Pilates equipment for today's health conscious

Pilates is one of today's most popular workout routines. Be it at home, studio, or in fitness gyms, this workout rocks! The reason behind is the fact that Pilates is simple yet it still manages to give a lot of rewards in the end. It is a kind of exercise that works both the mind and the body Particularly with the help of Pilates equipment.
Truly, the equipment used in Pilates can make or break the whole routine. Proper selection of Pilates equipment is Necessary indeed. Yes, you can still do Pilates on the carpet without using any tool but of course, you should also know that gearing yourself with The Necessary equipment will boost the impact of each movement to your body and thus helps preventable injuries. To help you find the right tool for your needs, here is a list of Pilates equipment you need to consider.
Pilates Mat - A Pilates mat is actually the most basic equipment you need. Hence, this should be the first one on your shopping list. When buying, remember that this mat is available in two types, Which are the fold-up and roll-up mat. Choose whichever it is that offers convenience.Pilates Reformer - The next must-have workout equipment in Pilates is a Pilates reformer. This equipment is a must if you want to bring up your workout into the next level for this help boost resistance to Help Strengthen the core. There are a few reformers at home to choose from that are less expensive and fold upPilates Magic Circle - If you want to work on toning your entire body, then a Pilates Magic Circle or the so called ring exercise needs to be included in your list of equipment. Grabbing this equipment will help you gain more resistance Which is essential for your everyday workout.Pilates Fitness Ball - Another kind of equipment that you need to purchase is the Pilates fitness ball. This ball outs work your abdominal muscles. Believe it or not, many people swear that the use of exercise balls helped them Achieved the body they have always dreamed of.Pilates DVD - Pilates DVD is therefore a must-have if you want to perform Pilates in the comfort of your home and most especially, if you are a beginner in this kind of program. Purchasing a good DVD will guide you through proper movements. Be reminded that Pilates DVDs are available in either beginner or advanced level.Hence, you should know which kind of DVD is right for you.There is a lot of Pilates equipment waiting for you in the market nowadays especially online. All of them are bound to give what they intend to promise. Nonetheless, so you should remember that a single wrong choice of equipment can lead you into a total frustration. So when deciding, make sure you are properly guided. Research online for more facts. Hire a certified Pilates teacher. A few lessons with one will make a difference.
Wanda Kent is a health buff. As a fitness instructor, she enjoys getting free passes to the most amazing exercise tools. As a mom, she wishes to promote healthier eating habits. As a woman, she dreams to inspire others through sharing her skills and knowledge of how we can obtain a better life through better health.

3 Tips On How To Do Pilates Ball Exercises

It's best when starting with the pilates ball that you start slowly and maybe consult a doctor first. Work at your own pace as it will be difficult at first to keep your balance. With the ball it's a great piece of equipment because you are able to do it at home in the privacy of your own home and because it's so small it's great as you could take it away on holiday's if you so pleased.

Doing pilates ball exercises will help improve your balance, coordination of your muscles and improve your core strength. It can also benefit you by enhancing your mind, body and spirit. Try and do a 30 minute session 3/4 times a week. By doing your ball exercises it can aid in the relief from back pain and it can help with joint and muscle recovery.

If you are looking to tone your body using a pilates ball then stretching on the ball is a good idea, stretch both on your stomach and back. Don't forget to always be careful until you become good at the exercise, this is something different as you have to learn to balance. It's a good thing though as it's firming up all those muscles and making them stronger.

Try doing push ups on the ball, this is good for core strength and the chest. Next why not try squatting with the ball, this is a great way to tone the butt and thighs. If you are looking for a way to tone up your arms, chest and shoulders try the weight press exercise. When doing these pilates ball exercises start out with 5 repetitions, then once you get the hang of them go for more.

Looking to get fit or even just improve on your fitness then take a look here for some more great information weight loss workouts. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharyn_Mathieson

Pilates Basics - Top Pilates Exercises

Pilates is one of the most popular forms of exercise today. This is an understatement. From the couch potato to the most fanatic fitness enthusiast, everyone has heard to some degree of Pilates. But what exactly is Pilates?

Developed by Joseph Pilates, this form of exercise utilizes the power of the mind to control the muscles in order to develop strength, flexibility and good alignment. It also gives its practitioners a wider range of limb motion as well as a host of other physical and mental benefits.

Unlike other fitness exercises, Pilates demands that the practitioner must concentrate, control, focus attention on the center, practice efficiency of movement, breathing and precision. Thus, when understood at a much deeper level, Pilates is more than an exercise routine. It is, as Joseph Pilates explains, the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.

Before starting any of the Pilates exercises, it's crucial to understand the concept of the "Powerhouse." This refers to the center of strength or the core muscle areas found in the lower back, gluteals and abdominals. To engage the "Powerhouse," you must stand tall and straight, taking extra care not to lock your knees. Then, ever so slightly pull your navel in towards your spine and slightly tuck this under your hips. As you consciously practice the "Powerhouse" all throughout the day, you will feel taller and straighter and this will become second nature to you. As you do your Pilates routines, engaging in the "Powerhouse" position will allow you to greatly benefit from the exercises.

One of the best Pilates exercises simple enough for any beginner to follow is called The Hundred. Aside from the usual benefits given by Pilates, this particular routine can also relieve lower back pain. Here's how to do it:

On a mat on the floor, lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat with your arms at the sides, ensuring that your "Powerhouse" is engaged. Exhale and slowly lift your shoulders and head toward your knees. Lift arms to a parallel position that is even with your hips. Draw your knees towards you chest. Lift your legs, placing it in an imaginary table in front of you. Inhale, and as you exhale, pump your arms vigorously beside your body. With every exhale, make sure that you flatten your belly down into the floor mat. For a more vigorous set, follow the same position, but this time, straighten out your legs to about a 45 degree angle (You need to engage your Powerhouse if you want to hold out your legs for 3 sets of 5 second inhale/exhale cycles.) Inhale. Pump your arms as you exhale. To wrap up this exercise, simply draw your knees to your chest, wrap your arms around it and breathe.

Pilates is not only a good way to lose weight, it's also beneficial for overall physical health and mental wellbeing. If you're looking for a workout that benefits your body, soul and spirit, then Pilates is a good choice for you.