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Best Pilates DVD

This is a list of most effective workout DVDs choosen by three categories:
1. Most comprehensive Pilates DVD
2. Pilates for busy one
3. Pilates Weight Loss

Recommended Shopping: Any of the Pilates DVD displayed on this lens, has Buy it button which will help you to get it for a great price, that often includes free shipping!
There has been a lot of hype regarding whether the Winsor Pilates Basic 3 DVD Workout Set can actually help you to lose weight or not. Surprisingly, there were actually many men and women that were able to lose all the extra pounds that they currently have. However, just because thousands of people were able to lose weight with this workout DVD, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can lose weight as well.

Winsor Pilates Basic 3 DVD Workout Set

most comprehensive Pilates DVD

The Winsor Pilates Basic 3 DVD Workout Set is a workout DVD that obviously teaches you Pilates. The DVD teaches you very basic Pilates, so it is perfect for people that have absolutely no experience nor knowledge in doing Pilates. The workouts that are done, will really strengthen your core, and sculpt your body. After just a couple of sessions, you will start to even see your abs start to form and firm, as the workouts that are done really focus on the core area. The two first sets will give you strength and will also start making you very flexible. However, if you have been doing Pilates for some time, then the workouts will have absolutely no affect on you whatsoever, as the workouts are mainly meant for beginners. The reason to why some people weren’t able to lose weight whilst doing the workout set is because Pilates is really meant to increase flexibility and strength. When you do Pilates you won’t really be able to lose weight. However, just like every workout, you are able to lose weight as long as you have a healthy and nutritional diet.

So if you want to increase your flexibility and strength then the Winsor Pilates Basic 3 DVD Workout Set is your solution. After just a short period of time doing Pilates, you will instantly see and feel such drastic results.

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The 10 Minute Solution: Pilates on the Ball

for busy ones

The 10 Minute Solution folks have been producing fitness videos since at least 2004, focusing on Pilates and Stability Ball workouts. They have a very good reputation for producing a quality video featuring a good workout. The Pilates on the Ball DVD, featuring instructor Lara Hudson, was produced in 2008, and it provides a very high quality, motivational workout which promises to provide excellent results.
Lara Hudson is certified by the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), a Pilates instructor (certified by Physical Consciousness Studios), and a trained Yoga instructor. She has participated in competitive gymnastics, dance, and even a stint on the flying trapeze. She has worked as a trainer, movement instructor, and choreographer at Loyola Marymount University as well as UCLA. She and her husband founded the Mercury Fitness studio in San Francisco.

All that is to say that Lara Hudson knows her stuff! And Pilates on the Ball is proof that this is indeed a fact!
Fitness on the Ball is a compilation of 5 Pilates workouts, each designed to last just 10 minutes. The purpose of the workouts is to tone and tighten your entire body. The workout is innovative in that introduces the stability ball into the world of Pilates. The result is a challenging, fun addition to augment classic Pilates moves.

The video is divided into five sections, each with a specific focus.
The first section focuses on Pilates for the Abdominals. This is a good combination of classic Pilates moves with the added intensity of using the Ball.
The second section is Pilates for the Lower Body. The use of the stability ball proves challenging, and the workout on the inner thighs is excellent.
The third section is Upper Body Pilates. This is an excellent section focusing on the upper body and arms which, in spite of the fact that there are no weights used, does a good job of exercising and toning the upper body.
Pilates for Flexibility is the fourth section of this DVD. This section of the workout is great to combine with other sections if you have more than the ten minutes the title suggests. Not only does it assist in cooling down after a strenuous workout, it is a great stand-alone workout to increase your flexibility and help you relax.
Finally we have the fifth section, Total Body Pilates. This section is a good mixture of exercises for general toning and fitness. The exercises provide a good general workout not focused on any one section, which makes it a very good workout for general fitness, although not severely challenging any one area.

Each section of the video has seven to ten exercises, the sections lasting about ten minutes each. The workout is programmable and you can easily combine two or more sections for a more complete workout. Due to the shortness of segments there is no warm-up before the session or stretch afterwards, but this shortcoming is easily remedied by taking a few minutes on your own.
Lara says that her goal is to “Teach you to be the best ‘you’ possible,” and to, “help you exercise with precision, focus, and form, thereby yielding fast results.” The workout seems to be aimed at Intermediate students, and may be a bit challenging for Beginners. Although it may take beginners some time to get used to working with a ball (it sometimes seems to have a mind of its own), but the improvement you will see in balance and coordination are worth the effort.

Pilates on the Ball is a DVD with good production values, a knowledgeable and involved instructor, clear instruction, and should provide the average student a good overall workout she can fit in almost any time during the day, which is great for busy students.

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Element: Pilates Weight Loss For Beginners

Weight Loss Category

This is a excellent beginner’s Pilates DVD and when used as a part of a pleasantly rounded exercise and diet loss plan it will make a contribution to weight control. This two-part DVD covers “Pilates-conscious cardiovascular and mat Pilates.” The trainer, Brooke Siler, is a second generation Pilates instructor meaning she trained under someone that trained under Mr. Joseph Pilates himself. It’s a comparatively low-key and basic routine and is actually reserved for amateurs. The very first thing I spotted about this DVD is that it is extremely Zen. Where many exercise videos depend on perky instructors and flashy outfits to galvanize their audience, this DVD is focused on respiring and awareness, 2 essentials of Pilates which make it more like yoga than, say, aerobics. The setting is out of doors against a quiet water ( reputedly the Pacific Sea ) and flower-lined background, and the coach is extraordinarily loquacious.

There’s nothing showy or flashy about this DVD, and I might imagine that’s more true to Pilates roots than the celebrity-endorsed ideas of Pilates. The cardiovascular section isn’t like everyday cardiovascular. There is no running or rebounding or sliding. It’s more like an active stretch that becomes a bit more active as the segment wears on. Think lunges and windmills and some Pilates push ups. It is a less constricting and more liquid version of Pilates. I used to be a small foggy after I finished but definitely not as exerted as half an hour on the elliptical machine at the gymnasium ; that said I have a significant level of cardiovascular fitness ( due to running ) and it is likely to take more than thirty mins of stretching to truly get my engine going.

For an inactive person this segment is a pleasant way to get warmed up the muscles and get moving. The Pilates mat portion follows a standard Pilates routine, beginning with the hundred and stopping with Pilates push-ups (hands tucked under the shoulders and bend / push with the elbows / triceps).

The routine to concentrates more on the abs, than other body parts but the legs, arms, and backs are all hit. The majority of the routines are demonstrated with bent knees which is surely the new version. Barely is a choice offered to make the exercise harder so this DVD is actually intended and restricted to newbie’s. Buy this DVD if you need a reduced impact intro to Pilates.

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Pike on the ball

Pike on the ball is exercise for stronger, more advanced pilates practitioners as it requires strength in shoulder and strong core. Make sure that you have enough room in that case you lose your balance. First and second move are excellent abdominal workout for developing strong upper body. Your legs should be extended straight behind you and feet connected while with your abdominal muscles you try to lift you pelvis.

IMPACTS: arms and abdominal muscles

Starting position

Starting position is usual plank on the ball position and knowing to do it properly is essential. Put your hands on the floor with palms facing down. Palms should be placed a little wider than your shoulders and fingers parallel with your body. Arms slightly band. Walk on your hands until the ball is under your lower leg or on the top of your shins, either is fine as long you are stable.

Starting position - plank

Standard pike

1. Inhale to prepare yourself. Keep your legs extended straight
2. Exhale and lift your pelvis glibly with abdominal muscles, the ball will roll and when you are in Pike position (look the next picture) stay there a couple of moments
3. Slowly inhale and get back to starting position
4. Repeat the exercise a couple of times

Standard pike

 

Tips

• to increase stability on the ball, press the shins on it
• stay calm
• keep  your shoulders lowered and static through entire workout

Six principles of pilates

• Centering
• Concentration
• Control
• Precision
• Breath
• Flow

For many, these six principles are the foundation of the Pilates approach to exercise. Their application to the Pilates method of exercise is part of what makes it unique in the fitness world.

Six Pilates Principles poster

Water Pilates Exercises

The “aquatic” version of the traditional pilates is a mix of variety of exercises that make muscles stronger and leaner, improve joint strength and regulate body flexibility. This water exercise combines the gentleness of movement, resistance, and smooth flow with the original Pilates’ movements.
The water pilates varies from different kinds of exercises.  Some common examples of this exercise are the Poolates squat, the 50:50, the Pi-Yo-Chi and the Living Dead. Though, they may like pretty the same with each other but really, they are way different with each other.

What is “Poolates Squat”?

The Water pilates called the “Poolates squat” exercise is beneficial for abdominal muscles, the back, the waist, arms, and the hamstrings or the back of the legs. In this type of exercise, a kickboard is required.  In the portion of the pool where it’s not that deep, stand straight on the kickboard with two feet separated for almost half-width. Aligned with shoulders, arms must be stretched fully straight outwards the side of the body appearing like the small letter “t”.  Body mass must be totally pushed down to the kickboard doing a squat position till the thighs parallel to the pool bed for a period of half a minute before coming up from squatting down.

The 50:50 Type

The so-called “50:50” Water pilates workout exercises the chest, abdominal muscles, the back of the legs or hamstrings, the triceps portion of the upper arm and the thighs. In the pool, stand as body submerges in water not deeper than the chest, make sure to keep feet flat on the base of the pool. Position arms at the side of the body, stretch it down and face palms behind. Keeping the right leg straight, raise it about half a foot to a foot away the pool floor. Position the neck aligned with the back bone, stiffen the abs and take a deep breath while swaying arms backward and forward not allowing arms to bend, locking the elbows. Do a breathing activity by inhaling and exhaling while arms are pumped and swayed.

The Lively “Living Dead” Type

The Living Dead may sound scary but actually, it takes the name from its similar appearance to a shuffle derived from creepy dead people. This type of Water pilates exercises the hips, waist, upper and lower back, hamstrings and abdominal muscles.  This is being done by standing straight in the water with the deep of three or four feet directing towards the deeper part of the pool. Try making your abdomen “crunch” and stretch arms forward. Left leg must be lifted leveled to the hips and this would keep toes pointing upwards. Eventually, stretch the left foot while being lowered to the bottom of the swimming pool. Do the procedure with the right leg as well and make repetitions until 10 steps are made. The pool water must be in chest-level upon reaching the 10th step that if not-so-tall individuals want to do this exercise, better start with more shallow swimming pools. Walking across shallow sections of the pool is suggested if walking into a deeper portion is impossible.

Water Pilates

Fitness enthusiasts around the world swear by Pilates when it comes to both physical and psychological exercise of the body. Pilates work on the simple rule of correct form and breathing rather than repetition of a particular technique. As a result the entire body is toned with a perfect balance and flexibility. This in turn improves your self-confidence and belief. In terms of physical gain you have a better posture now not to forget agile movements. Pilates traditionally was performed in fitness center but off late it has moved to the pools. These are known as water pilates, poolates or aqua pilates. Water Pilates include myoballs, rings and foam rollers of traditional Pilates in addition to pool walls, water weights and pool noodles that are specific to water Pilates.

Let us find out the advantages that one can achieve through water pilates -

• This is a perfect exercise for people who are aging or are obese. Such people usually lose out on Pilate’s benefits. But with water Pilates they are able to do all the exercises irrespective of weight issue, arthritis and osteoporosis.
• You are subjected it to better stability and strength exercises as the water conditions demand a rigorous workout to develop your body. As you move deeper in the water the level of difficulty increases.
• Water Pilates are known to be challenging but then they do add an element of fun as you workout to tone and strengthen your body.
• Water Pilate’s breathing exercise is more effective and powerful than the traditional Pilates. You breathe in through your nose deeply to reach the rib cage that carries tight abdominal wall and have the spine stable. When you breathe out it is done forcefully through your mouth.
• Water Pilates is a flexible workout option that is apt for different fitness requirements. To keep the body stable in water as you practice your workout you can make use of floatation devices.
• Another benefit that comes to mind here is less injury. With traditional Pilates your joints and muscles are also stressed which are removed in water Pilates. Also the water absorbs all accidents related to fall.
• People who have read these benefits and feel that they might miss out on them, as they can’t swim can cheer up. Your instructor would give you a life jacket so that you can practice in the pool under their supervision.

With so many benefits water Pilates is the way to enjoy as you tone and strengthen your body.

Joseph Pilates books

Joseph H. Pilates, inventer and promoter of Pilates, wrote two books related to the method that he called then Contrology and what is now familiar as Pilates. His books are: Your Health and Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology.

Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising that Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education

Written in the 1934 it was Joseph’s first major publication. Your Health contains his early theories, principles and philosophies about fitness and healthy lifestyle. Concept of balanced mind and body has adopted from ancient Greek philosophy. His fitness and athletic principles were decades away from his time.
Years of Joseph Pilates scientific study, research and experiments are described in this book, all range of difficulties that can upset your sensitive balance of body and mind.

Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology

Written by Joseph Pilates and William J. Miller and published in 1945 this book gives you precise explanations of exercises, instructions and poses that are necessary for matwork. In this book you will learn his groundbreaking concept together with a 34 exercises that he educated to his students, many of whom have turned to be workout gurus. Some basic Joseph’s philosophies regarding healthy lifestyle are in this book. His concepts like correct breathing, spinal flexibility, body mechanics, correct posture etc.

Pilates socks

Pilates socks should be more popular within the people who exercise Pilates, while wearing regular ones will make tendency to slip during workout, special socks created for Pilates (or Yoga) have non-slip protection that makes your workout more relaxed and stress-free.

Cheap

A Pilates socks are a radical alternative to standard sport socks, and they shape to your foot while your toes are allowed to move freely, so your toes get a sense of freedom, and your foot muscles are getting stronger.

There are various different colors, textures, shapes and forms of socks so finding the right one according to your desires is easy. Some socks have design to engulf your toes, some are mitten like, and some encompass all your toes. There are many design variations regarding the heel, ball and arch of the foot so it is advisable for you to look for the Pilates socks that fit you most, if you want to exercise Pilates as it should be exercised.

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Postpartum pilates

The perfect book for the postpartum mother impatient to start toning her body.

However she craves for her pre-pregnancy figure, a new mom has slight time to dedicate for workout. The needs of a newborn are a round-the-clock job. An innovative postnatal Pilates program, Pee Wee Pilates gives new mommies more than any other fitness book or program can give: a quick and confirmed exercise-at-home routine for whipping their postpartum body slightly into the shape.

Areas that are most harmed by pregnancy (lower back, hips, ABS, and posterior) are targeted by Pilates method so new mothers will get results quickly with no need to leave their homes or to leave their beloved one. At the same time, since the baby is combined with the Pilates movements, mother will have chance to appreciate a fun and loving interaction with her babies. Different from other postpartum fitness programs baby is more than a prop; the workout routine in Pee Wee Pilates is created accurately to help foster a baby’s development and to help it attachment to its mom.

Written by New York City’s top Pilates instructors, Pee Wee Pilates commits to be top “baby and me” exercise program on the market for postpartum mothers anywhere.

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5 Celebrities that do Pilates

Madonna

When Madonna had horse accident, she was exercising Pilates to speed up recovery process, and then she said “I used to be a freak about doing yoga, but I had to do a lot of Pilates to rehabilitate my shoulder joint and get the use of my arm back”. When she was in Chicago she rented high-tech Pilates equipment from Body Endevors. Body Endevors have Pilates equipment such as Reformer and are Power Pilates affiliate, so Madonna did probably exercise Power Pilates!

Kate Winslet

As a star at age 36 she looks gorgeous, by a little help of Pilates. According to TimesOnline in UK, she owes her beautiful figure to “daily home workout DVDs and 10-minute Pilates sessions” and good diet program. That well-formed sexy shoulders certainly are benefit of Pilates.

Hugh Grant

When he turned 50 he started to take care about his health, and started to do Pilates. “I’ve actually started to do Pilates to try to keep me young. I go to a place where there are all these attractive young girls and just the one sad, hung-over old man, who is me.” He definitely looks younger than he actually is. Pilates actually kept him from aging. Oh, yes he also said “Now I have muscles of steel and could easily deal with giving birth.”

Jennifer Aniston

A star of popular “Friends” and today well known movie actor once said about pilates. “I’m a Pilates person. It’s great. I had a hip problem. I had a chronic back, a pinched nerve and a hip problem and it’s completely solved all of it. I love it. It makes me feel like I’m taller.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

She is known as “The Body.” Lee Curtis has every so often says that she got into great shape thankfully to Pilates, a low impact workout that shapes the body as it strengthens and tones muscles.

And there is no end to this list Mari Winsor clientele included people like: Vanessa Williams, Daisy Fuentes, Melanie Griffith, Elizabeth Berkeley, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Courtney Thorne-Smith.

Pilates Vs. Strength training

Myths that must be revealed first:

1. Training pilates will make your muscles longer
2. Strength training makes muscles HUGE

Training pilates will not lengthen your muscles because their lenght depens of your bone length, and strenght training that makes your muscles huge is special strenght training and depends on various factors, such as proper diet, linear increase of weight mass etc.

Joseph Pilates creator of Pilates

Pilates

Pilates is done both on the mat and with special machines with springs that provide the resistance. Very different from Yoga, Pilates main focus in all movement is initiated from the core muscles. There is tremendous focus on the mind body connection (also in yoga) but Pilates concentration is on abdominal strength which trains the entire body. Although Yoga is known for a great flexibility exercise, Pilates also stretches the whole body via the abdominals.

For most people finding the deep abdominal muscles is very challenging. That’s where Pilates machines with spring resistance help give the body feedback into the core muscles. Over time the training effect will create new movement patterns and the body starts to transform. Although group mat Pilates is an excellent way to gain strength, you really should study Pilates privately first and get a good basic understanding of the method. Once you learn it correctly Pilates will compliment everything you do both in exercise and functionally.

Strength training

As for strength training with free weights if toning is your goal you will want to use lighter weights with more repetition. Rule of thumb. Pick a weight for your upper body that you can do 10-15 reps with the last three reps feeling hard. Start with 3 sets of 10 reps or 2 sets of 15 reps. Increase the weight when 30 reps is feeling easy. If you feel any joint pain with lifting weights you should stop! Women over 40 years of age will want to be careful about lifting heavy weights overhead. This can bring on cervical (neck) compression causing pain in the neck and down the arms. Make sure you do not lift weights with forward shoulders and head. Check your posture or have a trainer help you.
There are many styles of weight/strength training. You have to ask yourself “what is it I’m trying to achieve”?. What are my fitness goals? Give yourself a time frame to meet these goals. It takes about 3 months of consistancy to see results. Like any worthwhile endeavor, it takes time, commitment and disipline. Good luck with your training. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.