Pilates Routines
I have been practicing pilates for seven years now and a lot of people say that I'm very proficient at it. I even teach some ladies at our social club. Very often my friends question me how I became excellent at pilates. They questioned me what pilates books and dvd's I could recommend to them and specifically which pilates routines are best for them. With that, I thought I'd make this simple website to share some of my pilates favorites.
For anyone who doesn't know, pilates is fantastic because it can dramatically transform the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds body strength without excess bulk. Instead, a flat abdomen will be developed and a toned body will will follow.
Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's core. I started my way to pilates by learning the history and background of pilates.
Pilates really evolved from the principles of Joseph H. Pilates from Germany. Joseph was a weak child. He had asthma and other health problems. To overcome his health problems, he ventured into different sports and eventually became an accomplished athlete. He was a nurse in Fantastic Britain during World War I. At that time, he designed exercise methods and equipments for disabled patients and soldiers. He also developed a series of mat exercises that focus on the torso. He based these routines in various exercise methods such as yoga and Chinese martial arts. He designed his exercise program around principles that support this philosophy, including concentration, precision, control, breathing, and flowing movements.
Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasizing proper breathing, right spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you do movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.
Pilates books and DVDs are certainly helpful. I’ve read a number of books and watched tons of pilates videos. One key to my success in pilates is by not depending solely on my trainer and practicing only in the gym. Pilates requires determination. Remember that mat routines can be done at home. Follow pilates routines as completely as you can without simplifying the routines to your preference.
Here is a link to my very favorite pilates routines on DVD. I can't tell you how many times I've watched these - they're just that excellent! It's a excellent job DVD's don't wear out very easily! I'm amazed how cheap they are too for 3 high quality DVD's and the fantastic thing is that they cover the basics for pilates beginners but also cover lots of more advanced techniques for those of us that have been doing pilates for some time.
