Pilates involves stretching and conditioning exercises that will increase your core strength, tone your muscles and improve your flexibility and agility. The exercises involved in Pilates workouts can require little or no equipment, making it ideal if you want to exercise at home.
DVDs
DVDs are ideal if you are a beginner or have little experience with Pilates. They often take on the traditional class style format, featuring a warm-up, a workout, a toning section and a cool-down period. Instructors will explain the exercises, adding vital points about alignment and breathing so that you can perform the exercise properly. The Scott Pilates At Home DVD Series features a range of titles to choose from, including Basic Pilates, Intense Sculpting Challenge, Mini Flex-Ball Workout, Weight Loss Boost, The Secret to a Strong Back, Stability Ball Challenge, Dynamic Armchair Pilates and Pilates for Breast Cancer Rehab. It also includes Strength and Agility, Golf and Pre/Post-Natal Series.
Internet
The Internet can help you find Pilates products, tutorials and other information. If you are researching or learning new exercises, use a reputable site and ensure that the information is written by a trained Pilates instructor. Try downloading podcasts that you can play through your computer or IPod while you exercise. Podcasts are available for many levels of experience and some even cover rehabilitation exercises, exercises for athletes and ideas for teachers
Books
Books are another resource that can help you with your at home Pilates workout. Some provide workout routines that you can follow step-by-step while others cover anatomy and physiology to help you understand exactly how your body works during certain exercises. Books on Pilates are aimed at different levels. Some will cover the basics while others can be quite advanced. Some also focus on other aspects such as the benefits of Pilates, its history and evolution, the equipment needed and further information. If you are not sure whether a book will help you with your workout, borrow it from the library first.
Safety
When working out at home, follow the instructor's advice. Reassess your body at regular intervals to ensure you are in the proper position and are performing the exercise correctly. If you feel pain or discomfort at any time, stop exercising and find out whether rest will take care of the pain.
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