Friday, April 4, 2008

Pilates Method, its different!

pilates_universal_reformer


Basically the Pilates Method is an exercise that helps us to achieve a perfect balance and a graceful body by combining the toning and stretching exercises and making use of a series of rhythmic movements.

By now you must have gone through countless infomercials showing different pieces of equipments and toning machines that are endorsed by retired athletes, and have been unable to conclude anything out of them. But Pilates Method is different, it actually works for everybody.

This is the basic reason behind a swarm of Pilates Studios cropping up everywhere throughout the US. The health clubs in New York have now started to offer Pilates classes and the homes in US are now getting equipped with brand new Pilates Machines instead of those old home gyms.

Pilates Method is practiced not only in Pilates Studios and health clubs, but it is also being taught by expert Pilates instructor throughout the hospitals, clinics, and health centers in US. Pilates Method is being specifically used in such places to treat the patients with spinal injuries, back ailments, shoulder cuff problems and some other problems which basically attack at the normal balance of the torso.

Universal Reformer is the most common Pilates apparatus, which is being used nowadays widely in US. Because of its mat-like finish, it almost looks like a magic carpet, which can change the way you look! To perform some Pilates exercise with this Pilates Machine you have to lay down your body on the padded platform and this padded platform will move along the base of the machine with the help of a series of nicely arranged pulleys. Different motions can be performed with the help of this Pilates machine and every motion is performed with the help of some cables and a series of different handles. The selection of these cables and handles will depend on the type of the motion you want to perform, and also the part of the body you want to work out.

Another thing which distinguishes Pilates Method from other common exercises is that the Pilates exercise is not done in sets. It is performed as a long and continuous motion that is basically targeted towards balancing the body and gaining flexibility, and also providing you with strength and conditioning. You can continue Pilates exercise for nearly half an hour if you wish to do so.

With the Pilates Method you also get rid of weights, so you don’t have to adjust the resistance or slide that pin again and again down a couple of plates. When you are exercising on a Pilates machine the resistance is your own body and when you pull the cables towards your chest the weight is your own body’s weight. The so called magic carpet will take away the gravity when you are exercising on it, and will let only the muscle you need to work and move to gain stability.

So, my dear friends get up and get going with the Pilates Method. Jump on the latest fitness and health program that has already been adopted by thousands of Americans and has its patrons all over the world.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Winsor Pilates, Explained in Detail

Mari Winsor

What is Winsor Pilates all about? Who is Mari Winsor?

Winsor Pilates is amongst the most familiar names in modern Pilates exercise. Developed by certified Pilates instructor Mari Winsor, Winsor Pilates is recognized for its weight loss, body sculpting, and also for its exhaustive abdominal workout videos.

Winsor Pilates Videos and DVDs
Winsor Pilates Videos and Winsor Pilates DVDs are a regular feature on the advertisement circuit, Mari Winsor's cheerful style and value-added packages have enthused many of us to purchase Pilates videos and DVDs. The Winsor Pilates videos are usually brilliantly shaped, and if you are on the lookout for a "let’s get moving, sculpt and lose weight" kind of approach, then they will surely satisfy you.

Focus on Weight Loss, Body Sculpting, and Abs
Among the many boons of Pilates, the two most popular are weight loss and body toning. This is the ground on which Winsor Pilates has outshined others. Winsor Pilates has successfully created and promoted their Pilates workout videos. Although she is typically trained in Pilates, Mari Winsor has been successful in pushing the envelope of Pilates to make sure that Winsor Pilates workouts have their main focus on trimming and shaping the body. Continuing her efforts in this direction she has also developed a unique technique which she calls “dynamic sequencing”. Dynamic Sequencing has been defined by the Winsor Pilates website as a "combination of exercises done in a specific order and rhythm to produce maximum results."

Winsor Pilates has produced over 30 Pilates videos. Some of them are Pilates mat work videos, Pilates workouts with equipment (such as the magic circle), and many targeted titles, such as "Weight Loss," "Ab Sculpting”, "Upper Body Sculpting," and "Bun & Thigh Sculpting." Winsor Pilates videos are frequently endorsed as DVD/equipment packages. Some of the packages offer as many as 5 DVDs and a Winsor Pilates sculpting circle (magic circle).

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

What is Pilates?

When we talk of Pilates, what comes to your mind? Many people (those who are hearing this word for the first time) have the reaction that it must be a disease!

Well! That shows the awareness level of people about Pilates. So, you should make yourself well aware of what is Pilates all about.

Pilates basically is a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. As of 2008 there are 21 million people who practice the discipline regularly and 34,000 instructors in the United States.

The main focus of the Pilates exercise is on the core postural muscle which is mainly responsible for keeping the body balanced and providing support to the spinal cord. Pilates workout teaches how to be aware of one's own breath and align our spine properly. The Pilates exercises aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles.