Is Winsor Pilates Good?

If you are seeking to increase your metabolism as you build muscle strength and gain flexibility, a Winsor Pilates regimen can meet your fitness needs. Pilates exercises originated in the 1920s with Joseph Pilates, whose fitness methods were adopted by dancers and other athletes who found the exercises useful for maintaining flexibility and avoiding injury. Winsor Pilates, developed by Los Angeles fitness instructor Mari Winsor, is a variation on the traditional Pilates program. In particular, Winsor uses a technique called "dynamic sequencing," consisting of fast-paced Pilates moves intended to challenge the heart and lungs as well as tone muscles.

Quick Results

Winsor claims that her method -- which she makes available both through fitness classes and DVDs for home use -- provides quick results thanks to "seamless transitioning." Her classes differ from traditional Pilates exercises in that they cycle rapidly from one exercise to the next, calling on the cardiovascular system as well as the muscular system. Winsor also uses a piece of equipment called the Accelerator to provide resistance, which she claims is a "total home gym," providing 25 uses and 200 exercises.

Strength

Winsor Pilates, like regular Pilates, helps build strength in muscles throughout your body. Pilates places particular emphasis on the muscles of the core -- those found deep in the abdominal cavity -- thus promoting a strong carriage and good posture. Pilates moves such as plank, side leg kicks and swan challenge your arms, legs and back as well, helping to build muscles that look lean and toned rather than bulky. The Winsor Pilates Accelerator adds even more resistance to these traditional moves, increasing the amount of muscle required, thus building greater strength.

Flexibility

Maintaining your flexibility as you age allows you to avoid stiffness. Both Winsor Pilates and regular Pilates classes concentrate equally on muscle strength and mobility, thus promoting lean, elongated muscles and flexible joints. Pilates stretches such as spinal twist, saw and mermaid help increase your range of motion. Using the Winsor Accelerator to perform these stretches increases your range of motion, promoting even greater flexibility.

Fitness Alternative

Many athletes appreciate Pilates for its emphasis on the whole body. With physical pursuits such as running, weightlifting and racket sports, the body tends to become overtrained in certain areas, while other muscle groups are ignored. Pilates exercises help keep the body in alignment and prevent injury to any single area.

Other Benefits

Both Winsor Pilates and regular Pilates programs are easily adapted to fit the needs of all ages and fitness levels. Unlike some other forms of fitness, Pilates does not stress the joints with pounding, bouncing or jarring movements. With modifications, Pilates is appropriate even for those who are pregnant, elderly or recovering from injuries. Like yoga, Pilates requires mental concentration, which can act as a stress reliever. Deep breathing and stretching, an integral part of a Pilates routine, help boost your energy and promote a sense of well-being. Winsor Pilates in particular provides the extra benefit of cardiovascular exercise, but does not require any large or expensive equipment.