The Magic of Pilates Rings

By Marianne Hudson

If you aim to lose weight or tone your muscles without the aid of weights and other bulky gym equipments, then the Pilates ring exercises are the right type of workout routines for you. Pilates ring exercises are increasingly becoming popular because of the fact that they can be done easily, and the results of such exercises can be noticeable in just a few sessions. In fact, doing Pilates ring exercises for about thirty minutes to one hour three times a week can create noticeable results in one month.

Pilates ring exercises are easy to perform. However, it must be ensured that such exercises are performed correctly in order to attain the best results. Besides, exercises using the ring are more than just squeezing. If the exercise is not done properly, it may bring about some form of injury. To avoid future injuries, it is advisable to seek advice from a Pilates instructor before you begin to do your exercises. Likewise, there are available instructional DVDs and books that you can follow.

Pilates ring exercises are very advantageous in different ways. For instance, you do not have to go to the gym to lift weights in order to develop sturdy muscles. Also, by doing exercises that make use of the ring, you can get rid of the likelihood of suffering from injury, strain or body aches after every workout session.

If the chest exercise targets the upper body, another commonly practiced Pilates ring exercise targets the lower body. The person will start off at a lying position. Then, he squeezes the ring between his legs so as to allow resistance to build up in the leg muscles and the abdominal area.

Unlike other gym equipments, the Pilates ring is more transportable and easy to carry. This is highly beneficial to people who are usually taking trips but would still like to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise. Regardless of the time and location, the ring can be readily available for use.

When to go to a gym and sports equipment store, you can find various types of rings. The rings are differentiated on the basis of the materials used for making the rings. They can be either crafted from either steel, fiberglass, or plastic. Aside from material, the rings also differ in size. However, the standard diameter size is usually between 12 inches to 15 inches. There are also variations of color for you to choose from. In terms of resistance, the differences are typically dependent on the material and diameter of the ring. Handles of the rings also come in different variations. Still, some handles of the rings can be modified depending on your chosen design. If you really want to get serious about you Pilates ring exercise and get the best possible results, you have to choose the most appropriate ring for you by considering your age, gender, and body type. - 32527

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Before starting any fitness program, be sure to check out what Marianne writes about pilates rings and pilaties equipment.

Aero Pilates Works Out Multiples

By Tony Markus

A calming and peaceful way to gain the confidence you need is through aero Pilates. This physical and mental exercise is derived from the original, authentic teachings of Joseph Pilates which surpasses the typical exercises that promise a healthier and stronger body. This practice trains the mind to stay focused as well concentrate on certain muscles that need to be developed and made leaner. As the body becomes stronger and healthier, it is definitely a factor to make one more confident and proud.

Available in the market at present are a number of aero Pilates machines that have varying features for comfort, resistance levels, and body health solutions. The purpose of the machines when used to perform the sets of exercises is to optimize the effects of the workout throughout the body. With the traditional exercise enhancing certain muscle group, the machines allows other muscles not often used on a regular basis to develop and be toned as well.

A mini vertical trampoline known as cardio rebounder is one of the extra components used in aero Pilates. Use of this equipment while performing the sets of exercises provides low impact cardiovascular training that helps improve the health of the heart and also accelerate weight loss. The use of this equipment, contrary to some speculation, is gentle to the joints and connective tissue which minimizes the cases of injury, but instead consistently uses and also strengthens other muscles that are not well-developed and utilized in daily activities. Other types of equipment, which can be made of steel or wood, essentially provide the same effects to the body. The only difference is the kind of workouts performed using the different machines.

Aero Pilates is designed to boost aerobic endurance and muscle strength, use of the machines will enable one to have muscles able to hold more resistance than normal. In addition to that, even though the incorporation of machines in this form of exercise produces low impact cardiovascular training for individuals, it still manages to make the body exert more effort to perform the necessary movements that will make the maximum number of muscles to move and develop.

Beginners who would like to try out aero Pilates are becoming enthusiastic and eager to learn the technique mainly because of its emphasis on both physical and spiritual advancement. A lot of proponents help popularize this course of therapy to others because even though it is quite harder than other exercises, it provides more rewarding results and effects to the human body.

Due to the fact that the use of machines in performing aero Pilates may at certain occasions cause some minor injuries, it is best for practitioners to consult experts before executing the different workouts. There are also manuals and guides that emphasize the principles involved in the workouts that will inform and educate aficionados on the proper movements that will avoid accidents and injuries when performing the exercises. It is essential to keep in mind that in order to obtain best results in this exercise, one must be concerned with the method of practice, execution of movements, breath control and proper positions. - 32527

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Tony is a health and fitness journalist who writes about aero pilates and pilaties fitness techniques.

Pilates Mat Exercises Must Be Usually Rewarding And Challenging

By Thaya Kareeson

Pilates mat exercises have little variation from typical Pilates exercises, which have been around for a very long time. Recently people have taken a liking to using different tools to enjoy their Pilates. The mats used in the specific Pilates mat exercises below is one helpful tool to use while exercising.

Pilates was first created as a physical fitness method in the early twentieth century in Germany. Even though it has a long history, in 2005 over eleven million people were reportedly doing it on a regular basis. As of that time, there were fourteen thousand instructors for Pilates in just the United States. Most instructors will provide Pilates mat exercises and the mats that they require, right in class.

One of the easier Pilates mat exercises is the inner thigh lift. The mat is used to help the spine line up straight as the exerciser lays on their side, hip to the floor, leg extended towards the foot of the mat. The lower arm can support the head in a hand, or it can stretch out across the floor. The upper leg bends so the foot can be placed before of the hips, flat to the mat as the knee pushes away. The inner thigh is used to lift and lower the leg on the floor, without letting that leg touch the floor.

Pilates mat exercises can help a person articulate the entire spine and move it in a roll from flexion through to extension. The Teaser One maneuver is started on the back and meant to do just that. The arms are above the head and the legs are lifted up to a forty-five degree angle. With the tightening of the abdominal muscles, the spine curls up and the hands float over the legs then lift up above the head as the body comes into a perfect V pose. Then the body lowers back to the mat, with the legs going up above the body in a ninety degree angle.

Even though Pilates mat exercises should mostly be done on the floor, some will start standing up, like the 'walk out and push up' exercise. Start standing at the foot of the mat with the arms extended above the head. As the arms lower, the chin drops to the chest and the spine curls. The pelvis remains pushed forward. With the hands flat on the floor and heels together, walk the right hand out, then the left. The right hand moves to be even with the left and the body is tightened. With the head lifted so that the crown is in alignment with the spine and the legs are in center line, the body is now in what is called 'head to heels as if like steel'. The elbows then bend an inch, which lowers the body slightly before the elbows straighten once more.

Another type of push up that is included in the Pilates mat exercises many people do is that of the Leg Pull Front Support. This is started face down on the mat and would be uncomfortable on a straight floor. The palms are at the sides of the body, near the shoulders. The legs are extended and the knees are lifted, with the toes pushing on the mat. While keeping the body in alignment, the hands push up until the shoulders and chest are over the thumbs. The shoulders press down the back and release, so that the area above the heart in the back is soft while the same 'head to heels like steel' position is used. With the abdominal muscles tight and the ribs pulled back into the spine, this position is held for several seconds before slowly being released, with control, and the body comes to the mat again.

Pilates mat exercises should be done with a genuine Pilates mat, not a yoga mat. Yoga mats are thinner because they intend for yoga practitioners to feel the floor. For Pilates, exercisers need to be padded from the floor, so the mats should be half an inch thick and made of good quality foam. Pilates mats can be rolled up or folded. They should also be about four feet by eight feet in size.

Pilates mat exercises have been a beneficial way to use a mat while doing Pilates. They allow people of different abilities the opportunity to become stronger, fitter, and increase their agility. Pilates can be a very safe and healthy way to get fit. - 32527

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Pilates Fitness Equipment And Its Uses

By Jennifer Willenson

Pilates focuses on muscle control and core strengths. Awareness of the breath helps the spine stay supported and the body flexible and balanced. It also uses muscle control to keep the body strong. There are a number of types of machines and pilates fitness equipment that are used in the system.

The reformer is a popular piece of pilates equipment that is crafted out of wood. It consists of springs, a footboard, and a pulley. The pulley is used to push or pull the carriage with body weight resisting against the equipment for optimal conditioning. The reformer's main focus is on that of flexibility and core strengthening.

The Cadillac is a large piece of equipment that has various devices attached to it, such as a trapeze, leg and arm springs, and a stretching bar. Every muscle group can be isolated with the machine. It is rarely used in classes, being so large, but can be found in private Pilates classes.

The spine corrector, another pilates based device, is a barrel that restores spinal curvatures. By strengthening the abdominal muscles and back, it keeps the spine flexible and helps to alleviate any hunchbacked symptoms, and also tones core and leg muscles.

The Wunda chair is another resistance exercising device. The wunda chair targets muscle groups that are normally hard to isolate with traditional exercises. It places focus on upper and lower body conditioning.

Many other props, like disks and resistance bands, weighted balls, and the magic circle, which is a padded ring that provides light resistance, are also available for pilates use. These are good for targeting problem areas like the inner and outer thighs and arms and chest.

Pilates focuses on what they call the powerhouse muscles, the muscles in the center of the body. This includes the buttocks and lower back and hips, centered in the body, and oxygenation of the muscles. Pilates is a great tension reducer for the shoulders and neck. - 32527

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Learn more Secrets about Pilates Fitness Equipment and find all the equipment, exercises and tips you need to firm up and lose weight fast here: Pilates Fitness Equipment

How The Pilates Reformer Exercises Can Help You

By Jennifer Willenson

You can use the pilates reformer exercises to help you get in shape or to maintain the body you have. There are many exercise associated with pilates and they will help you work various parts of your body. You can use a Pilates DVD or book to show you how to stretch or the moves that are involved in pilates.

You use the reformer machine to work out on and it will help you increase your potential. The machine was designed by gymnast Jospeh Pilates and is used to revitalize your body and keep your muscles symmetrical. You don't need the reformer machine to perform these exercises you can use a mat and the floor.

The machine is versatile in that anyone can use it. Women, men, young and old will all benefit from the machine. Ropes are used to pull you along rollers or you can push yourself with the push bar that is provided. This will make you go back and forth. Resistances are done by using the springs that are attached to the machine. The machine uses the springs instead of weights.

These springs can be tightened to heavy or light depending on the work out you require. There are many pilates exercises and all of them can be performed on the machine. Many videos have been produced on how to use the machine and do the exercises, so you have many options to assist you. The Internet or a store can be useful in getting these videos.

Your local gym may have Pilates Reformer exercises and give you instructions on how to do them. There a famous people who do Pilates. Even if you are pregnant you can do the exercises but first you should consult your doctor to make sure you are okay to do them. There are several individual trainers that are experts in pilates that can be hired to help you.

Sportsmen use the Pilates Reformer to augment their training and to perform better in their sporting activities. Stars use the Reformer to maintain the look they want. The reformer will assist you in toning your body to be exactly what you want it to be. - 32527

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For more information on Pilates Reformer Exercises and how you can implement them into your routine as well as Pilates mat exercises then visit Pilates Reformer Exercises

Balanced Body Pilates Helps To Strengthen The Body And The Mind

By Jennifer Willenson

Turning to exercise in order to stay in shape and become healthier is a trend that is just here to stay. Exercise can help people to live longer and happier, more fulfilled lives.

One of the best exercises that is now being used is called balanced body Pilates. It is used to help individuals become more balanced and also to help many with coordination issues.

Joseph Pilates started this craze after studying dancers and using their movements to create a great workout program to help people with balance and coordination. After all, who has better grace than a dancer? Most of the Pilates movements are taken from dancer's movements in some variation or another.

You cannot confuse Pilates with other types of exercise, though. It can really help the mind as well as the body. With specific breathing and stretching moves it can help the mind to relax and strengthen.

For people with very stressful lives they can turn to Pilates and receive a sense of peace and quite. It can create a place of serenity for many people. This can be difficult to come by for most these days.

Pilates also strengthens the core. The core is what really gives a person better balance and strength throughout the day. The core muscles support the back and the spine which are used in almost every movement that we make every day.

The whole idea of Pilates is also suppose to help have a balanced mind, kind of like yoga. It increases awareness and it helps to focus. There is also a focus on breathing that is also used in yoga. This helps people to learn to regulate their bodies and calm down and de-stress.

Balancing the mind and body can be very important to a person's overall life quality. Pilates does much more than just exercise the body. It also exercises the mind. - 32527

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Balance your mind and body with Balanced Body Pilates. Destress, get fit and firm with these Pilates Mat Exercises

Stott Pilates DVD: Learning Pilates

By Jennifer Willenson

Have you ever wished for you very own personal trainer? Many of us are jealous of the great toned bodies that so many celebrities and athletes have these days. The secret to a great toned body is found in Pilates.

We all want bodies like the stars and athletes without the financial burden of a personal trainer. There is an answer to this dilemma. Since we know that most of the celebrities and athletes are using the Pilates form of exercise we can do the same in the convenience of our own home just like the stars with the aid of a Stott Pilates DVD.

Pilates is a form of exercise that was developed in the 1980's by a man named Joseph Pilates. He combined physical therapy along with physical fitness to perfect the Pilates regiment. Pilates is constantly being perfected by Lindsay and Moira Merrithew. Moira trained under one of Joseph Pilates apprentices while Lindsay reconstructed and modified the Pilates equipment.

The original metal Pilates equipment was limited in motion and was very expensive and hard to find; therefore Lindsay designed a reproduction of the metal version in wood. Lindsay also added some modifications making the equipment more user friendly and allowing for more mobility. The first reproduced version is known as the Reformer. It has since been modernized and additional modifications have been added making it adjustable to fit different heights and sizes.

You would think exercise is just targeting the body but with Pilates you are targeting both mind and body. Pilates consist of over 500 different exercises and is used to condition both the mind and body. The exercises are geared towards increase muscle tone and increasing flexibility. Unlike most exercises, Pilates is intended for quality of exercise not quantity of exercise.

Anyone can benefit from doing Pilates and it can be done either on a mat or with specialty Pilates equipment. It does not matter what age, shape or size you are because this form of exercise is designed to be invigorating instead of a lot of work ending in exhaustion. Pilates incorporates physical therapy and physical fitness allowing it to be modified to meet individual needs.

Pilates is the more effective if the proper techniques are utilized. There are many local workout centers that have started offering group Pilates classes, you can also invest in a personal trainer if you have the funds available. The cheapest form of learning proper Pilates technique is through the Stott Pilates DVD.

It is highly recommended that new comers begin with the basic Pilates using a mat. Once familiar with the principal and techniques you can advance onto the harder more in depth Pilates exercises.

Pilates is attractive to many people because it is not always the same old boring routines. Each routine can be different and more effective than doing the same thing over and over. Stott Pilates is a great form of exercising and toning that is used by athletes and celebrities also. If you can not afford to invest in a personal trainer, then invest in a Stott Pilates DVD. You can obtain the same results all you need is to learn the proper technique. - 32527

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All you need to know about Pilates exercises and equipment as well as the latest Stott Pilates DVD so you can get in shape and work out with Pilates Mat Exercises

Pilates Mat Exercises Will Help You Tone Your Physique

By Jennifer Willenson

The main focus of Pilates mat exercises is to target stubborn areas that may be difficult to lose an adamant amount of weight from. These exercises target both your abdominal and lower back region. Men and women alike enjoy these exercises, because of the incredible results that they have obtained from engaging in them.

Most of the Pilates exercises that you will do are made to focus on your core area. We all have dreams about having a flat and tone abdominal area, however most of us find it difficult to obtain the results that we desire.

Pilate's exercises have been developed to help strengthen the core muscles of our stomachs and backs through low intensity workouts. Most of the exercises that you will be asked to perform involve low impact repetitions that over time will give you the body that you desire.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Pilates mat exercises is the fact that there are no machines that are utilized. All of the exercises are performed based off of your own resistance, and nothing else. With not having to use any fancy machinery, your chances of injuring yourself when performing these exercises are reduced.

Many people have noted serious improvements to their abdominal areas, which are normally extremely difficult to tone to a state of perfection. Although, the exercises are not that strenuous on your body, they do work.

But do not rush out to do these exercises before ensuring that you have a skilled instructor teaching you the tricks of this exercise regimen. You will need an instructor to lead you through the basic movements and positions that you need your body to be in, in order to be successful.

Pilates is a particular form of exercise that has been around for quiet some time. However, many people are just now beginning to see the astonishing results that they can obtain through practicing these exercises. - 32527

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Find out all about Pilates Mat Exercises from Jennifer at http://www.pilatesmatexercises.net

Five Easy Poses: Yoga For Beginners

By Thaya Kareeson

Yoga is well-known to improve health, relieve stress, improve coordination, balance and overall fitness, both mental and physical. Yoga, if you know nothing about it, can be intimidating. You have visions of turning yourself into a human pretzel - you who has not done anything remotely pretzel-like since you were five years old! Put your mind at rest. In yoga for beginners there is no need for you to do any pose beyond your ability. Here are a few beginner's poses to get you started.

The first pose is called Easy Yoga Pose. You often see people meditating in this position. To begin, sit on your bottom with your legs crossed in front of you (knees bent). Put one foot towards your groin and the other on the floor. Sit up nice and tall, stretching your spine. Relax your shoulders. This should feel quite comfortable.

To do the Tree Pose, start from a standing position. Your hands should be in a prayer pose, fingertips pointing up, at chest level. Hips should be parallel to the floor as much as possible. Slowly bring your right foot up the inside of your left leg until it rests on your inner left thigh (or as high as you can get it without pain). Remain balancing for a time, then repeat with your other leg and foot. Hold on to the wall or a chair if you need extra support.

Downward-Facing Dog, also known as adho mukha svanasana is a great whole-body stretch. To do this pose, get down on your hands and knees. Your hands should be straight below your shoulders and your hips directly over your knees. Your back should be straight. Slowly bring your hands as far back as you can. Your body will look like the top part of a triangle with the floor as the base of the triangle. Lower your shoulders so they are not scrunched up towards your ears. Then, drop your head and just let it hang. Only go as far as you can with this pose without experiencing pain. Finish the pose by coming back to the starting position.

Child's Pose is done from the Downward-Facing Dog Pose, spread your knees and then bring your stomach towards the ground. Stretch your arms out in front of you. Of, if that is uncomfortable, put your arms down alongside of your body with your fingers pointing at your toes. Stay in this position for as long as you like.

Cat/Cow Pose is another stretching pose. Get onto your hands and knees as if you were going to do the Downward-Facing Dog Pose. Your toes should be bent under and pointing towards your head. Shoulders should be relaxed. Drop your belly low towards the ground. It is not necessary to touch your belly to the ground. Keep your hands and knees aligned with your shoulders and hips. Next, arch your back towards the ceiling getting a good stretch. Come back to the beginning.

Garland Pose is started from the standing position. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart. Go into a squat, putting your elbows against the inside of your knees and your hands in prayer position. Your fingertips should point towards the ceiling. Using your elbows gently push the inside of your knees. Relax your shoulders and keep your spine straight. Stay in this pose for about five breaths.

That was not too bad, now was it? How do you feel? Undoubtedly you feel much more centered and relaxed than you did before we started the yoga poses. Yoga for beginners is really quite satisfying and makes you feel great. Keep up your practice and you will notice yourself getting more and more flexible and strong. Maybe there is a yoga class in your town you could join so you can keep adding to your repertoire of poses. - 32527

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In search of ways how to lose weight and how to lose belly fat. Yoga is well-known to boost health, relieve stress, boost coordination, balance and overall fitness, both mental and physical.

Yoga Blocks Maintains Your Your Your Poses In Yoga Classes In Yoga

By Thaya Kareeson

Many people are excited to try a tough discipline like yoga. As a beginner, watching all the difficult poses can be intimidating. Yoga blocks can help a beginner to yoga adjust and get into the correct postures and positions right from the beginning. These effective tools can help take the fear out of yoga for even the most timid beginner.

Yoga originated in the eastern country of India, and is a traditional method of exercise and self discipline. It uses the mental, physical and verbal beliefs of Hinduism to help a person attain self control. In today's world of increasing fitness and concern for health, yoga provides a complimentary way of increasing flexibility and agility.

In the practice of yoga, people often seem to bend and twist and turn their bodies in many different positions. These are called asanas or postures. When someone is just starting out the practice or discipline of yoga, many asanas seem very difficult. Instructors will bring into play yoga blocks, made of various materials, to assist beginners in achieving asanas.

Yoga blocks can be placed beneath the hands to help a person stretch further with assistance, or put under the buttocks, heels or head. Some people need encouragement and some physical support. As they reach for the blocks, or have parts of their bodies lifted up, they become aware of what muscle groups should be working, what tendons should be stretching. This helps them actualize the postures or asanas.

Some people who practice yoga have existing medical problems that they are learning to overcome with exercise and fitness in general. People who have tight hips and hamstrings can use yoga blocks to improve their flexibility. A little support in the right place can go a long way in helping someone maneuver themselves properly.

The blocks can also be helpful for people who are trying to attain more difficult positions. Sarvangasana, a shoulderstand, can utilize four or so blocks beneath the shoulders to help a person have the right support. These blocks are used in Supta Virasana or 'hero lying down' can help support the spine. The goal of these blocks is to encourage and provide proper support during postures. Spine alignment in yoga is very important, and crucial to preventing strain or injury.

Yoga blocks can come in many different types and materials. Part of practicing yoga means having an open mind and earth-friendly consciousness. Many blocks come in materials that are friendly to the earth. Bamboo, pine wood from New Zealand, cork are all specifically chosen to be renewable resources. It's also helpful to have natural materials in one's yoga practice to help with meditation and tranquility of atmosphere.

Taking on the challenge of a good yoga routine is meant to help people get more fitness in their lives. Yoga should compliment strength training and fat burning exercises. With the help of yoga blocks, people practicing yoga need not worry about strain or injury. These tools make yoga that much easier to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle. - 32527

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