Through various exercises and movements, Pilates helps you condition your body and help to strengthen and tone your muscles. Aside from adding strength Pilates is also a flexibility exercise that can help improve your posture.
You can look younger and stay younger for longer with improved flexibility and posture that will help you remain active and exercise more often.
Pilates 101
Cost? You can attend a Pilates class and expect to pay $10-$30 for a group session or $50 for a private session. You could also do it in the comforts of your home for the cost of a Pilates DVD, which is about $15.
Beginner-friendly? Yes. Start with basic exercises for beginners and as you get better, you can try advanced moves. It is advisable to opt for a class or private lessons when you are just starting so an instructor can keep an eye on your form and help prevent an injury.
Outdoors? No. It is expected that Pilates would be done inside a gym or in a room with a TV for this workout.
At home? Yes. Bring out your DVD player and press play for a convenient at-home workout while also pulling out your mat.
Types of equipment? You will need a mat when doing Pilates. Special machines called a Reformer are also available in some gyms. You do not need one but, you can purchase a modified version for your home.
In particular ways, Pilates is similar to yoga as it brings out a balance between the body and mind. In doing so, it is highly effective as a flexibility exercise and at reducing and eliminating stress.
Pilates assists in releasing any blockages in the body through the movements while also improving the circulation, just as can be expected from yoga.
Improvements in your body’s circulation help maintain your internal bodily health and improve the tone and texture of your skin.
Compared to other forms of resistance training that can add size to muscles, Pilates can help you become strong while remaining lean—alternatively helping you become lean if you are carrying excess weight.
Types of workouts like Pilates help you adopt a more positive outlook on life with a stress reduction. This benefits you entirely by making you feel better about yourself and increasing your self-esteem.
A suitable flexibility exercise for people of all ages, Pilates can be of benefit for all levels of fitness.
Many professional athletes add Pilates training to their regular fitness training as it is highly regarded by many as one of the best forms of overall body fitness and conditioning.
It involves a strong mind and body connection, so you may like it if you enjoy yoga but want a more intense core workout. Pilates is for you if you are someone looking to strengthen your abdomen and pelvis as well as maintain a good posture.
This type of workout also involves specific breathing techniques and precise moves and it is not for you if you prefer a less structured program. If an aerobic workout is what you are looking for, this exercise will not fit your needs.
Start slowly as Pilates can be very demanding. There is no need for an instructor to be licensed, so it would be best for you to get recommendations before choosing one.
A great flexibility exercise, Pilates is amazing in strengthening and toning with a focus on your core. It is not designed to be an aerobic exercise, so do not forget your cardio!
