Pilates for Beginners

Pilates has become an incredibly popular form of exercise mainly due to the slimming and toning effect it has on the body and the calming, relaxing effect it has on the mind. Pilates for beginners focuses on simple exercises that build core strength and increase muscle tone.

If you want your body to be more toned, improve your everyday posture and increase flexibility and mobility, then regular Pilates exercise may be the answer you have been looking for. The strength and degree of natural movement and flexibility that can be attained by applying Pilates techniques exceeds almost any other form of exercise program.

When beginning Pilates for the first time, many find the exercises to be a little tricky, especially when combined with Pilates breathing. Don’t be discouraged, pace yourself and don’t overdo it. Your body needs to adjust to this change and as you get further into your Pilates routine you’ll find that it will become easier and the exercises will feel more natural.

Pilates for Beginners – how to get started

Your own circumstances and preferences may well determine the approach you choose to adopt and get started with Pilates. There are several options:

you may purchase a Pilates program on DVD or video that you can follow in the comfort of your own home.

if you have a local fitness center they may well have a Pilates for beginners class. They have most definitely adopted the Pilates trend, and there is no doubt you will benefit from having a qualified Pilates instructor.

another option could be one of the professional Pilates studios that have sprung-up in response to the demand. They usually offer classes on a pay-per-lesson basis.

Pilates for Beginners – things you must do

Whichever approach you take there are fundamental aspects of Pilates that should be followed:

a) if you are new to Pilates you must start at the ‘beginner’ level, regardless of prior experience with alternative strength training programs or your current fitness level. Joseph H. Pilates, the founder of Pilates, created the sequence of Pilates exercises to ensure that one follows the other.

b) pilates exercises focus on precision and proper technique rather than repetition. Your movements should be as controlled as possible, concentrating on keeping your movements slow and deliberate. This attitude will focus in on the muscle groups that you are trying to improve and tone.

c) a controlled breathing pattern is critical to an effective Pilates workout. You will need to learn how to breath in harmony with the exercises. One objective of Pilates is to bring together the body and mind. Pilates is also about relieving anxiety and stress.

This has been a brief introduction for Pilates for beginners but we will be covering many aspects of Pilates over the coming months.

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