Pilates exercises are performed on the mat or on specially designed Pilates apparatus. While equipment sessions have some distinct benefits, they can be expensive. Some Pilates instructors have found that the rolling movements stability ball can...
While yoga and Pilates classes are increasingly popular workout choices, they have been around for quite a while. Both workouts can be done in a group setting or in the privacy of your own home. They focus on mastering proper form and technique...
Pilates focuses on your core while strengthening other muscles and increasing flexibility. Kettlebells, a cast iron weight resembling a cannonball with a looped handle, involves swinging motions that offer both a cardiovascular and strength...
Medically referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach backflow into the esophagus. Typically, acid reflux involves a painful burning sensation in the chest. Although GERD can be traced...
The Pilates C-Shaper is a product designed for Pilates exercises, poses and movements that will give need support to the spine. It's easy to use and easy to bring with you to your Pilates class or use at home without taking up much storage room...
Pilates has become an alternative exercise for many people. With increased focus on engaging the core, the majority of Pilates poses work on the lower and upper abdominal muscles while working other areas of the body. People who are new to Pilates...
While you can't lose fat from just one area, following a general weight-loss and toning program can help you zero in on problem areas. Your progress may seem slow, but that's because you lose fat all over your body at an even rate --- if your...
Pilates, although in existence since the early 1900s, has grown in popularity in recent years due to its numerous healthful benefits. Implementing a consistent fitness regimen of Pilates helps improve strength, balance, coordination and...
The past decade brought interesting changes to the fitness industry. In contrast to the high-impact go-go years of the 80s, in the 90s, mind/body fitness became "the thing." As a result of this introspective fitness focus, we began to hear buzz...
Filled with air and available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, stability balls can be an excellent addition to nearly any type of workout. During a Pilates or yoga workout, the ball helps you maintain the natural curve of your spine and...
Pilates is a physical movement program that originated in Germany during World War I. Joseph Pilates was a caretaker to many soldiers who became plagued with injury or disease during wartime. He began devising a series of equipment and poses to...
Certified physical therapists can earn continuing education credits and expand therapeutic practices by completing professional workshops in Pilates. The Pilates Institute of America and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America notes that...
Constipation becomes more common as you age, and strikes women more often than men. It can be caused by underlying medical conditions or something as simple as stress, poor diet or lack of exercise. Exercise stimulates your body in many ways -- it...
Pilates has become a household term. It is used and often overused to describe an exercise method that places a strong emphasis on core activation and postural alignment. These specially designed exercises can be performed either on a mat, on...
Many dieters dream of achieving a flat stomach. It's a difficult goal because it encompasses a variety of different elements including a proper diet, adequate hydration and plenty of exercise. Fortunately, it's also a goal that comes with major...
Forty-four million Americans age 50 or older have osteoporosis or osteopenia. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones and is classified by low bone mass or density. Osteopenia is a condition describing weakening of the bones that often...
During ballet class, you have probably heard your teacher talk about the importance of strong "deep abdominal" muscles. She's referring to the transverse abdominis, which runs directly underneath the "six-pack" muscle -- it must be very strong in...
If you walk into a gym or health club, you'll see a number of different floor surfaces: concrete, hardwood, mats and tile are just some of the common types. However, many would-be athletes work out on carpet for the simple reason that it's what's...
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases estimates that 44 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, or low bone mass. Exercise is an important treatment for osteoporosis because it can improve bone strength and...
Bursitis can affect nearly any joint in your body, causing immediate pain and constant aching. When bursitis affects the hip joint, even the simplest activities can be difficult to perform. Although Pilates can help with the prevention of hip...
Aquatic physical therapy uses water to help individuals recover from injury. Water provides resistance without impact or jarring motions that can cause further injury to the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons of your body. Through aquatic...
Often done on a cushioned exercise mat on the ground, Pilates allows for an effective full-body workout through relatively simple movements. To make the workout more challenging, consider incorporating an exercise ball into your Pilates routine....
A Pilates machine, also called a Reformer, aids in the execution of the many hundreds of movements included in this form of exercise. Pilates strengthens your body and builds muscle, endurance and flexibility throughout. The method is a good way...
Pilates is a body-controlling exercise routine that is often performed on a mat or on a Pilates machine referred to as "the Reformer." In addition, Pilates focuses on core strengthening, helping to build muscles in your legs, hips and...
Pilates exercises can help a pregnant woman be more aware of changes in her body and reduce discomfort, according to licensed manual physical therapist Debbi Goodman. Yoga provides physical and spiritual comfort during pregnancy, according to Yoga...
Fat that is stored in your belly can lead to many health concerns. In "The Flat Belly Diet," Liz Vaccariello says abdominal fat is associated with diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer, high blood pressure, joint and back pain. When you gain...
Occasionally referred to as cumulative trauma disorder, a repetitive stress injury affects joints that are subjected to repetitive movements or improper positioning for long periods of time. Causing intense pain and reduced range of motion, RSI...
If you have had an injury to your shoulder or have had shoulder surgery, Pilates offers a way to help you gain strength and increase your range of motion with a gentler form of exercise. Anyone can do Pilates. With poses that are more challenging,...
Even if you're a confirmed couch potato, getting a little exercise during pregnancy can help you maintain a healthy weight and prepare for the physical challenges of giving birth. Many exercises, like swimming and walking, are safe even for...
A child's pose stretch in Pilates comes from a similar yoga pose. Learn how to do a child's pose stretch with tips from a fitness instructor in this Pilates video.
