What To Expect In A Work Out DVD

By Beth Prager

The content in a work out DVD is the same in a work out video. There will be about at least a half an hour of exercise routines that will guide you as you follow along at home. They aren't all made the same way, however, as these DVDs come from different fitness-promoting companies who have completely different styles of teaching methods.

You will find that there will be equally male instructors as well as female on-screen. They will have a wide array of personalities ranging from delightful and delicate, to rigid and intensely harsh. You will feel as though you are at a ballet studio for your pilates as the instructor compliments you every few minutes, or you will feel as though you are being drilled at a fitness boot-camp as that instructor yells for you to "push harder" for that last yoga pose.

You may realize that you picked out a good work out DVD when you are going at the pace you want, with the instructor guiding you at that same pace. It also helps if the instructor's "studio" stage creates the right mood for the style of workout, whether it looks like a pilates studio or an industrial-looking bodybuilding gym.

Usually, the instructor won't be standing alone. There will most likely be a group of men and women (depending on who the work out DVD is geared towards) exercising right alongside the instructor. They will be your guide as you may possibly feel alone and unsure of how to do the fitness moves.

This is also to provide you with the opportunity to relate to at least one or more of the people moving to the instructor's commands. There will be some exercisers trying an easy version of a movement, while there will be others trying a rather difficult version.

You will find that in some work out DVDs, no one is sweating whatsoever. They aren't even glowing. In other work out programs, you will see those people drenched in sweat all over their clothes. Again, this will be a matter of preference for you, and it will be a matter of what the director and producer want you (as the exercising customer) to see.

The beauty of purchasing a work out DVD (or two, or three!) is that the return of investment is far greater than purchasing a gym membership. The more you use the DVD, the cheaper it will have cost you to use it! This is different than the cost of a gym, where you have put down a far larger payment and continue to make monthly payments afterwards.

What's also neat is the ability for you to change the exercise regimen up to your liking. You know that you may get bored with one part of the program, and you may like the other parts better. Or, you may fall in love with the entire program (and love the fitness results so much) that you will end up using the entire set of DVDs all over again. - 31994

About the Author:

As Beth Prager tries to reach beach body nirvana, she shines a light on some on work out DVDs

Pilates Reformer Is A Wonderful Escape At The Close Of A Bad Long Day

By Thaya Kareeson

In this rough world you need to be able to stop and take care of yourself at some point during the day. Stress is available in heavy doses from every angle. It can come from your job, your house, your family, and the list just continues on and on. By investing in a pilates reformer for your house you can be sure that there is always a way for you to retreat from the world, no matter what time of day it is.

Office jobs are no picnic. They can leave you feeling as if you never smell fresh air. Even if you really enjoy the work, chances are that you do not enjoy being virtually chained to the desk in your office or cubicle. It makes no difference how well designed your chair is, eventually you will hate it. You will hate the way your back feels while you sit in it. You may even start to notice it wearing on your perfect posture.

The drive home really offers no relief. You go from and office chair to a driver's seat that is even less comfortable. If you encounter the stereotypical rush hour traffic jams then you may be stuck in that seat for quite a while. Your body continues to ache at you.

At home the daily chores await you. You kept hoping that the dishes would do themselves, but that has not happened. No one came by to rob your home and took out the trash while they were at it, either. As you take the time to put your house back in order it does feel a bit better than sitting at the desk, or behind the wheel. It is still not quite the refresher that you were wanting.

Family is a wonderful thing. There is nothing better than being surrounded by your loving family, unless of course they are all yelling and arguing and competing for your attention. Families come with their own special set of stress that is like no other. Each family is unique. They have a great way of sharing everything, including stress and tension. It is amazing how it spreads like a disease.

The chaos and commotion could easily drive a person nuts! You need to have a way to escape and take care of yourself. Otherwise you are bound to become burnt out on everything. Your performance at work will suffer. Your relationships will suffer. Your home may fall into a state of clutter. It is truly imperative that you regroup and refresh yourself.

As you plan your personal daily retreat be sure to remove distractions. Turn off the television. Do not be checking your email. Do something really drastic and turn off your cell phone! Shocking and hard to do, but it must be done for the sake of your own sanity.

Once you have finished, you will be very happy that you made the investment in a pilates reformer. These seemingly simple machines are in fact very sophisticated. They can assist with more than one hundred pilates positions. You will feel so good you did. Your body will thank you. - 31994

About the Author:

Now you can learn how to lose weight by following a couple of simple steps now! This easy series of meditation for beginners will have you seeing changes and you'll start feeling healthier quickly!

Aero Pilates Evolution

By Tim Sorrenson

Evolution isn't only limited to nature or computers. It also extends even into the field of physical fitness and good health-gym facilities and equipment, exercise techniques and yes, even conditioning practices such as Pilates. From its beginnings as a getting-back-into-shape routine for World War I immobilized veterans, Pilates has now become a world wide phenomenon known for its function to condition muscles and develop better body movement.

This evolution did not end there. Pilates continued to attract and aid people in achieving better endurance, strength and flexibility through concepts such as proper breathing, control and coordination. Users are able to perform a myriad of moves with the aid of certain instruments such as elastic bands and mats. In the long run, better equipment was invented and thus, the concept of Aero Pilates came to be. This, together with the same principles Joseph Pilates conceptualized, proved to show that Pilates can be done with less effort and more control in a lesser span of time.

To do so, Aero Pilates machines were invented with multiple uses. These added properties were placed in order to 1) assist Pilates users in performing more exercises than before and 2) maintain correct posture while doing all of these. Because of the somewhat complicated nature of the various Pilates positions, these machines are tools in which individuals can properly learn how to execute their moves with much support. Moreover, it aids them in keeping a healthy cardiovascular system.

With the properties of the equipment Aero Pilates presents, a person can gain good body coordination and stabilized muscles as well as proper posture. However, it does not stop there. Its many features such as a build in trampoline gives users an easier time to employ their joints without adding much stress to it. Another is that, users are able to complete, not only regular Pilates exercises, but complex ones as well because of its being afloat from the ground. Additionally, a person can choose to perform from the more than fifty Pilates moves there is. The machine can also enable a person to boost their cardiovascular system and maintain a good heart condition. Moreover, it contributes to losing weight quickly.

Anyone who wishes to do Aero Pilates do not have to worry because its machines are always equipped with support features such as shoulder pads, to help them execute moves easier, and instructional videos to show the various exercises they can perform. Aside from directions and how-to guides in doing Pilates, these videos also show how to maintain and use fully the machine carefully.

Now, Pilates has certainly evolved. This change has certainly revolutionized the different methods people can employ in order to get a leaner and fitter body. Furthermore, with the technological advancements, machines have become a great aid in maximizing almost everything, Pilates exercises included. With the invention of Aero Pilates and its equipment, Pilates enthusiasts can now do more in a shorter span of time. - 31994

About the Author:

Tim is a health and fitness journalist who writes about the aero pilates deluxe and pilates reformer.

Introduction to Pilates

By Maria Sanchez

Pilates promotes, among other things, proper back and spinal alignment, good posture, and flexibility. Furthermore, a person who does pilates regularly builds up his or her body's strength, fluid movement, strength, tone, and balance. Pilates is regarded as a total fitness system, since the participant's "center," the link between his or her body and consciousness are enhanced with pilates.

Pilates for beginners does not require high levels of fitness to be done. It should be easy for a first timer, whether man or woman, young or old, as long as a physician has cleared one's bill of health. There are factors, though that anyone considering pilates for beginners should take into account. Lack of physical activity for a long time and the presence of medical conditions should deter someone from practicing pilates unless a specific program designed by a fitness professional can suit that person.

Pilates for beginners should be avoided if one is currently under over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication or drugs that alter one's mood. Alcohol should not be consumed before practicing pilates. If one feels sick, such as flu or fever, or is currently injured, pilates should be avoided until after full recovery. It is advisable to do pilates two hours after eating a meal.

Clothing is an essential factor in pilates for beginners to make it a worthwhile experience. To encourage free and flowing movement, people doing pilates should avoid tight-fitting outfits like cycling shorts, leotards, leggings, and muscle shirts. Pants with garter waistbands should not be worn. Accessories can be left first. The person doing pilates should be comfortable and streamlined in the fashion sense.

As in any exercise system, pilates for beginners should first do warm-up exercises. Common pilates warm up exercises include the arm reach and pull, which stabilizes the scapular and shoulder bone movements; arms over which stabilizes the person's trunk and adds to the shoulder's flexibility; angel arms, which lets the person become more conscious of the link between the movements of his arms and shoulders with his back and ribcage; and imprinting, which should provide relaxation and is a good warm-up exercise even with other exercise systems like weight training.

The surge of pilates popularity, especially among Hollywood elite, has downgraded the credibility of pilates. More than just a mere fad, pilates has proven to bring a lot of benefits to its practitioners. A person doing pilates becomes mindful of functions that are usually taken for granted, such as breathing, pelvic and spinal alignment, and fluid movement. As a result, people doing pilates are rewarded with physiques with long and lean muscles and aligned, elegant postures. - 31994

About the Author:

Maria is a health and fitness journalist who writes about the best pilates for beginners online sites and other pilates for beginners DVDs.

Develop His Flexibleness With Pilates Equipment And Other Forms Of Exercise

By Thaya Kareeson

Want to lose weight? Be healthier or even free your mind? There are many exercises out there to assist a person. Trying yoga, pilates or even stretching are great ways to improve health. Many require no equipment like yoga or stretching. However pilates equipment helps a body take shape. Pilates utilizes flexibility and strengthening to help the bodies core or the center become stronger and leaner.

Yoga is another exercise that is enjoyed by many. Yoga is an easy exercise that increases strength, muscle tone, flexibility and of course mental clarity. Yoga is very relaxing and suggested by many to decrease stress. Yoga can be practiced anywhere a person would like. Yoga is inexpensive and does not require the use of much equipment.

There are many health benefits associated with yoga. For example, posture will improve. Yoga is known to decrease heart rate and blood pressure. It calms a person; mind, body and spirit. Yoga has been proven to reduce asthma symptoms, back pain as well as arthritis pain. It helped users sleep better and decreased insomnia.

Another popular exercise in the world is pilates. Although it is not as cheap as yoga, pilates utilizes basically the same principles. However, it stresses strengthening the core muscles and improving flexibility. If interested, a person must find a pilates studio as the equipment is very expensive. Typically people do not own their own pilates equipment. Instructors become certified in the art of pilates. Make sure to research the class before purchasing it. Make sure you are learning from someone who is trained. Certification is important as it lets the consumer feel rest assured that the instructor has been trained in the proper exercises for the machine.

Pilates has many benefits such as yoga. It can help a person build a strong core. The core helps to support the body. It helps maintain proper posture and alignment in the spine. A person will feel less stressed. Pilates is a stress reliever also. A person who is exercising will reap the benefits in regards to their heart health. Performing pilates assists a person with developing long lean muscles.

Another option for exercise is simply stretching. These type of exercises are easy to learn and free. There is no equipment to purchase or utilize. Stretching prevents injuries. It is always a good practice to do these exercises before proceeding to some type of exercise that is more stringent.

There are many stretching exercises available to the athlete. It is not difficult to learn about them at home either. A quick internet search will do the trick. Type the term stretching into any search engine and in no time a long list of articles will appear. A person can review videos or written instructions that will assist with teaching a person how to perform the exercise correctly.

Exercise is a wonderful way to improve personal health. There are more benefits to regular exercise than living a sedentary life. Some ways to improve flexibility, general health for the mind and body is by trying yoga, pilates or even stretching exercises. Any little bit of exercise is much better for the body than none at all. Check with your physician before starting any exercise program and remember to have fun. - 31994

About the Author:

It's easy to learn how to lose weight fast and easy today! When you begin yoga for beginners you are going to find that you feel healthier, or fit, and lose weight fast!

Pilates Work Out Basics and Benefits

By Grace Isabel

Pilates workout design was cultivated in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates. The essentia of this kind of training is the emphasis on the toning up of the muscles, elasticity and strengthening of the core.

Devotees of Pilates practice it because of the response it proffers: thus, retirees, pregnant women or people who depend upon physical re-adjustment can apply it in absolute security and reap its rewards. Additionally, anyone wanting to elevate his or her fitness level is capable of profiting from the merits induced by this technique.

Bar none, Pilates hinges on the use of the core muscles, which are made up of the lower back and abdominal muscles. If you can tone and reinforce the above-mentioned muscles, they will work greatly with the other superficial muscles. In return, they reinforce the spine and assure ease of movement. Thus, the constitution of the core muscles influences the health of the complete torso. Also, several sufferers of back pain get comfort by attending basic Pilates exercise programs.

The unique Pilates workout underscores the need for training the right way without any emphasis on movement repetition. If the exercises are executed with precision, then the outcome is likely to be excellent and rewarding. The support that the trunk is given throughout the training induces not only the well being of the muscles but the flexibility, the posture and the balance, too. A note should be uttered here that it is recommended to execute any Pilates exercise program under the guidance of a professional accredited trainer.

Here is a collection of deceptively straightforward workouts. They are routines that teach the standard movement doctrines upon which Pilates exercises are put together. Work these Pilates maneuvers to open any exercise regime.

Starting Position - Constructive Rest - Neutral Spine

To detect relaxed spine, press the small of the back into the floor, thus, creating a flattened back. Thereafter, release the back to form an arch. The three curves of your spinal column are in their natural post within these two points. Launch all your workouts in this position.

Beginner Moves:

Go on your back with your arms by your sides. Bend your knees with feet and legs parallel to each other. They should be about shoulder width apart. Inhale. Blow out and use your abs to flatten the lower part of the spine toward the floor. Inhale to relax. Exhale and pull-up the lower back, shaping a miniature curve of the lower spine. Inhale to release.

Nodding Head

Head nod is a spine elongation that is encouraged in Pilates. It is an integral area of the numerous Pilates workouts that link the back in bending forward and rolling exercises.

Begin in the fundamental move position. Inhale to stretch the spine and tilt your chin down toward the chest. Your head stays on the mat. Blow out while you return to your natural pose. Breathe in to tilt your head back slightly. Blow out when you return to your relaxed position.

The Arms Over Move:

The arms over move aims to keep your alignment as the torso is challenged by the arms pushing overhead. It also helps to increase the range of movement of the shoulders.

From the starting position, inhale while you move the fingertips up to the ceiling. Exhale while you move the arms down towards the floor to your back. Inhale as you position your arms up again. Exhale to relax back to the floor.

Suggestions: Have your ab muscles engaged. Do not allow the movement of the arms to affect the alignment of the ribs.

Angel Arms

While it works different muscle groups, arms of an angel, resembling arms overhead, helps you perfect your comprehension of how to utilize both arms and shoulders without forfeiting the alignment of both your back and ribcage.

In the basic stance, breath in, while the arms swing out to the sides along the floor. Breath out as you put back your arms to your sides.

Points to remember: The abs stay working. Your ribs stay down. Your shoulders do not go up with your arms. Keep them far from your ears.

Pelvic Clock

This is an unobtrusive, but interesting posture. Pelvic clock increases consciousness of pelvic position and fortifies your muscles vital to pelvic stability.

Think of a watch or clock placed under the lower abdominal area. The 12:00 is at your bellybutton, the 3 clock is on your left hip, the six clock is at your pubic bone, and the nine clock is your right hipbone.

Using your ab muscles to begin and control the motion, chronologically move around the clock pulling first the 12:00 down, then rotate to the three, six and nine.

Tips: This is a very tiny motion. Do not pull your hips off the mat or floor. The principle is to revolve the pelvis without compromising the foundation of the rest of your body.

Knee Folds:

To be able to move your leg in the hip socket and not affect the stability of your pelvis is one of the ambitions of knee folds. This type of move is essential in all kinds of actions that we use in our daily life, such as sitting down, strolling or lifting.

From the basic stance, inhale and feel your abdominal muscles pull up one leg off the floor. Using abdominal control, breath out while you return your foot to the floor. Try not to let your thigh control the move as you obtain a deep curve at the hip.

Tip: Maintain a deep fold at the hip and do not let your hip rise with the leg. Be certain that your tailbone is secured on the mat.

Get the help of a certified Pilates trainer and join some kind of Pilates workout program especially if you have low back problems. Statistics imply that the rate of recovery of individuals with painful physical manifestations is brighter for those who practice Pilates healing methods. Pliability and adaptability of the exercise routines permits each trainee to develop at their own pace.

There are no risks, no troubles and very little dues to attend a health club. Do it for your health and well being! - 31994

About the Author:

Fitness Centers of Rochester NY, Rochester NY Athletic Club for Women and Weight Loss Centers of Rochester provide health and fitness services to its members.