Pilates is an exercise technique offering numerous benefits besides improved muscle tone. Improved posture and skeletal alignnment leads to increased mobility and exercise effectiveness. Exercises performed in a standing position are considered...
Stands for Pilates machines provide certain conveniences, as well as additional workout options. Protective cups on the legs of the stand allow you to move the machine without scratching the finish on floors or snagging carpet threads. Elevating...
Pilates is a form of movement that focuses on strengthening the body's core, which includes the muscles of the abdominals, gluteus maximus and shoulder girdle. Practicing Pilates will give you core strength and improve the movement of your spine,...
Pilates is an exercise form that targets strengthening the core, aligning the spine, and lengthening the muscles of the hips and spine. There are many types of Pilates workouts including mat workouts, reformer and other specialized equipment...
With the current emphasis on functional training, many fitness trainers are revising their programs and teaching exercises from a standing position. While some exercises, such as squats and lunges have always been performed in this manner, other,...
The Physical Mind Institute, based in New York City, offers evolved Pilates teaching training, as well as classes for the public. Evolved Pilates training includes exercises and movement patterns that go beyond what Joseph Pilates taught before...
A 2005 study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise explored the aerobic, fat-burning efficiency of Pilates exercise. The study, titled "Can Pilates Do It All?" was published in the November/December 2005 edition of "ACE Fitness Matters."...
Total hip replacement surgeries usually eliminate hip pain completely after recovery from the surgery. Total hip replacement is when a surgeon replaces both hips separately -- but during a bilateral surgery both hips get replaced at the same time....
Pilates is one of the best exercises for pregnant women. Done regularly, these exercises will strengthen and develop muscles in the back, abdomen and core, helping women have a more comfortable pregnancy. Pilates can also be adapted to match a...
Weight loss that lasts is usually slow and steady, one to two pounds a week. However, the May 07, 2010 issue of "Science Daily" suggests that rapid weight lost during the first few weeks of a diet and exercise program leads to greater short-term...
There are a few lovely names that describe the same body image problem of excess abdominal fat -- your muffin top. The quickest way to reduce that muffin top with exercise will require a little time and a lot of stamina, but it doesn't have to...
The strength and toning benefits of pilates make it a popular choice; however, you may not have the time, access or money to make it to a gym or a pilates studio for classes. Fortunately, there are good pilates mat workouts available on DVD for...
Pilates is a specific form of exercise. Created by Joseph Pilates to assist in rehabilitating soldiers wounded in World War I, the Pilates philosophy is one of mind and body connection. The technique uses gentle, controlled movements to...
When you think of the mind-body exercise practice of Pilates, core strengthening comes to mind. The bulk of Joseph Pilates mat work does focus on the abdominal, back and hamstring muscles. He does offer several standing arm and lunge exercises,...
The exercise band began life as a simple, wide and flat latex band, used primarily for physical therapy. As it evolved through the decades, it gradually stretched its way into mainstream fitness centers. Manufacturers developed innovative...
In addition to his mat exercises, Joseph Pilates invented a variety of exercise machines. These include the reformer, the trapeze, the chair, the arc barrel, the wall unit and the tower, as well as smaller apparatus such as the fitness circle....
The Pilates Door Gym allows you to do resistance training exercises at home with minimal equipment. However, the apparatus is not part of Joseph Pilates' original exercise methodology. Most Pilates exercises are performed lying down, while the...
Resistance bands are an accessory that can be used in a variety of ways for exercise. Made of durable latex strips or tubing, bands or tubes are often color-coded in order of their resistance levels, and may be used for traditional workouts or in...
When Joseph Pilates began teaching his method of exercise, he called it Contrology. The goal of his work was to align, lengthen and strengthen the entire body. While Pilates' method is known for strengthening the core, it is also an invaluable...
Pilates is a type of exercise that enhances postural alignment, core stability, coordination strength and fluidity of movement. The exercises can either be performed on the mat or on Pilates equipment. While there are a number of machines that are...
The Pilates exercise program was initially created in 1910 by Joseph Pilates. The program focuses on the entire body through a series of breathing exercises and short, repetitive movements to build endurance, flexibility and strength. Today,...
Pilates is a form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century. Torso exercises that involve strengthening the abdominals and back musculature, called the core of the body, are the focus of seated, lying down and standing...
Joseph Pilates developed his method in Germany in the early 20th century, but his technique did not become an international fitness trend until the early 1990s. The growing population of Pilates enthusiasts inspired exercise equipment...
Joseph Pilates created his exercise technique in the early 1900s, and developed his signature apparatus in the middle of the 20th century. Like many famous innovators, he did not attain worldwide fame until after his death. Pilates exercise became...
Pilates small props and apparatus provide a cost-effective and space-saving means of adding variety and challenge to a traditional Pilates mat class. Some instructors even use these props in conjunction with the Pilates equipment. Small prop...
Exercising in water is a different environment than on land because of the water's buoyancy. Water helps you float to take weight off your joints, but it also provides more resistance than air. When you move your body through a pool, the water...
Women, especially fitness-minded women, are not necessarily weaker than men, but they might be shorter, and will have different body proportions. Because exercise machines work on a leverage system, shorter women sometimes find themselves at a...
An Aero Pilates machine is an in-home system made by Stamina Products, Inc. You can do Pilates and cardiovascular exercises on the Aero Pilates machine, which has four springs for additional resistance. When you are ready to work out on your Aero...
Although many Pilates classes focus on reclined exercises performed on a mat, Joseph Pilates often taught standing exercises using light weights, according to master Pilates teacher, Romana Kryzanowska. Pilates recommended light hand weights,...
Learn how to do standing pilates exercises for all body types in this free fitness video on pilates exercises that anyone can do.
Improve posture with Pilates. Learn simple exercises to improve core muscles with this Pilates video lesson.
