Pilates exercises often focus on your core muscles, which are the muscles in your torso, including your waist, back and bra area. If you carry excess fat in this area, Pilates can help you to tone and tighten and improve your overall fitness. This form of exercise isn't a magic fat zapper, however. To get rid of fat, you'll likely have to do more than just start a Pilates routine.
About Pilates
The form of exercise known as Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates as a form of rehabilitation for immobile patients during World War I. The controlled movements performed in Pilates are partially based on methods practiced in Chinese martial arts and yoga, and are usually performed with specialized equipment or as mat exercises. Pilates focuses more on toning and sculpting as opposed to cardiovascular fitness, and this method of exercise can also help increase circulation and strengthen your body's core.
Sample Exercises
Performing core exercises can help tone your waist, back and bra area. To work your back and abdominal area, try the spine stretch forward exercise. This mat exercise involves sitting on the floor while extending your arms and legs. Take a deep inhale, then sit up tall and reach forward toward your toes while exhaling. Curl your head, shoulders and neck forward as you reach, and scoop your bellybutton in toward your spine. Hold this pose for a count as you inhale again, then deepen the scoop of your abdomen as you exhale. Slowly roll your body back up as you inhale, then repeat. For more toning in your core area, try abdominal crunches, side planks, bridges and seated spine twists.
Considerations
While Pilates can help you strengthen and tone problem areas, getting rid of body fat usually takes a more comprehensive approach. Make sure to incorporate cardiovascular aerobic activity into your routine to burn excess fat and calories. In addition to stretching and strength training, include some form of cardio in your routine, such as swimming or biking, for about 30 minutes five days a week. Also, analyze your diet and cut calories as necessary to lose excess fat. Try to add more healthy food into your diet, like fresh vegetables and low-fat options.
Suggestions
If you're new to Pilates, consider taking a class to benefit from a professional instructor's guidance. Working with an expert can help you learn the correct postures and exercises to help you achieve your goals, and a class setting may also help motivate you to continue. Also, be aware of your body's own limitations and don't attempt exercises that may not be safe for you. If you have a chronic condition, back problem or other ailment, see a doctor first to make sure Pilates is safe for you.
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