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!

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.

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

Workout with a Pilates Video or DVD from Home

There are many ways to learn Pilates and if you can’t afford the time and money, one of the most effective ways is to buy a Pilates video. Personally, I have been watching some Pilates videos and they have acted as a refresher for me. Sometimes, I can easily forget those Pilates flow and moves after the class but watching a Pilates video can help to refresh my mind and help me remember what I learned and did. If you aren’t sure what’s the right video to get, watching a trailer will be a good start and YouTube.com is a good place to scout for good references too.

Many of these Pilates Dvds are affordable and can be ordered online. Once you have decided that this method is working for you, do invest in a good Pilates mat. Get one that is not too thin so that it can provide good support for your spine and back when you lie down. After all, the mat will last you for a long time. Eventually, you may want to get a Pilates fit ball. If you are small in stature, a 55cm ball is good and 65cm will be ideal for those who are taller and bigger build. These are just a few cheap and useful Pilates equipment you can buy to get started with Pilates from home.

Do you know you can also learn Pilates online via online streaming technology. The advantage of such a membership is that you don’t need to buy all the Pilates DVDs but instead, you can choose any sort of Pilates exercise in a given time, as long as your membership is still valid. With just $9.95 per month, you can learn Pilates anytime, anywhere, and you can choose from a host of different workouts from the library.

I am a strong believer of working out with a Pilates instructor if you have no basics in Pilates. The Pilates instructor will be able to show you the right way to breathe during the workout and explain a few basic lingo commonly used in Pilates. These ‘lingo’ will help you to engage the right muscles and make your Pilates exercise a more effective one. If you can, do a few private sessions to understand these simple steps before going on your own with your Pilates video. You can work towards a better body before the year end. Get started now.

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.

Achieving The Pilates Body – Part One

If you really want to make a hot Pilates body your reality rather than your dream, there are some very important steps that you must take to get there. Remember, nothing good ever comes for free!

First of all, there are quite a few ways to learn Pilates. If money and time are of issue you can purchase Pilates Video and DVDs and start learning the moves in your own home. This is a great idea for anyone who is overweight or otherwise very uncomfortable walking into a class with other people.

Pilates videos and DVDs will include versions of the exercises that can be done without equipment, but you can now also purchase real Pilates equipment that is compact enough to fit into your home. If you can afford to go this route it is the best way to get maximum results from home. But before you can purchase any Pilates equipment especially the reformer or the more expensive machines, it’s best to get some private Pilates training with a certified instructor. It’s no point buying a Pilates machine and realizing that you don’t even know how to use it.

If you live close to a Pilates studio then signing up for classes will definitely bring the results you want. This way allows you to gain the knowledge from skilled instructors who will ensure that you are meeting all three of the steps presented in the next post. There are also various types of Pilates fitness styles available and you may want to join one to experience more.

A local gym may also have classes and they may be cheaper than going through an actual studio. Next post, we’ll talk about the critical steps to acheiving a Pilates Body – Stay tuned!

The Winsor Pilates Magic

Why is Winsor Pilates so in demand? Why will someone with the likes of Madonna endorse it in those popular and enticing infomercials? Well, with almost everyone seeking for the perfect recipe to an attractive body, something as effective as Pilates is a sure winner. How Pilates did come to life, anyway?

Pilates is an exercise method that was developed by a German athlete named Joseph Pilates. He was a skin diver, skier, and gymnast all rolled into one. At first, the mat workout he developed was meant to rehabilitate injuries of professional dancers. Later, it helped dancers and non-dancers alike to maintain their body’s equilibrium as well as achieve mental and physical synergy. Even those with health problems or illnesses have benefited from it.

Mari Winsor and Winsor Pilates

Meanwhile, Mari Winsor got into the picture and a whole new world of Pilates was opened to the public. Mari herself was a dancer so she used her knowledge and skills to create her improved and optimistic version of the exercise technique. As a certified Pilates teacher, she treats everyone, men and women alike, with utmost concern by talking about the Pilates moves in specific detail. She wants to ensure that the execution is done in its proper form. This way, the body trims down and gets revitalized as well.

One can find the same special treatment in the Winsor Pilates studios in Los Angeles. With twenty well-trained instructors who give students assistance, even a beginner will find himself enjoying the whole motion ride. What with all the breathing Pilates fitness exercise and the core body actions.

The trick is to focus on a single source of life energy that energizes the rest of the physique. With special emphasis on the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks, the whole body also gets strengthened and sculpted in no time. They likewise pride themselves in Pilates exercise equipment in their studio.

Another thing about the Winsor Pilates is that weight loss becomes a lighter and much enjoyable task. A “dynamic sequencing” is demonstrated through a series of exercises that are properly arranged and performed in an upbeat rhythm. This way you are assured of taking all of the Pilates benefits on your body. Further assurance is given with a dietary guide called the “Win-in-10 Meal Plan” that is included with the Pilates training packages.

The Winsor Pilates program stops at nothing to continually develop its excellence in the fitness field. Now, it has various forms of packages that are fast, enjoyable, and effective. What they have lined up is the Sculpting Circle fat-burning workout program, the 20-minute Circle Workout, the Accelerated Fat Burning Workout, and the 10-minute Sculpting Blast Workout.

It is no wonder then that movie icons like Vanessa Williams and Sharon Stone who have been looked up to for their immaculate body couldn’t resist the temptation that Winsor Pilates has presented to them on a silver plate. With all the books, Pilates videos, and infomercials, no human being in his health-conscious mind can oppose the Winsor Pilates magic.

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.

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