Is there an alternative to Pilates Fitness?

Pilates fitness is such a wonderful workout for me. After attending classes for more than a year, I find it therapeutic to a certain extent! What I like about it is that it isn’t strenuous and works well for any age group.

I came across this question while surfing the web. Since the launch of Mari Winsor’s Slimming Pilates videos, the sales have been overwhelming and many have found it great to workout with a set of guided videos. The question in one of the forums went like this:

“I’m trying to find a good cardio workout that provides the same benefits of Pilates…but isn’t actually Pilates. In my body shaping class at school, we did Pilates so much that I wanted to kill Joseph Pilates (and the person who thought of Windsor Pilates as well). Is there anything I can do besides Pilates (and yoga) that focuses on building core muscles? I’m trying to lose weight and I already committ to at least 45 minutes of exercise daily (running or biking). I just need this for more fitness and getting toned for personal reasons.”

To read the answers, head down to comments and to find out more about the Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates video, click on the link. Save 33% off The New Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates – during our Exclusive Introductory Offer. Plus, get $100 in FREE Bonus Gifts. Start Today!

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.

Winsor Pilates 20 Minute Circle Workout and Accelerated Fat Burning DVD

Working out has never been that easy with today’s technology. You have absolutely no excuse when it’s so easy to put on a Pilates Video or DVD and get a good workout! Since it’s only February, it’s better to start working those weight loss goals and not wait till the next half of the year. And if you are looking around for a Winsor Pilates DVD, read the reviews of this Winsor Pilates 20 Minute Circle Workout and Accelerated Fat Burning DVD below:

• 20 Minute Circle Workout
• Accelerated Fat Burning
• Sculpting Circle Advanced
• Fat Burning Cookbook and Exercise Planner

Product Description
Winsor Pilates 20 Minute Circle Workout and Accelerated Fat Burning… More >>

“The accelerated fat burning work out is amazing. I’ve lost 30 lbs in 3 months with this being my sole source of exercise. I do it 6 days a week and love the results it gives my body.”

“I love the 20 minute workout. The exercises are easy to do, the 20 minutes flies by and I feel great when I done. I just started working out again, after having my son. When I did this before I got pregnant I saw results in just 10 days!”

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!!!

Winsor Pilates Basic Step by Step

Shop for your Pilates Video here.

The Elegant Art of Winsor Pilates

Mari Winsor: Pilates video features a 55-minute comprehensive mat workout as well as a 25-minute “express” program, experienced fitness instructor Mari Winsor encourages a sense of well being in addition to a tough, muscle toning Pilates workout.

THE ELEGANT ART OF PILATES
Lengthen and tone from head to toe with two dynamic Pilates mat workouts. Mari Winsor brings her unique and elegant style to these sessions to help you achieve that lean, sculpted Pilates body. Winsor s detailed instructions make these programs easy to follow nomatter your skill level. Modified positioning is included throughout for beginners. … More >>

Product Description
DVD INCLUDES
25 minute express workout
55 minute in-depth classic mat workout

Working Out With a Winsor Pilates Video

Working out in the gym can be a big drag.  Sometimes, one will experience a lot of body pains after all those strenuous exercises. Is there no other way to achieve a shapely body less all the stress?  Fortunately, there is an enjoyable yet very effective workout to achieve body toning and firmness.  We owe it all to Winsor Pilates, which has revolutionized the way keeping fit, and healthy used to be.

When weight training used to be like the only fitness program, most people would flock to the gym.  A significant change can happen though as the body becomes slimmer and more desirable.  After sometime however, that the visit to the gym is stopped, the body just seems to bloat back to thickness like it has rebelled against the punishment of weight training.  Thankfully, there is another option.

Winsor Pilates as many of us know was coined by Mari Winsor who used to be a former professional dancer. The program took Beverly Hills by storm when the focus was geared towards a more sculpted and well toned body, celebrated by many known celebs joining in the foe. It is dynamic and is suited for all levels, whether you are new to Pilates or been working out all your life. The range of Winsor Pilates products remain popular with those who are serious about working out and aiming for a more attractive body.

Not everyone can find a Winsor Pilates class or studio in their neighbourhood so the most practical approach is to get hold of a Winsor Pilates Video. Even if it’s not part of a Winsor program, a Pilates DVD is useful if you are ready to strengthen your core muscles and improving your flexibility. Beginners may want to grab a beginner’s video as there are some basics that one will need to get familiarized with before getting into a Pilates workout. If following a Pilates video is not possible, go online to check out the nearest Pilates studio near your workplace or home.

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

Next Page »