Reasons Why Pilates Can Be Useful To Sports People

By Sarah Soon

Pilates is all about building and developing your "core". Why is this so important to good health and fitness? The core consists of the main muscles in your lower torso that helps support your entire posture and promotes good posture.

This will result in you having a better overall posture which will help you look taller as well as thinner, and having a good posture is vital to our overall well-being.

Pilates is great for anyone looking to get toned and grow lean muscles. But it's also incredibly useful for people into sports that require agility and flexibility. Many dancers have trained in Pilates to develop their cores in order to have better balance and hence lower their risks of leg or spine-based injuries.

Pilates is great for the young, the old as well as the folks who need to regain their muscle strength after any form of injury. For people in this situation, getting supervised Pilates workouts (depending on their physical abilities at the time) can be extremely beneficial though it might not be cheap.

Pilates has been known to be the ideal workout for people who have suffered an injury and need to build strength back into their muscles. The Pilates workouts can be easily customized for rehabilitation, allowing one to perform overall body exercises whilst not affecting the injured area.

However, if you suffer from hip or back injuries and you're considering Pilates for your rehabilitation treatment, it is advised that you consult your doctor first. It is also a good idea to get yourself some one to one coaching from a qualified Pilates instructor to ensure that you perform the routines correctly and not over-strain any part of your body.

What's the best way to get started with Pilates? The most economical way is to buy Pilates DVDs for beginners. With that, you can follow along in the comfort of your own home as the video guides you through all the basics, ensuring that you don't perform bad techniques where you might injure yourself.

It's not easy to get things right when you first start with Pilates. It's important you learn the incorrect methods so get yourself to a beginner class where you can get some personal coaching, at least till you get the basic exercises right.

This is something you definitely won't be developing overnight so you should expect some time to pass before you get over the initial learning curve. Once you reach a certain point, you will realize what a great mind, body and spirit workout it is.

Don't expect quick results either. Getting great results requires consistency plus good technique. Don't get discouraged if you find it hard to do at first, just keep persisting. Once you've come to grips with foundational Pilates, both your mind and body will thank you for it. - 32527

About the Author:

Get started with Pilates Videos this new years. Check out this Pilates DVD review at the author's site. Also reviewed are Pilates accessories such as the Pilates machine there.

Find The Best Beginners Pilates Books

By Jennifer Willenson

Even if you've never done health and fitness exercises before Pilates is a sure-fire way of losing weight and getting the body you want. Pilates is one of the best ways to stay in shape and is practiced by many people all over the world. It is vitally important to choose the right Pilates book, whether you are a beginner or advance you want to be doing exercises that correspond with what your body can do. Look below for insights into finding the right Pilates books for you.

Learning just about anything for the first time can be an intimidating experience. There are mountains of information available on Pilates, and more Pilates-related equipment and apparatus for sale than a person could count in a single sitting. So how exactly do you know where to start? Before spending hundreds of dollars on equipment you may not need or jumping into classes that may be above and beyond your skill level, consider choosing Pilates books to learn the basics. Pilates books are an inexpensive alternative to home study courses and traditional classes. That being said, you may need some advice to choose the right Pilates books for you. Follow the simple tips outlined in this article to ensure that you make the right choice when purchasing your books.

1) Choose a Pilates book designed for beginners.

There's no quicker way to get discouraged with a Pilates book than to choose one that is above and beyond your skill level. Make sure when shopping for your Pilates books that you are purchasing books that are designed for beginners. You have to walk before you can run, so be sure you are starting at the beginning and learning the basics before moving on.

2) Stay away from Pilates books that need you to buy expensive equipment.

You will not need expensive equipment right away. most of the Pilates exercises can be performed without the need for equipment. A few Pilates books are packaged with small pieces of equipment, and that is ok, but it is good to know how to do exercises without equipment, that way you can do them anywhere. If you do want something cheap and simple, try the exercise ball or exercise mat.

3) Buy a Pilates book with detailed images.

It can be challenging turning a written text into proper exercises and poses. It is best if you are a beginner to find a book that has detailed illustrations or photos, preferably in colour and from different angles so you can really see what is going on. This will help you to know that you are performing the exercises correctly.

If you want to get fit, Pilates is one of the best ways to do it. So many people are sick and tired of feeling horrible and just want simple exercises to help them feel better and get in shape. Finding a Pilates book is definately a great choice. - 32527

About the Author:

These tips will put you on the right track but for more Pilates secrets visit http://pilates-courses.com Follow Jennifer Willenson and learn all about Pilates exercises, DVD's, equipment and Pilates books

Why You Should Include Pilates In Your Fitness Routine

By Mark Trodor

You have been quite lazy this year and your body and mind were those that suffered most. You went about with your usual work routine giving less time for fitness and strength. This coming year you want to give yourself the needed health boost not just in the body but also in the mind. One way to do so is to start Pilates. This physical fitness system is primarily aimed to strengthen the body - that is, to keep the body balanced and to provide the spine the needed support. This muscle control system is known not only to give the body a physical healthy boost but also in keeping the mind stress-free. Pilates is developed by Joseph Pilates of Germany and is now used by millions of people all around the world.

Included are a few reasons why Pilates should be part of your routine this coming year:

1. Get lean without getting those bulky muscles.

We all want to be strong and when we mean strong we do not really mean having the heavy bulky muscles. If you want to increase your body's physical strength but not really take on the bulk of the usual physical fitness program, then Pilates can do well for you. Since the program does not focus on movement repetition, you do not get to have overgrown muscles which are considered to be unsightly by some people.

2. To get a well rounded mind-body workout. Another thing that sets this particular physical fitness program apart from the usual exercise regimens is the fact that it can give you a total mind and body workout. The smooth and flowing movement of this system allows you to be more mindful of the body. The breathing system also helps in relieving stress and reducing anxiety and depression.

3. To help prevent future injuries.

Pilates is also known for balancing and strengthening the entire body. Its focus is not just on certain muscle groups. Over time, your body becomes more supple and fluid, protecting your from physical injury. Another reason is because the exercise system veers away from under training or overtraining of certain muscle groups.

4. To help your body become more efficient.

With regular Pilates sessions, you can expect your body to become more efficient when it comes to movement and overall function. Of course, this does means a lot as you are given the natural ability t move smoother and safer. It can also help you manage daily tasks easily.

5. Aid you during your golden years.

This physical fitness system can help you not just be more physically and spiritually ready for the present but it can also help you in your senior years. Practicing Pilates can save you from painful and stiff joints years from now. It aims for body strength and flexibility so it can also be quite useful for those already in their senior years. If a senior is planning to start this system, then it would be best to be under a trained instructor's program. - 32527

About the Author:

Mark Trodor is a accomplished tattoo artist who enjoys providing assistance to help design your own tattoo. Mark has traveled the world trying to find the most unique tattoos, but he has a love for lower back tattoos. Visit Mark's tattoo design website for free tips, galleries, and reviews.