. It is inspiring to know that many celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Jessica Simpson and even the Domestic Goddess, Nigella Lawson work hard to gain that Pilates body despite their busy filming schedules. There is really no excuse to give your body a good workout at least once or twice a week. It’s not hard to convince any Pilates enthusiast what the exercise can do for them. It strengthens, tones and builds muscles and helps to align your posture on the overall.

Most of the celebrities have themselves a personal Pilates trainer or instructor to guide them in their workouts in proper Pilates studios. For a start, a private Pilates session can help you gain a clearer and better understanding of the workout. If your budget does not allow you to engage a personal Pilates trainer, a group class works too, but make sure it’s a class of not more than six. Once the class gets bigger, it’s hard to get the movements correct without close supervision. It’s hard for the instructor to guide each person individually in a group class.

I have attended group reformer (with Pilates machine) and group mat and each class is normally between 2-6 students, nothing more. I also work out on a duet session with another Pilates enthusiast on a separate day. Over the months, I have gained much understanding on Pilates but most of all, my arms and abs are stronger and my legs are toned. And my breathing has improved tremendously! Though it wasn’t for a Pilates body that led me to Pilates but I have gained more than just a more attractive physique. Do you know Pilates can also help kids in their mental and physical developments too?

If you want a better understanding of what Pilates exercise is all about before signing up for a class, there are heaps of Pilates videos, DVDs on the web or books to provide the information. It’s not too late to work on those flabby arms and abs for your summer vacation – you just need to work harder

Why is Pilates Exercise a Great Fitness Activity?

The wonderful thing about Pilates exercise is that it is a great fitness activity for people getting on in age. Pilates can be done at various levels and a qualified instructor can customize it accordingly for the individual.

After practising Pilates for more than six months, I realized that like many fitness acitivies, Pilates can be performed at a pace dictated by the strength and stamina of the individual. Unlike traditional weight training or body building, it is not goal driven. Pilates focuses on the wellness of the individual and in many cases, it helps to meet specific health goals for those who need help on posture, body alignment and rehabilitation. Ultimately, Pilates is all about achieving long term, tangible results.

Do you know that Pilates can also help with relief from stress and mental tension? It can also have a direct impact on maintaining strength and range of motion, both of which are especially important for the aged. Studies have shown that Pilates can also provide relief from back pain and other physical injuries which is why you can find Pilates practitioners in rehab centres.

Concentration is vital in Pilates. The key to effective Pilates is to make the connection between mind and body. One of the core principles of Pilates is to establish control of the body through discipline and focused thought. Controlled breathing plays a pivotal role in achieving results in Pilates. In Pilates,a form of breathing called Lateral Breathing is used. This is performed by inhaling deeply through one’s nose, and allowing the inhaled air to expand one’s ribcage. This form of breathing is also known as Thoracic Breathing.

It isn’t hard to convince Pilates enthusiasts that this is a highly effective fitness activity for maintaining health and vitality, regardless of any age or stage in life. One of the many reasons why I have chosen Pilates exercise as an ongoing activity is because it is great for me when I mature in years later in life. From my observation, aging individuals often lose control of their coordination and muscles, and this can lead to a sense of frustration and mental anguish for people who are used to their sense of independence. Pilates can provide people with the tools and techniques they need to age with dignity and a sense of well being. Having said that, Pilates may not be for everyone, but it could be ideal for you.

Gaining Better Fitness with Pilates Equipment

How to Train the Core With Pilates

Who wouldn’t want a fitness program that is low impact yet produces high results?  Over the years, there had been a lot of highlight about Pilates which has been around for more than 70 years.  Pilates is a great fitness program that involves stretching with breathing techniques. It is becoming more and more popular globally as it is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels.  The program was designed to help improve the body’s core muscles, those in the abdomen, pelvis, back and shoulders.  Pilates as a fitness activity, practiced on a regular can help the participant to improve his or her posture, strength, flexibility, and mental focus.

Basically in Pilates, you can workout on the Mat and the various Pilates equipment and machines including the reformer, Arc Barrel, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair and the Pilates fitness ball. These machines are designed to strengthen the muscles with workouts using the body’s own weight as resistance. Below are some of the more widely used and popular Pilates fitness equipment:

1) The Mat:  The Pilates mat is a must-have for the beginner when performing as floor exercises as it helps to protect the spine during floor exercises. It is also the cheapest piece of Pilates equipment. The mat however does not provide much strength resistance during the workout as compared to the reformer. Sometimes small props such as the flex band is used to create resistance.

2) The Reformer:  This happens to be my favourite and is also one of the most widely used and versatile Pilates fitness equipment.  The Reformer consists of a sliding carriage, with foot bars, jump boards, and arm and leg pulleys and straps, which can facilitate to an effective full body workout.

The most basic exercise on the reformer requires the participant to lie facing up on the carriage with the spine, hips, pelvis, and knees must all staying relaxed (neutral spine).  Balancing this way, the participant pushes his body along the carriage backwards and forwards or up and down.  The core muscles control the push, getting a deep workout as the participant focuses on the breathing too.

Because of its versatility, the reformer can be altered to accommodate advanced workouts.  It can be adjusted to give the participant a more intense workout by adjusting the springs.  In every movement , the participant must use his core to perform the Pilates exercises. It is important that every workout be guided by a trained or certified Pilates instructor who is able to assist the participant in mastering a new challenge and to advise on safety issues.

3) The Ring:  The Pilates Ring is a lightweight, portable piece of equipment that the participant can use in workouts done on the mat or reformer. The ring can be positioned anywhere on the body and it targets the leg, bicep, tricep, lats, and pectoral muscles.

4) The Cadillac:  This piece of Pilates fitness equipment is also called the trapeze table.  This piece of equipment is supported by a frame or posts.  There are bars at intervals with straps, springs and removable bars attached.  The participant can use this machine for various exercises by using the springs and his own body weight for resistance. (see picture above)

If you are planning to buy any of the above Pilates equipment for fitness, always seek the advice of a certified Pilates instructor on the proper techniques before starting to use any new Pilates machine.  If used properly, Pilates machines and equipment can be used to strengthen the core by using the body’s own weight as resistance, which will build muscle and increase flexibility while increasing the person’s fitness level.

Achieving The Pilates Body – Part Two

Couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Achieving The Pilates Body, here is the continuing post on how you can achieve this dream. Pilates is a continuing educational process. There is always something new to learn in every Pilates session and this makes the entire workout very exciting and inspiring.

Whether you decide to learn from your own home or get some instruction, keep your mind tuned to these three tips.

First, pay attention to correct form for every move that you learn. While form is always important in exercise, it is critical with this form. The long, lean muscles that Pilates is famous for creating depend on you working the right muscles in the right way.

If you are learning through a Pilates video or DVD then it is a good idea to watch it through at least once before you start. This will prevent you from straining to see the screen to check your form. If you are taking a class, then your instructor should keep an eye out to ensure you get proper form on each move.

Second, consistency is very important. You cannot do this type of exercise every once in awhile and get the body you desire. It takes consistent work to form a great body. Don’t expect results overnight, but give it all your effort at least three to four times a week and you will definitely start to see changes.

Third, progress is extremely important. The longer you do the same movements or the same combinations, the easier it will be for your body to perform them. This means your body will be more efficient and burn less calories while doing it, which ultimately means less change for you.

To prevent this from happening, change things up from time to time. If you are taking a class, try to attend a few sessions by a different instructor or look for more advanced sessions. If you are working with a DVD, then you should start attempting the harder move variations as soon as possible. You should also try to find new DVDs to get a variety.

Achieving the Pilates body of your dreams is entirely possible if you give it all your effort and pay attention to these three tips. For faster results, try to mix in as much cardio as possible and change your eating habits.

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