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Techniques, equipment and advice.

November 16, 2009

You Can Get Slim Thighs and Flat Abdomens From Pilates Exercises

Muna wa Wanjiru Said:

Pilate is an easy method of fitness work out which helps you to get core strength and body flexibility. It is ideal for dancers and athletes. It will also help reduce pain along with reducing the risk of getting injuries in sports. Pilates dramatically changes the way your body looks, feels and performs.

Pilates has been in existence for more than 5 decades. However, the resurgence of Pilates has been made due to the renaissance in yoga and Tai chi. Pilates has been practiced by professional dancers and top athletes for decades.  Athletes use it for getting strong muscles and flexibility. Injury prevention is possible with Pilates.

Joseph Pilates a physical trainer had developed the techniques of Pilate work outs. It is proved that it will improve the core strength without bulking up. It also develops optimal core control. It does not require any investment. You can practice them easily on an exercise mat. However Pilate equipments are also available.

Pilates can be practiced by any one irrespective of the age. Even children can practice them. Since Pilate work outs focus more on proper breathing, children suffering from respiratory disorders can do these work outs to get rid of their problems.

Women can start doing he Pilate exercises since these exercises will helping providing slim thighs and flat abdomens. Most of the Hollywood celebrities are nowadays practicing Pilates. You can also start doing this even at home. However Pilate studios are offering expertise service to get more benefits. You can make use of them.

Pilate work outs can be practiced on a reformer which is more supportive than mat. There are number of work outs in Pilates both for beginners and for advanced exerciser. However Pilate techniques are safe and effective for all.

Most of the work outs here are done in sitting or relaxation posture. They do not require any stress for any movement. Pilates can be experienced in health and fitness clubs. Recreation centers, Pilate studios, wellness centers etc are also offering Pilate workouts for beginners. Pilates is offered in rehabilitation centers also in order to get relief from neck and back pain. Some researches show that Pilates is an effective medical treatment to pain.

Though there are some challenging exercises in Pilates, they are proved to be safe. However do not start doing any twisting workouts if you are a beginner. If you feel pain or stress in doing any of the workouts then immediately stop it.

Pilates help to get proper body alignment and awareness. Joseph Pilates called his techniques “Contrology” since he believed that the exercises will help to control the mind. You will also feel the coordination of mind and body while practicing these exercises.

Pilates demands immense focus on body and mind. Pilates is proved to give relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Each and every movement in Pilates has a purpose. These work outs are becoming the topmost fitness method in America nowadays. They are safe and proved to be very effective.

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October 22, 2009

Pilates And Malibu Pilates

Steven Giles Said:

Pilates is the latest and greatest exercise craze and it’s helping people get into shape while also helping their mind and body to tune in to specific problems.  Malibu Pilates is one new venture into the Pilates world that helps not only one’s core, but focuses on strengthening upper and lower abs, thighs, and hips.  Before you delve into Malibu Pilates, a good Pilates chair is recommended to reap the full benefits! You can get a Malibu Pilates chair online without spending a lot of bucks and once you have the chair start with a series of positions that will help to strengthen you upper and lower abs.  You can perform the single leg stretch to target your abs.  To begin, place your left foot on the left footrest and slowly reach your right leg into the air.  Next, try to straighten that right foot and pump the left leg up and downward and keep you right leg in the air.  You’ll get the best benefits of this AB exercise if you keep your leg lifted for thirty seconds and slowly lower and switch leg positions. Another great Malibu Pilates chair move is for you to lie on the chair to tone up your lower abs, thighs, hits, and buttocks.  Once you are in a lying position, lift both of your legs into the air—do this at a comfortable level and don’t overstrain.  Now straighten your arms so they are resting at the side of your legs.  Now it’s time to pump your arms up and downward at least ten times before you lower your arms back to their original position.  For maximum effect, repeat this Malibu Chair move by performing at least 100 arm pumps.  Our last recommended Pilates Chair movement is to grasp the back of the chair and raise both of your legs into the air and then lower you body over the chair.  You will increase the strength in your abs as well as burning excess fat and you can repeat this ten to fifteen times for best results. Pilates and Malibu Pilates performed on a certified Malibu Pilates chair are great for people of all ages as Pilates is geared toward non-impact and controlled movements.  Your best results will come if you seek out certified instructors or buy DVDs from the Internet that have been analyzed and made by Pilates professionals.  Each Malibu Pilates move is centered on the Malibu Pilates chair that offers low spring adjustable cardio movements and while Pilates is a low impact exercise routine, the chair adjustments allow you to perform each of these Malibu exercises without strain or harm to your muscles, joints, or ligaments.  An awesome Pilates workout on your terms! If you are looking for a leaner core, a Malibu Pilates chair may be right for you and these chairs are becoming more popular, especially in the last five years.  One user boasted that she “loves her Malibu Pilates chair and lost ten pounds in just six weeks!”  Most chairs come with a free trial so you can try before you buy and if you are a lover of floor Pilates, the chair will give you even more body tone improvements with new enhanced yet challenging exercises. Try the Malibu Pilates Chair with a DVD by a certified Pilates expert to strengthen your upper and lower back and tighten up your abs.  The Malibu Pilates chair is a great exercise element alone or can be combined with your everyday exercise routine.  Don’t miss out on this new and innovative way to perform controlled Pilates movements and seek out a Malibu Chair and instructor today. There are a range of DVD’s on sale at http://www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist. Please visit my blog at http://stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2

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October 18, 2009

The Many Varieties of Pilates Exercises You Can Do on a Pilates Chair

Muna wa Wanjiru Said:

Pilates chair is an ultimate space saving solution; it is used to support traditional as well as new exercise techniques. Pilate chairs are exercise chairs. They provide upper and lower body support and enhance stability of your body. They are stable and reliable. They provide better control and balance to your body. Plates chair is useful for all kinds of athletes.

Plates chair is an adjustable chair, these chairs are specialized fitness equipments. It contains four springs and five spring attachment positions which provide complete resistance.  This exercise equipment is useful for shoulder, transverses, lower back, buttocks etc; they are particular useful for stretching and rebalancing muscles. They are easy and safer to use.

There are many features of Pilates chair such as it contains a set of heavy and light springs that enable to perform wide range of exercises. It contains two-in-one single and spilt step combo to perform any exercise. It is safe and comfortable. The solid base of Pilates chair will help you to prevent from tipping. It contains heavy-duty and comfortable upholstery seat. The exclusive resistance system of Pilates chair makes adjustment fast, simple and safe. The flexible designs of Pilates chair prevent injuries from exercises.

Pilates chair gives you rotational and reciprocal movement of the peripheral limbs, chair backs, handles, rotational disks and other accessories, these adjustments will help you to increase variety in your exercises.  Some Pilates chairs can be adjusted from high chair to low chair mode. 

Pilates chair is easily available in the market; usually it is available at 700 dollars to 1200 Dollars price ranges.  The design of Pilates chair is based on high quality standard defined by equipment manufacturers such as peak Pilates, balanced body and stott Pilates.

Pilates chair is versatile exercise equipment; you can perform many exercises using this equipment such as standing straight up, lunging, push up moves etc. It provides you 75 different exercise positions.  It is useful equipment for your fitness routine. 

Pilates chair is adjustable and portable exercise equipment, it is useful for homes well as commercial gyms.  These exercise equipment will provide all necessary body movements.  It is also useful equipment to perform cardiovascular exercises.  Pilates chair is useful to shape up your legs, arms and thighs.  They also provide support to your lower back and abdominal muscles. 

Pilates chair is also available with custom split-step pedals; it provides more resistance for your legs and arms.  It helps to maintain your workout flow and helps to burn unwanted calories.

The Malibu Pilates chair is safe and helpful to perform lightweight exercises.  They are adjustable and easily moveable.

Pilates chair will give you good body postures, it keeps control the muscles.  It provides essential support to your spine.   It also useful to shape up your torso muscles, thus, it can prevent lower back pain.

There are many varieties of pilates chair available in the Market such as wunda pilates chair , exercises peak pilates , combo chair pilates , chair pilates arm chair and other pilates chair equipments.

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September 9, 2009

How to Prevent Pilate Injuries?

Garry Nixon Said:

Yesterday I got a question from the Ask Experts site that I wanted to share with others, since I am seeing a lot of similar questions since the new craze of mass Pilates DVDs and under qualified instructors.

The question was from a beginner in Pilates which was trying to do the V shape or half way crunch. During the exercise the individual got a painful cramp below the rib cage. They were wondering if others have experienced this same thing when doing Pilates.

In the first place those who are just starting Pilates shouldn’t be trying the teaser or the V shape. This exercise is designed for the intermediate to advanced Pilates individuals since it requires a deeper abdominal recruitment in order to avoid overusing the hip flexors and the external obliques.

Second, Pilates doesn’t have anything like a crunch. The midsection is not tightened and compressed in Pilates; rather it seeks to strengthen the function of the muscles without compression. Pilates uses the pelvic floor and transverse abdominus.

The most accessible form of Pilates is with a Pilates mat, but for beginners the equipment is better. The apparatus was invented by Joseph Pilates to help as well as resist movement so that people who normally couldn’t move properly could still exercise. No one should do the Pilates mat before working on the machine.

Then there are the ads for Cardiolates which is a fascinating yet horrifying concept. Pilates is largely an anaerobic exercise similar to weight training. If you try to blend Pilates with cardio into one workout program then there are a number of things wrong. For one it is contrary to the complete basis of Pilates exercise and will likely see a lot of hurt people who feel they can’t do Pilates because they were injured.

The mass production of Pilates is horrible since it makes Pilates seem like nothing more than a group of exercises like all other weight loss problem. Pilates is advertised as a routine that you can do fast, slow or otherwise, but this isn’t the case. Pilates is all about the way you exercise, how you move, how you breathe and how to get into positions. Pilates isn’t about getting into a certain position, rather it is about proper movement and balance.

If Pilates routines are done improperly it can lead to hernias from bearing down too much, muscle cramps from improper recruitment, neck and back injuries from improperly flattening your back and neck which leads to muscle strain and vertebral compression from over stretching or over extending your back and neck, rotator cuff injuries from pushing the range of motion without proper ribcage stabilization, osteoporotic spinal fractures from too much flexion and other contra-indicated movements and many other injures.

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How to Build Your Body Strength Using Pilates Video

Muna wa Wanjiru Said:

Pilates video helps you to find best available exercise for your body.  These exercise videos will guide users to perform exercises. These videos are essential to attain correct body postures. This is also useful to prevent injuries and wrong body postures. Pilate video helps you to focus on muscles strength and body improvement. These videos will make exercise more interactive and effective. 

Pilates video will guide you systematically to perform exercises. These videos are easy to learn and perform.  After learning proper body posture users can perform any exercise without straining their lower back. Additionally, these videos also give you precautionary measurements and tips to improve exercises.   

Pilates video is derived from the principles of classical Pilate’s exercises. It will guide you to perform exercises without engaging the lower back muscles.  These videos can demonstrate exercises with or without balls which is useful to get essential benefits from exercise equipments.  Most Pilate’s videos are focus on keeping the pelvis flat on the mat and abdominal muscles pulled in so it can help to reduce tension out of the neck. 

Pilates video is an interactive way to display body postures; it can increase core strength and balance while performing exercises.  These videos are helpful to give demos of many exercises. These videos are useful for beginners as well as for expert users.  

Pilates video is useful to show some of the popular stretching exercises. These videos are useful to provide flexibility to your muscles and hamstrings, it also useful to decrease the range of motions so that user can keep knee straight. Some Pilate’s videos are helpful to reduce unwanted fats from your body. 

Pilates video will guide you to build core strength of your muscles, hamstrings and glutes.  These videos can keep your abdominal muscles contracted through out the exercises. 

Pilates video will guide you to get strong abdominal muscles, these videos also show some exercises on torso. Therefore, it keeps your body in good shape.

Pilates video gives you high intense workout, so you will look fresh and alert.  These videos prevent you to get abnormal body postures.  These videos are ideal for every one and useful for all age groups.  Pilate’s videos are used by athletes, celebrities and private health centers. These video are easily available in the market. 

Pilates video can be performed by all people of different fitness levels; these videos can guide you to perform different exercises such as hips, legs and lower back exercises.

Pilates videos are most popular exercise videos; they are adopted by millions of people. They can make your exercise easy and effective. These videos also helped to increase fitness-awareness among people.

Pilates video is the latest fitness trend; it helps people to perform many body movements that provide strength to body muscles. It also gives cardio and strength training to people. It helps you to perform well rounded exercise program. It also helps people to choose their exercise routine from several available exercise videos. This exercise trend is well accepted by many home and commercial fitness centers.

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September 5, 2009

The Various Purposes That A Pilates Equipment Serves

Cindy Heller Said:

If you practice Pilates and are ready to try other Pilates equipment, read on for the various purposes this equipment serves.

1) The Cadillac

The Cadillac is one of the most commonly used types of these Pilates machines. You can usually find the Cadillac at any of your local fitness stores. This Pilates apparatus uses that of variable-length and gauge springs to lengthen and strengthen a person’s muscles all at the same time and to improve that of joint flexibility and range of motion.

2) The aero Pilates treadmill is one of the best and perhaps the most versatile type of treadmill which will enable you to carry out some 50 plus Pilates exercises effortlessly.

There are many reasons that make the aero Pilates machine exceptional:

(i) it has padded jump-board which is easy on the joints when practicing the exercises,

(ii) the machine is created to stay about 10 inches off the floor which helps in the performances of advanced Pilate exercises,

(iii) it offers a total and highly efficient cardio-vascular workout,

(iv) it has four levels of elastic chords for four different levels of workout, and

(v) it supports 50 Pilates exercises which can tone, strengthen and shape every muscle in the body.

The aero Pilates also has an extremely strong stainless steel body, with adjustable headset. The machine has also extra shoulder pads installed.

3) The Pilates studio reformer is the first choice of professionals since 1976. It provides the smoothest and quietest ride of other similar product on the market. The Pilates reformer should be comfortable and have good craftsmanship with every edge being sculpted and smooth. In addition, it is also possible to design one’s own reformer by choosing from the many innovative footbar and springbar systems that are easily adjustable and which also very much reduces the interruptions to a workout.

4) There is other Pilates equipment such as the Pilates trapeze tables, half trapezes and towers which provide the best in spring-assisted, integrated Pilates workouts. There are many different exercises that can be performed on these Pilates trapeze tables and there is even the Five-in-one exercise system called the Allegro Tower and Reformer which includes two mat stations, a Half Trapeze and the integrated Tower and moving carriage system.

The Allegro Tower of Power features consist of the expandable 5-in-one exercise system that enables the exerciser to start with the Allegro Reformer and may also include the Tower, if so required. It also retrofits any Allegro and the simple mat conversion enables the exerciser to move the carriage to the head of the machine and also drop in the mat.

5) The Pilates chair is another Pilates equipment which is the most ideal for space-saving Pilates. It also has with wheels that enable easy movement. These Pilates chair has been intended to allow stretching and strengthening of the muscle groups that cannot be easily accessed by conventional training and equipment. The Pilates chair has evolved from the Wunda Chair system with the padded split step giving extra dimension of rotational and reciprocal movement of the extremities. It is also most suited for use at the end of a Trapeze table.

Where Do You Go To Own A Pilates Equipment

If you are wondering as to where you can go to find a Pilates equipment, you should be able to find all the different machines at your local fitness store or gym, and if you know a place that caters exclusively to the matter of Pilates, then you should check there first.

Alternatively you could go to a fitness center and ask one of the fitness professionals there where you can go to purchase the Pilates equipment. In addition, you should not have to pay an insanely high price for one of these machines, as you can also find them at discounted prices from companies that are selling them wholesale.

However, you should also be aware that it can be dangerous to buy a device that is used. It is more advisable to spend a bit of extra money to get a brand new one as opposed to risking your health by purchasing a used one.

The first choice before beginning any research is of course to look it up on the internet. Find a reliable website for your information and you should be prepared to ask any questions before owning a Pilates equipment.

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