What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body by using a popular exercise regimen that uses special stretches and machines. Named after Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercise system has proven itself invaluable not only to the fitness user, but to the professional trainers as well. Pilates, a technique of exercise and physical movement intended to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body.

With regular practice of specific exercises joined with focused breathing patterns. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilising the core.

Pilates focuses on the quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel refreshed rather than tired after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works efficiently.

With the aging of our people and the increasing trend toward mindful, moderate health practices, Pilates is more likely to find itself with a wait list at the YMCA, and in your local public schools, shaping the fitness ideals of our next generation.

Practiced loyally, Pilates yields many benefits such as:

· Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing.

· Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination-both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilate's program.

· Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased.

· Bone density and joint health improvements as you become more aware of your body. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body.

Pilate's equipment today is not much different than that of earlier days. Because of the nature of the equipment the inimitably designed pieces truly act as a complement to the challenging mat exercises.

Pilate Moves

The Hundred - This movement strengthens the torso by requiring the back muscles to work in synergy with the abdominal muscles.

Roll Up -This movement strengthens the abdominal muscles.

One-Leg Circle -This movement opens up the hip, increasing flexibility.

One-Leg Stretch -This movement strengthens the abdominal muscles with the opposition effect of keeping the back flat on the floor while changing legs.

Single Straight-Leg Stretch -This movement strengthens the abdominal muscles by the opposition of keeping the back flat on the floor while changing legs.

Key to remember is that you should consult a physician before starting any exercise programme. Always keep water close to you and drink before you get too thirsty.

For more information, go to: http://www.FitnessInfoGuide.com

In The News:


Gentle exercise can help stroke victims recover, new study says
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Aug 28, 2008
Gentle exercise can help stroke victims recover up to 20 years after their diagnosis, a new study suggests. By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent Using a ...
Treadmill Exercise Activates Subcortical Neural Networks After Stroke Medscape (subscription)
Treadmill Exercise Retrains Brain And Body Of Stroke Victims Science Daily (press release)
Exercise forges brain changes in stroke survivors Reuters
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Ways to sneak in daily exercise
United Press International - 9 hours ago
The Harvard Health Letter devotes a single topic special issue to stealth ways to get more exercise. The suggestions include: -- Park further away. ...

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WTVH, NY - 9 hours ago
By WTVH News3 Reducing Cerebral Palsy Risks & Light Exercise and Strokes Doctors still can't definitively say how it helps, but they know that magnesium ...

Best Syndication

Can Facial Exercise Boost Your Career?
Best Syndication, CA - 10 hours ago
Safe, sane exercise wins again as nips and tucks have been outed. Speeding up the aging process is just another contraindication of surgery. ...
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Exercise dos and don'ts for pregnant women
Times Online, UK - 9 hours ago
The quick answer is no, but there are serious questions to consider about the optimum type, frequency and intensity of exercise to keep mum fit and baby ...

Olympic passion turns into "exercise fervor" in China
Xinhua, China - 23 hours ago
29 (Xinhua) -- The end of the Olympic Games has not been the end of exercise for Beijing, for people's enthusiasm for keeping fit has been encouraged. ...

ABC News

'Sexy' exercise salon has Adams officials in a cold sweat
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Aug 28, 2008
"The activities deemed too provocative by Adams Township have become an increasingly popular form of exercise for women around the country, ...
Butler County instructor stands up for pole-dancing Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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Pa. town sued after rejecting pole-dancing studio The Associated Press
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Plexus renews shareholder rights plan; ups minimum stake to ...
Forbes, NY - 18 hours ago
NEW YORK (Thomson Financial) - Plexus Corp. Friday said its board renewed a shareholder rights plan that extends a previous plan which expired on Aug. 12. ...

Oneindia

Exercise Benefits Stroke Survivors, Medical Cell Research, Sports ...
Boston Channel.com,  USA - Aug 28, 2008
Researchers from the University of Zürich in Switzerland have found another reason for stroke survivors to exercise. In a randomized, controlled study, ...
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Community elders keep young through department exercise program
TCU Daily Skiff, TX - Aug 28, 2008
"It's good for me," Corder said, holding a large exercise ball. "Otherwise, I get lazy and stay in bed." Corder is a participant in a new exercise program ...
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