Many of you who are accustomed to exercising and keeping fit probably use Pilates as part of your routine.
Brief History
This great exercise technique was developed by Joseph H. Pilates a German, from as early as the 1920's. It was developed based on his knowledge of:
· Zen meditation
· Yoga
· Martial arts
· Fitness practice
Pilates Benefits
There are several advantages associated with Pilates exercise and they are as follows:
· The body becomes strong, long and lean. Also the core of the body is strengthened by targeting the back, buttocks and abdomen therefore ensuring a strong spine.
· It lessens stress and tension whilst increasing power and enhancing circulation, flexibility and motion.
· If you use a mat properly in your pilates exercise there is no strain and injury to your body. And you won't feel pain or get overly tired.
· Pilates can be used as rehabilitation exercises in physical therapy
Supreme Pilates was established by Ellen Croft. She is a former horse training assistant but, due to her great love for Pilates, she was able to become a Pilates instructor and create the great Supreme Pilates machine as a result. This piece of equipment enables you to do Pilates more efficiently and more, importantly, on your own. There is added resistance and this makes you work your muscles harder, therefore burning more fat and calories.
With the Supreme Pilates machine, the focus is on your legs, glutes and abdominals and some of the advantages or benefits of this type of exercise are:
· Increased Metabolism
· Increased lean muscle mass
· More energy
· Defined and toned body
· More relaxation
· Decreased fat percentage
Aero Pilates is another form which is concerned with cardio-vascular fitness and When exercising, your target heart rate is achieved effectively. There are some main exercises involved and they are:
· Reformer – This you can use in the comfort of your home while giving you a total body workout. 32 pilates resistance moves can be supported.
· Metal machine – this mainly concentrates on producing a controlled and concentrated movement thus maintaining a healthy body
· Cardio rebounder – this resembles working out on a trampoline and this increases cardiovascular effort. This is easy on joints if you have joint pains or problems.
Mari Windsor Pilates, can also be done in the comfort of your home and is suitable for both beginners and more advanced followers. One of the exercises deals with flexing of the spine and this is quite important especially if you spend a great deal of time behind the computer, the television or even driving. Although primarily concentrating on the spine and its flexibility, your shoulders and hips are also included in the movement.
Mari Winsor also concentrated on the breathing aspect of exercising, particularly diaphragmatic breathing. This may sound difficult at first but once you pratice and grow accustomed to it, you'll find it becomes second nature.
