Browsing all articles from April, 2010
Apr
28

Is New York City Pilates, a New Fitness Trend, Right for You?

When you talk about joining a gym, the first thing that comes to mind is, What kind of yoga or Pilates classes do they have there? Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on stretching and balancing, in finding peace and in strengthening the body and muscles with bouncing, running, hopping, jumping or other vigorous forms of movements. While Pilates injects vigor into your everyday life, it is all about movements that help rejuvinate the mind and strengthen the body.. For people who like intense movements, go for cardio activities or classes, like Steps, Dance, Combat or other forms of Les Milles types of programs.

For the rest of us, there’s always New York City Pilates. And how do you know whether Pilates is right for you? Here’s the answer:

Pilates is perfect for those who have old sport injuries.

Pilates can help nurse your wounds back into normalcy, especially for those who have been physically or emotionally injured in one way or another. Pilates is non-strenuous, therefore, it does not strain your muscles, joints, bones or other parts of your body. The most improtant thing in Pilates is that you move slowly and stretch as far as YOU can go. Pilates is also suitable for children and the elderly. Unlike other types of cardiovascular programs, it generally does not raise your heart rate to a point that you will faint.

Pilates is good for those who like challenges

Pilates, right now, probably sounds like a piece of cake to you. But in actual fact, it is not. It sounds so mild that many people think that it’s a walk in the park. But there’s a lot more to Pilates than meets the eye. Although you’re not pushed beyond your own limit and you don’t need to bounce, hop, skip and run around in a mad frenzy, you’re going to be stretching every single muscle in your body and hold different positions for some time. This can be a challenge for most of us. Exceptions are made for those who are older, very young and the injured. For Pilates fans, we’re in for the challenge. If you take a look at some of the positions in Pilates, you’ll see what I mean.

Pilates is ideal for those who are depressed

The fantastic thing about New York City Pilates is that it not only stretches your body and muscles. Pilates is a kind of program that also stretches you mentally. In order to hold positions and balance yourself, you need focus, you need concentration and you need the will to hold it there until the Pilates instructor says you can change position. It gives you a reprieve from whatever problems you’re facing and focus on you. Pilates helps you refocus your life and for the whole 45 min to 1 hour session, your focus is none other than YOU.

If you are looking for the best New York City Pilates, you can read reviews from people who were able to avail of their services before you. This way, you will be able to learn from their experiences. If you are looking for the best service, go here: http://lightswitch.com/newyorkcitypilates/

Apr
27

The Basics Of New York City Pilates Exercise

If you’re highly informed or even if you’re one of those people that just stay home, no doubt you’ve heard of the Pilates Exercise. The purpose of New York City Pilates Exercises is to stretch and to strengthen your body. That is why Pilates is so popular with most contortionists and ballet dancers.

But just because people are using Pilates for physical improvement, and weight loss, it doesn’t mean that a Pilates exercise is a cardiovascular exercise. Basically, Pilates exercise is a low intensity exercise. Most instructors recommend Pilates with aerobics and other forms of exercise for best effects.

The Pilates Exercise was invented by Joseph Pilates, a German National, as a self exercise. Pilates was born a fragile child, sickly and asthmatic, so he took to exercise to improve his body. When he was a bit older, he was living in France, and was arrested as an adversary alien. During his internment, he was assigned in the medical facilities of the prison and this is where he put Pilates into use, as rehabilitation exercises for the sick.

Since then the Pilates exercises has gained its reputation for helping improve the overall physical state of the body. Combined with stretching and a simple machine, pilates exercise is a series of breathing techniques. Pilates exercises are designed to improve the body’s core. This includes the muscles in the abdomen, back, and buttocks. Some say it is better than yoga overall because it strengthens the body through improving posture strength and flexibility through stretching. The machines used in Pilates are there to challenge the body, by making it stay in certain positions while moving the other parts in differing directions, thereby training the body to endure strain, thus increasing strength.

The basic Philosophy of the Pilates Exercise is the use of the body’s mental capability to improve movement, efficiency and muscle control, which is also why they say that Pilates exercise somehow improves one’s mental state. Pilates also makes you aware of proper posture. Due to the exercises that you do, it also develops the muscles in the back and abdomen, further promoting good posture.

Pilates exercise also uses breathing techniques, which further increases mental focus. And probably one of the greatest focuses of Pilates is flexibility strength of the muscles. It is this ideology that made Pilates popular among dancers in the begining. Many Pilates enthusiasts and users have testified to the effectiveness of this program. The bodies become well balanced and stronger, with regular classes, of course. Some say that after each workout, you can instantly feel the difference it has made to the parts of the body, mainly the legs back and abs.

Aside from increased strength, weight loss is what many people aim for when they do New York City Pilates exercises. Other benefits of Pilates include increased energy levels, higher endurance, better flexibility, great abdominal workouts, and overall physical well being.

If you are looking for the best New York City Pilates, you can read reviews from people who were able to avail of their services before you. This way, you will be able to learn from their experiences. If you are looking for the best service, go here: http://lightswitch.com/newyorkcitypilates/

Apr
25

New York City Pilates For An Aging Population

At a certain point, Pilates was a particular form of exercise limited to a handful of professional practitioners. In recent times, Pilates has become one of the biggest exercise fads in America. Almost every town and city across this great country has a professional Pilates studio, staffed by certified instructors. Pilates, however, is not just another passing fad. Pilates is here to stay.

Practitioners of New York City Pilates can experience countless benefits including improved posture, flexibility, and balance. With this, it presents a remarkable opportunity for an aging population to perform a series of exercises that are both safe and effective. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the stretching and strengthening of key muscles through the practice of Pilates is an effective strategy for dealing with the effects of aging.

Aside from the benefits noted above, Pilates can also help with relief from stress and mental tension. It can also have an immediate impact on maintaining strength and range of motion, both of which are especially important for our aging populace. Studies have shown that Pilates can also provide relief from back pain and other physical injuries, which are often a primary cause of pain and discomfort.

The wonderful thing about Pilates, and the reason it is so effective for people getting on in age, is that it is a highly effective form of soft exercise. Pilates can be performed at a pace dictated by the strength and stamina of the individual. It is not goal driven, in the way that traditional weight training or body building is. The effectiveness of Pilates is determined by the overall impact on the health of the practitioner. Pilates is all about achieving long term, tangible results.

The key to the effective practice of Pilates is to make the connection between mind and body. Concentration plays a significant role in Pilates. To establish control of the bosy through discipline and focused thought is one of the core principles of Pilates. Much like Yoga, controlled breathing plays a critical role in achieving results in Pilates. Pilates teaches a form of breathing called Lateral Breathing. This is performed by inhaling deeply through one’s nose, and allowing the inhaled air to expand one’s ribcage. This form of breathing is also called Thoracic Breathing.

New York City Pilates is a highly effective approach to maintaining health and vitality, regardless of one’s age or stage in life. While the practice of Pilates is beneficial for many people, it is especially important for our aging population. Aging individuals often lose control of their coordination and muscles, and this can lead to a sense of frustration and mental anguish for people that have grown acquainted to their sense of independence. Pilates can provide people with the tools and techniques they need to age with pride and a sense of well being. Pilates isn’t for everyone, but it could be ideal for you.

If you are looking for the best New York City Pilates, you can read reviews from people who were able to avail of their services before you. This way, you will be able to learn from their experiences. If you are looking for the best service, go here: http://lightswitch.com/newyorkcitypilates/

categories: new york city pilates,pilates,fitness,exercise,health and fitness

Apr
21

Pilates for Abs Gives Great Results

Author Jill Hagelsteiner    Category Pilates     Tags

Many people do hundreds of sit-ups each day, but they are still suck with a flabby stomach. The key to getting a toned abdomen is a well rounded workout that burns calories and strengthens the midsection. Pilates is just that sort of workout. Pilates has become increasingly popular in the US and around the world because it leads to dramatic results. Pilates for abs not only tones the midsection, but it also improves overall health and helps keep you at a healthy weight. Pilates might be the workout you’ve been dreaming of.

Beginning Pilates for Abs

Pilates has become incredibly popular over the past few decades. This is no doubt due to the fact that Pilates provides a system to stay fit and healthy. Not only will it have you looking great, but it also increases coordination, balance, and concentration. The popularity of Pilates makes it simple to find a Pilates for abs class near you. There are Pilates classes in most health clubs. There are private Pilates clubs all over the place. There are also many instructional DVDs that allow you to practice Pilates in your own home.

Shopping for Pilates for Abs Equipment

It is possible to get by without buying any Pilates equipment, especially if you join a club that has equipment available for use. However, most equipment is inexpensive and allows you to considerably expand your workout. The Pilates ball is perhaps the most important upgrade you could buy. The ball is ideal when focusing on Pilates for abs. It is the easiest way to tone the midsection. It can also be used to work muscles all over the body that you didn’t know existed! The Pilates ball forces your stabilizer muscles to constantly work to keep you balanced. You can purchase one of these balls for around twenty dollars.

Another worthwhile addition is the Pilates band. Bands can add much to your Pilates for abs routine. These bands can be used with many of the basic mat exercises. They come in several different levels of resistance. This means you can upgrade to stronger bands as you get stronger. You can also select appropriate bands for different body parts. Pilates bands generally cost around seven dollars.

Pilates for abs isn’t just about looking great. Improving your core strength offers many health advantages. Lower back problems are a common ailment among adults. However, having core muscles that are well-developed reduces the chance that back problems will develop. If you haven’t yet tried Pilates, then give Pilates for abs a try today.

There is plenty of information about pilates online. For more information take a look at this site on pilates for abs.

categories: pilates for abs exercises,pilates for abs,pilates,abs,exercise

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