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Pilates was developed by a man by the name of Joseph Pilates in the earth 21 century, as of 2005 there were millions of fans and more than 10,000 trainers in the U.S. alone. Pilates is preformed much like yoga.
Where yoga focuses more on the cardiovascular aspect of the work out, Pilates is more about flexibility and strength. The areas mainly affected are the legs, back, and abdomen.
The whole philosophy of Pilates is to attain a more controlled body, to perform more controlled movements. By strengthening core muscles through methodic but easy work outs, you build very tight and lean muscle.
This will tone you but never build muscle. So if you are just trying to get the "chiseled body" look this is exactly the type of program that you could benefit from.
There are six basic principles of Pilates. These must be followed with discipline to attain the desired affects from your work out.
Concentration is the first rule, the way these work outs are performed are more important than the work outs themselves most the time. It takes extreme focus; many people associate a sort of meditative relation to Pilates.
Control this is the reason you must concentrate so intensely, so that you can dictate every movement of every muscle in your body. "Contrology" was the preferred name by Joseph Pilates
Centering is finding your center of balance depending on the move, whether it be in your abdomen, lower back, or buttocks. Begin the movement of your routine from your center and let the movement then ripple outward through your limbs.
Flow: keep your movements clean; this will further exercise each muscle more acutely. Flow is keeping an elegant form while performing you routines.
Precision: take time to perform the correct movements. This is essential, as the whole of the Pilates philosophy stems from body control, you must focus in doing precise and perfect movements.
Lastly breathing, this one will affect your cardio improvements. While straining your body into perfection, keep your breathing easy relaxed and slow.
Keeping your breathing slow will keep your heart rate slow, which will make it so you can work harder without using as much oxygen in your body. Getting comfortable breathing while doing Pilates will enhance your resting heart rate.
Professional athletes have resting heart rates around 40 beats per minute; the average person has resting heart rate around 60-70. Improving your heart rate is just making your heart stronger and will decrease the chance for heart attacks when you get older.
Pilates is widely beneficial and is convenient for all levels of exercisers. It is a fun and easy way to start getting in control of your body and life, one movement at a time. Destry Masterson is a health, fitness and nutrition expert. She has written articles about treadmills and recommends http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category_-1_14201_16002_29509_Y for information about treadmills.
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