Pilates is comprised of over 500 controlled exercises that are a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training intended to improve posture, create long, lean muscles, and reduce stress. Pilates exercises have evolved over the past 75 years.

Through smooth, continuous motion, Pilates works multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Its focus is particularly on strengthening and stabilizing the abdominal region. Because Pilates focuses on quality of movement, one feels invigorated after a session instead of feeling exhausted.

Your first Pilates session should be a private lesson in which the instructor will introduce you to the equipment, give you an idea of where your body’s strengths and weaknesses lie, and enable you to make informed decisions.

The Pilates exercises can be performed either on machines or on a mat. A variety of equipment is used to perform some of the over 500 exercises. On the mat you perform with a group, performing the same exercises, at the same pace.

Different instructors, training institutions and equipment manufacturers have developed several props to help you carry out exercises on your own. Small props such as Pilates balls, Pilates circles and Pilates resistance bands can be incorporated into any personal training program.

There are many similarities between Yoga and Pilates. But, the breathing is different for the two disciplines. In Pilates, you pull your stomach in, while in Yoga you allow it to expand with breath. While Pilates is about movement, Yoga involves holding of postures.

If you want to achieve the maximum slimming effect with least amount of effort, then you should go for the Winsor Pilates exercise. The exercise works every part of your body and focuses on the core muscle groups - abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks - which are going to burn the most energy for weight loss and make the biggest difference in your physical appearance.

About the Author

Pilates Info provides detailed information about Pilates exercises, equipment, videos, classes, studios, certification, and more. Pilates Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Pilates can benefit your overall health and sense of well-being in many ways. I have been doing Pilates for three years and I have seen for myself how challenging, yet effective it is.

Recently, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic muscle and soft tissue pain syndrome. One of my osteopathic doctors told me that if I hadn t been doing Pilates (and yoga), I would not be able to get on and off the examining table. As a matter of fact, when patients come to see him because of pain, he often recommends Pilates as a method of treatment.

While it certainly helps with physical problems, you will find many other positive rewards when you start integrating Pilates into your exercise program.

#1 Benefit of Pilates Strong Core
Pilates focuses on strengthening your deep abdominal muscles, your back and your butt. This results in greater pelvic stability and less likelihood that you will sustain an injury in your back. You will also enjoy having a flat, toned and sleek tummy.

#2 Benefit of Pilates - Improved Posture
Pilates works to lengthen the spinal compression that you might be developing, especially as you grow older or spend long hours hunched over in front of a computer. Many of us spend a great part of the day with our shoulders slumped forward. Pilates encourages you to lengthen the back of your neck and to slide your shoulder blades back and down. This encourages better postural alignment and allows you to stand and sit straighter and taller.

#3 Benefit of Pilates Increased Strength and Flexibility
When you are doing Pilates, you are simultaneously strengthening and stretching your muscles. This gives your joints greater range of motion and also helps prevent the likelihood that you will get injured.

#4 Benefit of Pilates Longer and Leaner Muscles
Many strength-training exercises focus on working only one body part at a time, which leads to a compressed, bulky muscle. When you do Pilates exercises, you are working your entire body and you elongate the muscle as you move it with precision and control. The result your body has a longer, leaner look.

#5 Benefit of Pilates Improved Mind Body Connection
Pilates is not a mindless activity. There is a very strong focus on deep breathing. You do certain moves as you inhale, while others as you exhale. This fosters a greater awareness about how you can integrate deep breathing and movement into positive body control.

#6 Benefit of Pilates It is Safe for Everyone.
Pilates is a gentle, low impact workout. In every class, you are given a modification to address your own unique level of strength, flexibility, and fitness. With the proper instruction, it is safe for seniors, for those who are physically challenged, and also those who are recovering from injuries.

If you ve ever wondered about Pilates, why not give it a try? You can see for yourself how Pilates can make a positive difference in your mind, health and, of course your body.

About the Author

Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Her website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com/ is filled with practical information about how you can make yoga and fitness a positive part of your life. Visit the site and get your free meditation e-book.

1. Feel younger - “days go by so quickly”, “time flyes”, Do you find youself thinking and feeling this way? Slow down take some time to yourself to feel younger.

2. Less stressed - Do you ever feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulder? Let me show you how to release some of the burden and give it to someone else.

3. More rejuvenated - Do you ever feel sluggish do to lack of sleep or energy? Re-energize with some soothing music, a good nights sleep and a calming voice to encourage you to move very sutlely.

4. Stand taller - Do you feel like you have lost height even from when you first started your day? Let Pilates encourage your body to build the strength and relaxation into your body to assist with standing taller.

5. Walk with the grace of a dancer - Ever notice the way you are walking? Would you like to walk with ease and economy? Pilates can relieve pain in the hips and legs to support your body and walk easier.

6. Toned body - Would you like your pants to fit a little looser? Pilates will help move things in a way to assist with your toning goals.

7. Focused mind - Would you like to do more of the things you like? Pilates encourages you to be in the now and will calm the brain so you can focus on one thing at a time.

Sharon says, “after 3 weeks of doing Pilates with Karen my shoulders feel great.”

Kevin says “after 6 weeks of Pilates I am able to walk with no cane. I have MS and have found Pilates of great benefit.”

“I like Pilates. I think you do an awesome job! I like that you’re able to help us adapt to the challenges we have.You’re very encouraging with us beginners. I plan to rejoin when the 12 wks. are up.
Thanks!” Grace

Two seniors upon visiting their doctors for their annual visit were told they have increased 1″ in height from doing Pilates.

Can you imagine the experience of moving your body to relaxing music in a subtle way. Image feeling taller, more relaxed, younger, rejuvenated, sharp mind and walk with the grace of a dancer.

All you have to do is decide to feel this way. Make the choice to have your body feel great! Soft soothing music, soft voice inspiring you to move in subtle ways to release a days worth of stress. Decide to feel the way you felt as a youngster or better. Decide to commit about 18-20 minutes of your time when you come home from work or play to listen and be guided through movement.

About the Author

Enjoyes health and wellness, using the Pilates method. Produced 2 Pilates for relaxation video’s as well as a downloadable MP3.
www.stretchyourlife.com

Have you ever seen Winsor Pilates workout on television or heard it from the other medium of communication? If not yet, here are some facts about Winsor Pilates workout.

As a Body-Sculpting System

Winsor Pilates workout became popular for its successful and incredible results offered to most of the celebrities like Patrick Swayze, Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Vanessa Williams, and many other. Winsor Pilates workout is generally considered as a powerful tool or an excellent body sculpting system for losing weight, sculpting long and lean muscles and reshaping your body from top to bottom. It is frequently noted that with just a single look on the Winsor Pilates workout videos and other mode of Pilates sytem, you will attain a great feeling of nirvana. Not bad because Winsor Pilates workout is ideal for everyone whether you are physically fit or out of shape, young or old.

Blending the Mind and Body

Winsor Pilates workout is in fact considered as the best workout the industry ever made. Just like any other Pilates-based workouts, Winsor Pilates workout bestows a great workout routine with the rhythmic blending of mind and body that can actually uplift your energy levels over time. Winsor Pilates workout, as a body-honing fitness program, is no doubt create a great positive impact to most of the Winsor Pilates workout clients.

Boosting Strength

Moreover, the Winsor Pilates workout has been widely used for decades by popular dancers, athletes, and even celebrities to enhance their strength throughout the body while developing the overall muscle tone. However, the Winsor Pilates workout kinesics is actually not really easy at first, especially to those amateurs or to someone who is never been into this kind of fitness program, but no problem because Mari Winsor, one of the most acclaimed Pilates instructors, does a great job in teaching the Winsor Pilates workout proper techniques and exercise form in all the available Winsor Pilates workout videos.

The Pitfalls

But let us accept the fact that when we talk about something, there is always an accompanied negative aspect to every positive manner. Most of the Winsor Pilate workout clients, however, comment that the Winsor Pilates workout program has been marketed as a weight loss solution. This is due to the fact that the Winsor Pilate workout program has never been considered as an effective exercise for burning fat. This claim holds true for the nature of the Winsor Pilates workout program is done much slower than the other to get the heart rate up sufficiently. And many still claim that even though the Winsor Pilates workout involve a kind of sped up Pilates which indeed can reduce inches while doing it, the Winsor Pilates workout is still not a great weight loss solution.

Oops! Hold On

Although claimed to be not so effective, the mystery of Winsor Pilates continues when a physical Winsor Pilates workout is combined with a healthy eating habit and some form of aerobic exercise, which is performed 2 to 3 times a week. Such method of Winsor Pilates workout will certainly result to a leaner, firmer, healthier body. Finally, Winsor Pilates workout is still considered as the great alternative to a typical weight training due its ability to build the kinds of functional stamina and suppleness which can help you stay free from injury for a lifetime.

About the Author: Evan Chloe, author, is a fitness specialist who writes articles for http://www.bodybuildingdirect.com

Source: www.isnare.com