Pilates Exercise: More Than Just a Core Workout

It's a common misconception that Pilates method exercise is really only good for strengthening and stretching the core muscles of the body. Many people use it to tone their abs and improve their posture but, in reality, Pilates can do much more than that. In fact, when combined with an aerobic "cardio" exercise component (e.g., jogging or Spinning) Pilates can provide you with a fantastic full-body conditioning workout!

Pilates Exercises for Strength-Training

Many Pilates exercises are great muscle-toners that work large muscle groups beyond just the abs and lower back. The Plank position, for example, effectively works the chest and triceps muscle groups. Leg kicks work the glute and hamstring muscles very well. Free squats are one of the best lower-body exercises around, working the quadriceps, the hamstrings, and the glutes. And don't think these are "sissy" strength-training exercises. Many of the world's top martial artists practice them on a daily basis to toughen their bodies and reduce the chance of getting hurt.

Pilates Equipment

When it comes to workout equipment, it's hard to beat Pilates devices like the Reformer and Wunda chair. Not only do they stretch and strengthen muscles -- providing great full-body conditioning -- but they "teach" you how to use the different parts of your body together efficiently. Efficient body movement is a key to great overall fitness, injury prevention, and high-level sports performance. Portable Pilates equipment like resistance bands and the Pilates circle are also effective fitness tools. They're inexpensive, easy to travel with, and can easily be incorporated into many of your current muscle-conditioning routines for increased benefits.

Mind-Muscle Benefits

The muscle-control and mental-focus gained from doing Pilates on a regular basis can help you in all areas of fitness. This is one reason why so many professional athletes are now taking Pilates classes. Few exercise system help you to coordinate your mind and body as well as Pilates. The benefits of this coordination are increased strength, improved posture, alleviation of pain, improved mental focus, and (obviously) improved physical coordination... to name just a few!

Putting It All Together

Simply put, Pilates exercise is a highly-effective method of total-body conditioning. No, it won't put slabs of new muscle on your body. But it will make the muscle you have look great, while providing an array of benefits that typical weight-training can't give you. Throw in some good cardio training and you've got a complete solution for great fitness and health!
About the Author

Jamie Clark is a fitness expert, researcher, and "health nut" who enjoys Pilates exercise and writes for PilatesMethodExercise.com. For more great Pilates exercise articles visit: http://www.pilatesmethodexercise.com/blog/category/pilates-articles/

Pilates Exercise: More Than Just a Core Workout

Shoulder exercises that suit beginners
The posterior or rear deltoid allows you to draw your arm backwards when it is perpendicular to the torso. The recommended shoulder exercises for beginners are as follows:. This exercise targets the rear delt. To begin with you should incorporate your shoulder exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:. Seated dumbbell press - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

"Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment"
The Swiss ball exercise for people with back pain provide them a simple way to restore movements after a back pain episode. About the Author Paul Johnson works as a software developer, often working long hours under great stress. The ball game will provide extra exercise indirectly. Your body responds automatically to the perceived instability to keep balanced on the exercise ball. While you are not exercising with your ball, you can use it for playing with kids.

Free Fitness Workouts
Manylocal governments set aside money to fund public tennis courts,swimming centers, softball fields, and more. If theweather is bad, take a jaunt around the local mall. Ask if theyoffer temporary passes for guests to evaluate the gym. Fitness need not be expensive, and here are a few free fitnesstips. Take a Trial Class or Get a One-Day Pass Most studios and gyms will let you try out their facilities andclasses if you are interested in possibly joining.

Body Basics - A Pilates Newsletter - Breathing For Exercise
December, 2005 Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter. My other workout class doesn't dothat. I sit at a desk and computer for long hours and it helpsmy spine stay in good shape to do this. Nose breathing brings a slow but deep inhalation ofbreath.

Fat Burning Exercises
By doing just twenty minutes of fat burning exercises you get those fat burning enzymes working. They are the most popular pieces for home gyms because they allow you to stay fit in any weather condition. If you want to reduce body fat, eating properly will always help. Try to set 3 days a week as your goal to workout and work up to 5 days as you become more fit. The residual effect of this type of aerobic exercise gives you the most benefits.

A brief History of Pilates.
The dance community, through Rudolf VanLaban, highly regarded Pilates' techniques and adapted hisexercises. Fletcher however,brought on improvements to the regiment About the author:. One of which,George Ballanchine, also had Pilates teach the ballerinas at theNew York City Ballet. Two of Pilates' Students, Carola Trier, and Bob Seed, on theother hand, opened their own studio, demonstrating the methodsand techniques, taught them by Pilates himself.

What Is A Personal Trainer
Above all, a personal trainer really cares about the client. How are you involved in the industry? Do you stay competitive in the industry? Try to take course on exercise, fitness and health. Commitment is the key; you have to be committed, as your clients certainly will not be.

Benefit of Pilates
Pilates movement places its focus on the body's core. You create the ability to maintain proper posture, increase joint range of motion, acquire a flat lean stomach, improve circulation, have more stamina and better coordination. Who can't squeeze in 10 minutes out of your day to improve your health and well being? Pilates is a series of controlled movements that unite the body and mind and creates a direct connection to the muscles.

Never Hit A Training Plateau In Your Workouts Again
Again, learn to listen to your body. Weare going to systematically wipe out long-lasting plateaus,forever. You are lifting for progress, not just for the act oflifting some weight. Do not try to "burn fat" while weight training becauseyou will not achieve it. Take a break after two months of training.