By Jim Johnson
If you haven't already joined the pilates fitness training wave, there's plenty of time to get on-board. Pilates has been adopted successfully by millions as a way to get in shape and stay fit, without extensive strength training and aerobic exercise. Of course, it's not a bad idea to incorporate different kinds of workouts in your daily exercise routine, but if the others don't appeal to you, then consider pilates instead.
Pilates is a system of 500 movements that have been developed and refined over the years to help build the core muscles of the body and improve flexibility at the same time. It usually produces a longer, leaner appearance rather than the bulky muscles created by bodybuilding. Pilates also focuses on the quality of the movements undertaken ... so repetitions aren't nearly as important in pilates as they are in weight training.
So what do you need to get started with pilates fitness training? Actually, the first thing you can do is go to your local library and get a DVD on pilates exercises. Usually, you can learn a lot from these kinds of products by getting to see pilates put to use. If it looks like something appealing, your next step would be verifying with your doctor that you can physically handle such an exercise program. If he/she agrees that it would be good for you, a logical next move is to actually sign up for a pilates class and learn how to perform the movements from a good, qualified instructor. The teacher can also help you work up an exercise routine that will be tailored to your particular needs. If you enjoy attending these classes and have the time to do so, you may want to continue on this path and add more exercises as the need arises.
But for many, once they have mastered the pilates exercise program, they can do it right at home any time they want. This often works very well for people who lead busy lives, enabling them to fit their daily fitness workout into their schedule whenever it works best.
You may also want to consider adding the use of some other equipment -- a pilates exercise ball, a mat, pilates circles and pilates resistance bands -- to the mix later on. But initially, just focus on getting the movements right and doing them properly.
The most strenuous pilates workout is the winsor pilates system, which will burn the most energy and help you lose the most weight ... so, eventually you may want to focus on that set of pilates exercises to get in the best shape possible.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing to do is: get started. Following the suggestions above should help you get on the road to good health using the power of pilates.
Source: physicalfitnessarticles.net
