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

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.

The Focus of Pilates Fitness Programs

Some people just have a flair for dancing. Their bodies seem to look like they are not made of bones as they display fluid and flexible movements that are so pleasing to the eyes. The Pilates fitness movement has its roots with these professional dancers.

Joseph Pilates worked with dancers to help them achieve an essential balance. Dance performers are usually subjected to a lot of strenuous movements that bring injury to the body. What aggravates the situation is that the actions have to be executed as fast as possible that it creates a strain on the delicate joints.

Fortunately, the Pilates exercise has saved the day and introduced slower and deliberate movements that give the body a form of relaxation and healing. The idea is not to work out each and every muscle in the body like what is being done in most weight training gyms. Pilates training involves the development of the muscles in the midsection of the body so that the outside extremities have an energy core to count on.

As such, one may expect the exercises to focus on the muscles in the abdomen and the back that is closest to the spine. When they are strengthened, the body can now move with a lot of flexibility and fluidity. Besides, the idea is to make quality movements and not amass repetitions that can take its toll on overall health in the long run. In this sense, Pilates is not only meant for dancers but for everyone who feels they want to have more action.

Health buffs are foremost clients of the Pilates workout plan. It has provided them with a new set of executing old routines that don’t work at times. Pilates trainers themselves have continuously upgraded themselves with something novel and innovative to do. Anyway, this type of exercise doesn’t really have any hard and fast rule to follow. It composes only of slow and deliberate movements that center on the core muscles.

Pilates fitness is also for those who have lived longer in this planet and whose wisdom has grown but whose body has weakened. Definitely, they cannot be expected to jump up and down or lift heavy weights. With Pilates fitness , they can concentrate on their mind on executing the moves while working up a sweat towards a stronger body. Add this up with some relaxing breathing exercises and the mature ones feel young again.

What is in it for you with Winsor Pilates?

What is in it for you with Winsor Pilates?  It doesn’t really matter whether you are a beginner or an old-timer.  Pilates is a dynamic fitness exercise that is very friendly and flexible.  The range of products from Winsor gives you a mental stimulation, visual guide and a practical approach that will never lead you astray.

First all, there are all-inclusive books that you can read about and ponder on.  Then, there are exhilarating Pilates video and DVDs you can play on and on until you perfect the moves.  Take note, that these Pilates videos by Winsor are the only ones with breakthrough virtual 3D instruction.  There are also more than 30 chronicles to choose from.  Surely, there are presentations about Pilates exercise and Pilates equipment, weight loss, and upper body sculpting among others.

Meanwhile, if you want more of the real live action, you can go to anyone of the two Winsor Pilates studios in Los Angeles and let Mari and her groovy trainers teach you exactly how.  There, you will experience a total body workout that is focused on developing what they call “the core”.  If one thinks of a core, it is like a central part of the body where all the other smaller parts get its strength and energy.  As such, if the core is being enhanced to its maximum potential, then the effect is an overall augmentation of the system.

It is really quite simple.  The aim is to build up the trunk composed of the abdominal muscles and the back (yes, this is the core) with gradual and purposeful movements.  It requires some amount of concentration until the mind is synchronized with the body.  This is the inspiring experience of Winsor Pilates.  The result?  A refreshed mind and none of the muscle pains associated with weight training.  Add this up with a better posture, smooth blood circulation, and a revitalized body.

Pilates Fitness on a Pilates Reformer machine

I almost can’t believe it when I learnt that more than 10 million people in America are Pilates fitness followers. I’m not sure about the figures in Asia but I’m glad to be one of them!

Since picking up Pilates fitness, I can spot a more toned legs when I’m in my shorts – I don’t wear minis What I can’t seem to fathom is that I always feel like my body is crashing after an one hour Pilates fitness workout every week. It’s not a bad feeling cos you do feel like something in your body is seriously working. I can almost understand why there is a long list of celebrities who are Pilates fitness and one of them with nice a Pilates body is Gwyneth Paltrow, who also owns a Pilates reformer.

I enjoy exercising on the Pilates reformer machine week after week. The Pilates reformer machine, is a great piece of exercise equipment and an essential when it comes to true Pilates fitness training. With the help of a certified Pilates instructor, Pilates students are guided by close instruction, pulling on ropes and springs that work to resist one’s body weight. Personally, I believe that the benefits of exercising with the Pilates reformer are optimum when the training is done on a one-on-one or duet basis. That way, the instructor will be able to provide you a close guidance, making sure that you are engaging on the right breathing and Pilates fitness techniques.

If you are unable to start Pilates fitness on a reformer machine, most gyms offer a series of mat Pilates classes where strength-building exercises and stretches are carried out on a Pilates mat and other Pilates equipment including the stability ball and resistance bands.

Pilates Fitness exercises to shape those booties and glutes!

Many people have misconceptions of Pilates fitness workouts. I spoke to many friends and they responded in negativity and questions if Pilates really help to improve one’s fitness level.

Recently I read in an article that two women from Tampa almost died last month after getting illegal silicone injections to enhance the size and shape of their booties. Both became seriously ill after they were injected with Hydrogel into their buttocks. Hydrogel is a silicone substance and saline solution for cosmetic enhancements. The women, who received more than a dozen injections each, were hospitalized. One has kidney failure. And know what, the lady who injected the solution had carried out the procedure without any medical license!

So it seems to me that women will go great lengths to acquire her beauty goals and instead of choosing time tested methods, they opt for short cut and quick options that threaten their lives.

If you are serious about shaping your booties or buttocks, let me urge you to sign up for a Pilates fitness class with your nearest Pilates studio today. I’m a firm believer of ‘no pain, no gain’ and do you know that the best exercise for a great booty is Pilates? Pilates fitness is not only great for isolating your glutes but it helps to tone the overall body including those firm abs you have been neglecting for a long time. To acquire your shapy bootie goals, you may need to attend Pilates fitness classes three times a week.

If time does not allow any Pilates fitness classes, doing exercises such as squats, walking lunges and elevated and reversed lunges also will improve your posterior. Outdoor activies like hiking and walking at an incline are helpful too. It’s all about working on the right areas if you are after an attractive booties!

Otherwise, grab one of these Pilates videos and get your buttocks in shape from home!

take the right pick when choosing Pilates Video

Even if you have never seen a Pilates video, a Pilates reformer or a video on Winsor Pilates, you may have read about the popularity of Pilates. With a string of celebrities following the Pilates, it is becoming known that Pilates fitness is about keeping you fit. After two months of Pilates fitness training, I can feel the difference in my overall health. I am more aware of my posture and my breathing and it sure helps to boost that fitness level of mine.

Winsor Pilates has definitely created an excited buzz on most of the fitness experts and fitness junkies nowadays and it’s not just about the following of Hollywood celebrities. Anyone who is interested in exploring Winsor Pilates can visit the nearest video store and pick up a DVD on Winsor Pilates or order a Pilates video online. These Pilates videos are applicable to everyone, young and old alike, physically fit or out of shape, too. Perhaps it’s better to choose one that is tuned to your fitness focus.

Here is a guide for you when choosing the right Pilates video:

Pilates For Beginners

1) Pilates for Beginners DVD

2) Pilates Beginning Mat Workout DVD

3) BalanceBall Beginners Workout DVD

Pilates for Abs – For Strengthening and Toning those Abs

1) Pilates Sculpt & Tone DVD Collection

2) Target Your Abs Kit

3) Pilates Core Challenge DVD

4) Lower Body Conditioning and Abs Conditioning DVD Set

Pilates for Cardio

1) Cardio Pilates DVD

Pilates for Total Body Workout

1) Body Target DVD set

2) Pilates Toning System

3) You Can Do Pilates DVD

is pilates for weight loss?

The focus of Pilates is not about losing weight, and yet, like Yoga, losing weight happens to be one of the secondary benefits of the enhanced muscle tone it brings. As a matter of fact, the slow, deliberate burning of fat linked to Pilates fitness in reality goes on for hours subsequent to the exercises themselves.

Most professional trainers and fitness instructors agree that you should take private Pilates fitness classes to learn the proper techniques in order to receive the full benefit of Pilates. However, classes can be expensive and many people prefer to exercise in the comfort of their own home.

It is important to learn to breathe correctly for Pilates to maximize the benefit of the exercises. The type of breathing used in Pilates is called thoracic breathing, or “rib” breathing. Pilates for weight loss can be carried out via a Pilates video from home. Following a series of instructions and Pilates workouts can help you get the most benefit from your Pilates weight loss goals.

Although, many people don’t understand how a low intensity Pilates workout program can help with weight loss. What many people don’t realise is that if you are constantly moving and working your body, it doesn’t have to be with heavy machines to lose the weight. Doing both programs (the cardio section and the mat section) gives a good total body workout without wiping you out for the whole day.

The main focus of the Pilates workout is to engage what is known as the powerhouse (the stomach and other core muscles of the body) to gain strength and, in the process, shed extra pounds. A specific method of breathing is also employed during key moments of the movements.

what you need to know about pilates fitness

At the start of this year, I made a goal to learn Pilates. For a long time, I’ve wanted to try out Pilates fitness but never got down to it. Finally, my goal to learn Pilates was realized on the third week of the first month. I can’t tell you how excited I was! If you too would like to explore Pilates Fitness as an option, read on to find out exactly what you are getting yourself into.

First of all, I suggest you go online to find out more about the method of pilates and get familiarized with the exercise concept. You would probably find a few familiar pilates concepts in the web including Winsor Pilates, Stott Pilates and the traditional pilates. Don’t confuse yourself with pilates with yoga – they aren’t the same.

Your pilates research will probably tell you that pilates was founded more than 70 years ago. Pilates helps to improve flexibility while the series of 500 movements were designed to build up the core muscle groups of the abdominals, shoulders, back, and pelvis. What I like about Pilates fitness is that the exercise lead to longer, leaner muscles rather that the shorter, bulky muscles. This is probably why Pilates fitness is a popular exercise among the ladies.

The concept of breathing is also key to Pilates fitness. You will find this being emphasized in every movement and in every Pilates class. While it is not a high intensity workout like aerobics, Pilates focuses on balance which also allows you to work on smaller muscle groups, making the workout very effective.

Find out how you can also include Pilates fitness into your schedule in the next post.