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.

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.