When I am gardening and move from a deep squat to standing, I get a little lightheaded. It is not really disconcerting, but when it happens when I'm doing Pilates, well that is a different story. Exercises where you move from horizontal to vertical quickly can create a sudden lowering of blood pressure, which can make you dizzy.
on Yahoo! |
While I was doing bicep curls at the gym yesterday, I was reminded of how great Pilates is. Why, you may ask. Because so many Pilates fundamentals extend to other activities, so you can exercise better no matter what you're doing.
on Yahoo! |
When teaching Pilates, I am always telling clients to keep their shoulders away from their ears. Raised shoulders is a sign of serious tension in the neck and upper back and over time it will create pain. Not only that but it wastes energy and can make surrounding areas not function correctly.
on Yahoo! |
Since many of the exercises require no equipment, Pilates is a great way to work out at home. But it's very important that you do the movements exactly right, so I often worry that beginners may not be getting the instruction they need at home. If you're new to Pilates, but prefer to work out in your living room, then Jennifer Kries' New Body Pilates is a great place to start.
This DVD is a cross between a workout routine and an educational video.
on Yahoo! |
The Pilates method is full of wonderful ab exercises, and the 100s is no exception. Often considered a warm up exercise, the 100s challenges your abs but also challenges your breathing coordination. It helps to get the blood circulating through your body to prepare you for the workout to come.
on Yahoo! |
Here is a Pilates move to work your entire being – abs, arms, core, hip flexors, and legs – called the Leg Pull Back (or Leg Pull Up). It is challenging and fun and a whole new take on the plank because here your back is to the ground. How's that for turning the move inside out.
Here's how you do Leg Pull Back:
Reverse Plank
on Yahoo! |
I was pleased with the other Pilates DVD I reviewed from the 10 Minute Solution series, so I decided to give 10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates ($11) a try. Like the slim and sculpt workout, this DVD consists of several 10-minute workouts that you can mix and match: buns and thighs, arms and shoulders, waist slimmer, slim and sleek stretch, and a total-body workout. You can do the routines all in a row for a hearty 50-minute workout or take them one at a time when you have 10 minutes to spare.
on Yahoo! |
Hopefully you all know that I'm giving away $1000 to help one lucky winner get in tip top shape for beach time. (So if you haven't entered the giveaway yet, click here). Although it is important to feel good about yourself when headed to the beach, it's also important to feel good every day.
on Yahoo! |
One of the reasons I love Pilates is that it makes everything better, from improving your golf game, to protecting your back while gardening. It can even make you faster in the pool. The attention to details of Pilates and the Pilates basics can help you with the basic moves of weight training, too.
on Yahoo! |
You're asking and I'm answering . . .
