Pilates is a complete exercise method developed by its founder Joseph Pilates over the course of a lifetime dedicated to improving physical and mental health.
Pilates focuses on building your body's core strength and improving your posture through a series of low repetition low impact stretching and conditioning exercises.
By core strength, we are talking about your back, abdominal and pelvic muscles. Through pilates, you will be able to develop these muscles without adding bulk, increasing your flexibility and agility and at the same time toning your stomach and thigh muscles.
Pilates goes far beyond your core muscles however and not only provides a complete body workout (you will be working muscles you didn't even know you had!), but also helps you develop an awareness of how your body works, helping your mind and body to work in harmony.
The Eight Principles Of Pilates
Pilates is based on eight principles:
Relaxation
Alignment
Control
Precision
Routine
Breathing
Centring
Flowing movement
Getting Started With Pilates
The best way to get started with pilates is to join a class and learn the basics from a qualified pilates teacher. Pilates classes are held up and down the country, either in studios equipped with specialist exercise equipment or in village halls and sports centres where mat work often takes precedence.
There are also many DVDs and books available for you to practise pilates at home.
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Recommended Books And DVDs For Pilates
Pilates For Life DVD
Don't worry you don't have to be a ballet dancer to benefit from pilates! Pilates can be done by anyone of any age and ability. This step by step easy to follow DVD will help you achieve a flat stomach, slender thighs and buttocks, and toned arms. Darcey Bussel takes us through a series of core moves and the diet and life changing tips will help you to be healthy on the inside as well as on the outside. Practised regularly, the exercises in this DVD will strengthen your deep postural muscles.
Price: £17.99 Now £6.98
Buy the Pilates For Life DVD
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The Classic Pilates Method book
Lynne Robinson and Body Control Pilates have brought Joseph Pilates' original teachings to a vast international readership, creating exercise programmes that are famed for their clarity, effectiveness and safety. Building on the bestselling success of The Official Body Control Pilates Manual, The Complete Classic Pilates Method heralds Body Control's breakdown of the full matwork programme. Originally devised for dancers and athletes, this dynamic course brings physically-demanding exercises within everyone's grasp, breaking them down into three clear levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Complete with watchpoints and warnings for each level, preparation exercises ensure that you are ready to tackle the full action. Culminating in fluent workouts that demand only a minimum of 10 minutes four times a week, this is the clearest and most meticulously graded Pilates manual available.
Price: £12.99 Now £8.39
Buy the Classic Pilates Method book
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For more books, DVDs and equipment visit the Pilates Shop |
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