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Pilates: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Beginner Pilates Exercises
This list of beginner exercises is designed help you build familiarity with the basic Pilates mat exercises. These exercises provide a foundation for building the core abdominal strength, stability, and flexibility that Pilates is famous for.
What is Pilates?
Famous for developing strength, flexibility and coordination, not to mention flat abs., Pilates is appreciated by everyone from elite athletes to seniors. Find out what makes the Pilates method so unique.
First 10 Classic Exercises
There is a traditional order to the Pilates mat exercises, as developed by Joseph Pilates. Here are the first 10 exercises of a classical Pilates mat exercise workout.
Fundamentals Set
Pilates Fundamental exercises teach the movement principles that the Pilates method exercises are built on. Here is a sample set of Pilates fundamental exercises.
20 Core Minutes of Pilates
This Pilates workout strengthens the core abdominal muscles. Learn the best Pilates exercises for strong, flat abs.
Pilates Warm-Up Set
Be centered and aligned before you begin exercising. These easy Pilates exercises will give you an opportunity to tune in to your body, find your alignment, and set your mental focus for your workout session.
Meet the Abs
Abs are abdominal muscles. Get to know where the ab muscles are and how they move. Meet the transversus abdominis.
Angel Arms
Angel arms is a Pilates warm-up exercise. Doing angel arms is a wonderful way to perfect your understanding of how the arms and shoulders affect the back and ribcage. This exercise develops core strength, improves posture, and helps increase range of motion for the shoulders and arms.
Pilates and Weight Loss
Many People do Pilates to tone their muscles, gain strength and flexibility, and to lose weight. Creating lean muscle mass, as Pilates does, is one of the best ways to increase your calorie-burning potential.
Top Pilates Video Clips
Find the best online Pilates videos. Top choices for Pilates exercises in free online video and podcast format.
Flat Abs Series
One of the benefits of Pilates is that doing the exercises correctly produces not just great core strength, but flat abs, too. Include this series of free Pilates abdominal exercises in your workout routine and find out why Pilates offers the best ab exercises and core strength builders.
Quick Workout
Use this series of free Pilates mat exercises anytime you want a quick workout. It includes a warm up, exercises that tone the abdominals, back, arms, legs and butt, as well as some stretching.
Top Benefits of Pilates
Learn the benefits of the Pilates method of exercise training. Pilates does more than create flat abs, tone the body, and support weight loss. Pilates is whole-body fitness training.
Pilates Principles
The Pilates principles are concepts that inform the Pilates method of exercise and set it apart from other exercise programs. The Pilates principles apply to every Pilates exercise, mat or equipment.
Pilates and Pregnancy
Are you wondering about doing Pilates and pregnancy? Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for a healthy pregnancy. Pilates will help you maintain strength and flexibility, tone the abdominals and pelvic floor muscles, and set up good conditioning for your post pregnancy rebound.
Shoulder Stabilty Exercise
This Pilates exercise helps establish shoulder stability by increasing awareness of scapular placement in Pilates exercises.
Pilates Certification
In this article, I explore Pilates instructor certification. We look at Pilates mat certification and equipment certification, and what you might expect from each.
Plank
Plank is a popular exercise in both Pilates and yoga. While plank really targets the abdominal muscles and shoulder stability, you will find that plank is an excellent way to get a full-body workout.
Pilates Info for Beginners
Pilates is a beginner friendly fitness method. Use this page as a guide to the Pilates information and exercise principles that will help you get the most benefit from beginning your Pilates workout.[br] Here will find everything from how to choose a Pilates class and instructor, to how to do basic Pilates moves.
The Hundred
The hundred is a classic Pilates exercise. It builds core strength, stamina and coordination. To do this exercise well, you must fully engage the abdominal muscles while you practice a dynamic breathing pattern.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing teaches us to breathe deeply, with control. Deep breathing is an important part of Pilates exercise. Here are free sample Pilates exercise instructions for diaphragmatic breathing.
Anatomy of a Reformer
Springs, straps, gears and pulleys - the Pilates reformer can be an intimidating looking machine! Actually, the reformer is a very elegant piece of resistance exercise equipment, designed to build strength and flexibility. Here is an introduction to the parts of the reformer and their functions.
Exercise and Dizziness
Dizziness and nausea while exercising are not uncommon among athletes who train really hard, but what about those of us doing moderate exercise, like Pilates?
Finding Neutral Spine
Neutral Spine is the natural position of the spine, with all 3 curves of the spine in good alignment. Knowing neutral spine placement is crucial for doing Pilates exercises properly.
What Makes a Workout Cardio?
A cardio workout has many health benefits, but do you know what a cardio workout really is? Find out about the benefits of aerobic fitness, what your target heart rate is, and how to find it.
Side Kick Series Intro.
The Pilates Side Kick exercises strengthen and tone the hips and legs, as well as develop core strength by challenging the abdominals to stabilize the movement.
Pilates Mats
Here is a buyers guide for Pilates exercise mats. Having the right equipment can do wonders for your Pilates experience. An exercise mat could well be your first choice for doing Pilates at home. Read through this buyers guide before you make up your mind what kind of mat you want for Pilates exercise.
Roll Up Quick Reference
The roll up is a classic Pilates exercises. Roll up is a great ab exercise, and is well known as an exercise for flat abs. It has been said that one Pilates roll up is equal to six regular sit ups, and is much better than crunches for creating a flat stomach.
Pulling in the Abs
Whether you are doing Pilates or engaged in other exercises, it is essential to know how to pull in your abs in a way that builds strength, supports the spine, and provides stability.
Pilates Videos Online
About.com now has some of the best Pilates videos online. Here is a list of the free Pilates videos you can view online, which shows Pilates mat exercises and workouts with exercise bands.
Getting Started in Pilates
How to prepare for beginning Pilates Classes. What to wear to do a Pilates workout, what to bring to Pilates class, and what to expect at a Pilates studio.
Pilates and Exercise Balls
This article about exercise balls, also known as fitness balls or Swiss balls, gives you info on how to use the exercise ball for developing core strength and balance, and Pilates exercises, as well as buying tips.
Pelvic Curl
This exercise if often used in Pilates classes as a gentle warm-up for the spine and abdominal muscles. Pelvic curl also works the lower body and helps coordinate breath and movement.
Strength and Stretch Level 2
If you are ready for an intermediate level Pilates challenge, this Pilates mat routine will provide a good over-all workout. This routine includes abdominal exercises for core strength as well as exercises for the legs, hips, and back.[br] Part of the free Pilates exercises online at pilates.about.com.
Chest Lift
Pilates Chest Lift looks a lot like an abdominal crunch, but beware, it's not! Use these instructions to work your abdominals in a way more effective than the common crunch.
Tone the Inner Thighs
Pilates exercises tone the inner thighs. Learn to use Pilates exercises, exercise balls, and magic circles to tone the inner thighs.
Exercise Modification Tips
Learn to modify Pilates exercises for safety or more challenge. Do Pilates exercises, and protect your neck and back, with these simple tips. Apply these basic modifications to matwork or reformer workouts.
Pilates Mat Exercise List
Here is a printable list of Pilates exercises. These are the Pilates mat exercises listed in the classical Pilates mat order as seen in Joseph Pilates book, Return to Life.
Stretches for Flexibility
Pilates is known for helping people develop both strength and flexibility. This sample set of Pilates stretches includes exercises that increase flexibility of the back, front-body, side-body, hamstrings and hips.
Doing Pilates for Weight Loss
Learn how to do your Pilates workout for weight loss. You have to keep challenging your body to burn more calories and lose weight. Learn how.
Saw
Saw is a basic Pilates mat exercise that is appropriate for all workout levels. It is a back and hamstring stretch and that utilizes a spinal rotation to increase the stretch.
Wall Roll Down
This standing Pilates exercise is great practice for beginners and advanced students. It stretches the back and the hamstrings as it works the abdominals and teaches good posture.
Joseph Pilates
Read this short biography of Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method of exercise and the inventor of the Pilates exercise equipment. Joseph Pilates story is an essential part of the history of Pilates.
Single Leg Stretch
Single leg stretch is one of the best Pilates mat exercises for working the abdominals. It is an especially good exercise for the lower abdominals. If flat abs is one of your goals, this exercise is for you.
All About Foam Body Rollers
Foam body rollers are used for stretch and strength exercises, as well as for massage and relaxation. Find out how to use and buy foam rollers in Pilates and other exercise.
Inner Thigh Lifts
Inner Thigh Lifts work your legs from your core abdominals. They tone the thighs and abdominals and stretch the hips.
Daily Pilates?
Can you do a Pilates workout every day? What would such a workout look like and how could your Pilates routine safe and effective? Find out how to keep your Pilates workouts interesting and safe every day.
Design Your Exercise Program
Learn how to design your own exercise workout. Whether you do Pilates or other exercise, you can learn to make a safe, effective workout program.
Pilates and Posture
Can you stand comfortably, in a way that feels relaxed and supported by the core? Use this primer on Pilates and posture to help you access your core strength, and improve the way you stand and use your body.
Imprinting
Imprinting may be the most basic Pilates exercise there is. Yet it can also be one of the most profound. Imprinting is deeply relaxing and centering. It is wonderful for stress reduction, and as a way to center yourself before any workout.
One Leg Circle
One leg circle is a great test of core strength. One leg circle also tones and stretches the thighs.
Criss Cross
Criss Cross is a popular Pilates mat exercise for targeting the abdominal muscles, especially the obliques. Working the obliques supports posture, the ability to flex and rotate the torso, and helps define the waist.
Swimming
Swimming, is a fun exercise, yet quite a workout. Swimming, like the activity it is named after, works every part of the body. This one is perfect for toning the abs, butt, back and hamstrings.
Double Straight Leg Lowers
This Pilates mat exercise is a very effective abdominal workout, working both the upper and lower abdominals. Provided that you learn to do it correctly this is an ideal core strength builder. Follow these step by step instructions and learn to protect your back as you get a great abdominal challenge.
Pilates Exercises for the Back
Pilates exercises can help decrease back pain, including low back pain. Learn beginner Pilates exercises that promote core stability, and stretch and strengthen the back.
Spine Stretch
Pilates mat exercise, spine stretch, is a great stretch for the back and the hamstrings, as well as a moment to center oneself before moving on to more challenging exercises.
Swan
Swan stretches the abdominals and hip flexors, even as it strengthens the abdominals, back, shoulders, inner thighs, pelvic floor and hamstrings. This mat exercise is part of the free pilates exercise series available at pilates.about.com.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
The pelvic floor muscles provide support for our organs, and aid pelvic stability in movement. Learn about how to use exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Magic Circles
Pilates magic circles, also known as exercise rings, magic rings, fitness circles, and many other like descriptions are small pieces of Pilates exercise equipment. They are great for toning the abs, arms, butt, legs and torso. Here are some things to consider before you buy a magic circle.
Tucked vs Neutral Pelvis
Learn about the importance of pelvic alignment in exercise. These examples from Pilates show the difference between a tucked and neutral pelvic alignment, and why you want to avoid a very tucked pelvis.
Workout with Ball and Ring
Learn a Pilates workout with the exercise ball and Pilates ring. This workout will tone your whole body, including your abs, inner thighs, and arms.
Core Strength
Core strength is a foundation of Pilates Exercise. To develop core strength we learn to use the abdominal and back muscles in a balanced way.
Pilates C-curve
The C curve is an essential part of any Pilates workout. Once you understand the Pilates C-curve you are well on your way to getting your abdominals working effectively for many Pilates exercises. This short "How To" will help you find the perfect position.
Pilates Bicycle
We all love an exercise that works a lot of areas at once. Bicycle, done the Pilates way, will work your legs, your butt, your abs, shoulders and arms. Bicycle is part of the free Pilates exercises series online at about.com.
Pilates Push-Up
Push-ups. Everybody knows about them, but have you done a push-up the Pilates way? Pilates push-ups use the whole body and require a new level of upper body stability and core strength.
Teaser - one leg
Teaser is one of those abdominal exercises that really shows us whether we are working our abs in a symmetrical way. It requires coordination and balance and will quickly help you develop core strength.
Knee Folds
Knee folds is a Pilates fundamental exercise. It teaches pelvic stability and efficient movement principles. This is one of the Pilates exercises that is often used to help relieve back pain.
Pelvic Clock
Pelvic clock is a basic Pilates exercise that will help you understand the difference between neutral spine and flat back, and how to move the pelvis with the abdominals.
Upper Body Toning with Ring
Here is a set of the upper body toning exercises done with the Pilates ring. Learn simple exercises to tone your arms, chest, back and shoulders.
Lateral Breathing
The Pilates breathing method, lateral breathing, will help you breathe deeply even when your abdominals are pulled in.
Leg Pull Front
Like plank/front support, leg pull front engages every part of the body. Leg pull front takes plank/front support a step further. By lifting one leg off the floor, the instability that is introduced challenges the abdominals and shoulders to keep the trunk and pelvis stable as you move.
Pilates for Men
Pilates is a good workout for men. Find out why men do Pilates and why Pilates has a history with men.
Chest Lift With Rotation
This Pilates exercise strengthens your abdominal muscles and teaches pelvic stability. It is also a great prep for criss cross, one of the best flat abs exercises ever.
Mermaid
Mermaid side stretch lengthens and opens the side body, it teaches engagement of the scapula in the back, and it connects your stretch all the way through center. Use Mermaid as a gentle warm up or a more intense stretch later in your routine. This exercise is one of the free sample Pilates exercises at pilates.about.com.
3 Plank Exercise Variations
Side plank, as we do it in Pilates, is a more challenging exercise than regular or dolphin arm plank. It is a less stable position requiring more shoulder and arm strength. Get exercise instructions for side plank.
Pilates Certification Programs
Use this list of Pilates certification programs to find a program right for you. Includes links to Pilates instructor training programs from Stott Pilates, Power Pilates, Peak Pilates and more.
Double Leg Kick
Double leg kick is an intermediate Pilates mat exercise that builds back strength and flexibility. It is an extension exercise that also provides a great stretch for the chest and shoulders.
Rolling Like a Ball
A classic Pilates exercise, rolling like a ballis almost always included in Pilates mat classes. Rolling like a ball stimulates the spine, deeply works the abdominals, and tunes us into the inner flow of movement and breath in the body.
Winsor Pilates Super Sculpting
Here I review the Winsor Pilates Super Sculpting DVD package. This weight loss support package includes DVDs with fat burning, body sculpting, and pilates circle workouts. It also includes the Winsor Pilates exercise planner, cookbook, and sculpting circle.
Ways to Learn Pilates
From private instruction to group classes, books, DVDs, and even online instruction there are lots of ways to learn Pilates. Here is an introduction to some popular ways of going about learning Pilates for beginning and continuing students.
Plank on the Exercise Ball
Plank on the exercise ball is one of the best ab exercises. These free Pilates exercise instructions for plank on the exercise ball will teach you to make plank one of the best ab exercises you know.
Double Leg Stretch
Double Leg Stretch sounds like a leg stretch, but it is really a very strong abdominal strengthening workout. In this exercise, everything moves from center. Double Leg Stretch is an intermediate Pilates mat exercise.
Guide to Pilates Equipment
This guide to Pilates equipment will give you a good sense of what is available and the ins and outs of buying Pilates equipment.
Do Open Leg Balance
Open Leg Balance is one of the best Pilates mat exercises I know testing the strength of the lower abdominals. Core strength is the name of the game here as you will literally lose your balance unless your abdominals are working hard.
Neck Pain in Pilates
Why do some people have neck pain when they do Pilates? Get tips for overcoming neck pain when you do Pilates.
Pilates and Yoga Exercises
You may be thinking Pilates versus yoga? How are Pilates and yoga different and alike? Exercises that both yoga and Pilates share reveal differences and similarities between the two.
Pilates Machine Facts
What is a Pilates machine, really? Learn about Pilates equipment from reformers to magic circles.
Pilates for Seniors
Promoting strength, balance and flexibility, Pilates can be a safe, enjoyable method of exercise for seniors.
Myths About Pilates
What is Pilates? Is Pilates a derivative of yoga? Is it only for women and wimps? Does Pilates exercise cater to flabby abdominals and ignore the rest? Take a look at the stories behind these and other erroneous ideas about the Pilates method.
The Pilates - Yoga Connection
There is a tremendous amount of interest these days in yoga and pilates together. While Pilates may be a bit more about core strength and yoga emphasizes stretching, they are very complimentary forms of exercise. Both Pilates and yoga workouts offer exceptional fitness benefits.
What to Wear for Pilates
What kind of clothing do you wear to do a Pilates or yoga workout? Find out what workout clothing is best for Pilates and yoga fitness classes.
Flexion
In anatomical terms, flexion is to bring parts closer together. Flexing the muscles is to use the muscles to bring the bones closer together.
Pilates and Back Pain
Pilates teaches correct posture, helping people with back pain get relief from the imbalances that cause back pain. Find out more about why Pilates exercises work for back pain.
Open Leg Rocker
This Pilates mat exercise develops core strength as it challenges the strength and control of the abdominal muscles. Open leg rocker stimulates the spine and encourages full breathing. These instructions are part of a series of free sample Pilates exercises at pilates.about.com.
The Pilates Reformer
These pictures of Pilates equipment show the Pilates reformer. You will see classic reformers as well contemporary and portable styles.
Kneeling Side Kick Front/Back
Kneeling adds a new level of difficulty to a Pilates side kick front/back. This a real core exercise, giving the back and abdominals a workout as you maintain your balance while your free leg is moving. Learn to do this Pilates move.
Magic Circle Arms Back
This Pilates Magic Circle exercise opens the chest and shoulders as it strengthens and tones the arms and upper back. It is especially good for the back of the arms, the triceps.
Roll Up with Ring
Roll up is a great classic Pilates exercise. It works the abs like nothing else. Add the Pilates ring, or magic circle, to the exercise, and learn even more from roll up. Here are free exercise instructions for roll up with Pilates ring.
Reclined Hip Stretch
This easy hip stretching exercise stretches the outside of the hip, providing flexibility and release of tension.
Roll Over
Roll over is all about control. Add roll over to you Pilates workout -- you'll get a good stretch for your back and hamstrings and work your abdominals very well in the process.
Buying Exercise Bands
Exercise bands, also known as resistance bands, stretch bands, workout bands or flex bands, provide adjustable resistance training for stretch and strength. They are used in Pilates and other fitness routines.
Underwear for Womens Workout
Are you wondering what to wear under woman's exercise clothes? What about bras, sports bras, and panty lines? Get recommendations and discount tips on what to wear under workout clothing.
Pilates Exercise, the Crab
The Pilates exercise, the crab, is an advanced Pilates mat exercise that continues the abdominal workout that exercises like rolling like a ball and seal teach. Get free Pilates exercise instructions for the crab.
Arms Over
Arms over is a fundamental Pilates exercise. It helps improve posture, range of motion in the shoulders, and trunk stability.
Side Leg Lifts
Pilates side leg lifts work the abdominals as well as the thighs. Lifting the legs together keeps the inner thighs and buttocks engaged as the powerhouse pulls in and up, developing core strength and balance.
Seal
Seal is a fun and challenging pilates mat exercise. Seal is an abdominal workout and it stimulates the spine. One of the free pilates exercises at About.com.
Spine Twist
Spine twist helps increase the range of motion in the upper body. It trains the trunk to spiral on the central vertical axis while maintaining the support of a stable pelvis. Spine twist works the oblique abdominals and the back extensors.
The Pilates Chair
The Pilates chair, also known as wunda chair, is traditional piece of Pilates equipment that is gaining popularity with new designs and training programs.
Swan with Neck Roll
Swan stretches the abdominals and hip flexors, even as it strengthens the abdominals, back and shoulders. Add a neck roll for more freedom of motion.
Rainbow
Rainbow is a Pilates mat exercise that targets the hips and thighs. Lying on your side will require a good bit of core strength and stabilization effort from the abdominals as well. You can do rainbow with, or without, a magic circle.
Knee Folds on the Ball
Done on the exercise ball, this fundamental Pilates move has an added core strength and balance challenge. Try knee folds on the exercise ball.
Shoulder Stability
Pilates exercises teach shoulder stability. These pictures show you how to stabilize your shoulders and scapula in exercise.
Hip Flexors vs Abs
Your hip flexors might be taking over your abdominal exercises. Learn to use Pilates to increase the power of your abdominal exercises by staying out of your hip flexors.
Wii Pilates Review
Read this review of Daisy Fuentes Wii Pilates before you buy this Pilates workout from Sega games. Wii Pilates uses the balance board and remote sensor to give feedback on Pilates exercises.
Swan Dive
Swan dive is a Pilates exercise that works the back, abdominals, glutes, hamstrings, and inner thighs. It is an intermediate Pilates move that builds on Pilates swan.
How to Size Your Exercise Ball
Pilates and other exercises are fun on an exercise ball. Use these tips to make sure your fitness ball is the right size and provides enough stability for the exercises you want to do.
Weight Loss with Pilates
Tips for weight loss with Pilates. How you can use Pilates as part of your weight loss program.
Shoulder Bridge
Shoulder bridge is an advanced Pilates exercise, but it can be developed in stages. Pilates shoulder bridge is a good workout for the abdominal muscles and hamstrings. Here are the exercise instructions, along with notes for developing shoulder bridge skills.
Flat Stomach Problems
A flat stomach is great when you can get one just through exercise. Sometimes abdominal exercises aren't enough. Here are some reasons why you might not be able to pull your abs in.
Standing Inner Thigh - w- Ring
Learn an inner thigh exercise with the Pilates ring. This is a standing Pilates exercises that targets the inner thighs along with working the hips and abs.
Are You Ready to Teach Pilates
Are you ready to become a Pilates teacher? These questions will help you decide if Pilates instructor certification is right for you. Includes links to Pilates certification programs.
Bridge On Exercise Ball
Learn the bridge exercise on the exercise ball. It tones the butt, abdominals, hamstrings and thighs. Pilates exercise ball exercises are fun and help with balance.
Tips for Rolling Exercises
Rolling exercises are part of the classic Pilates exercise repertoire. They create a unique abdominal workout where we have to use a lot of core strength to initiate and support the movement. Review these tips for doing rolling exercises to help you get the most out of rolling exercises, and do them in a safe way.
Seated Legs
This is the perfect Pilates exercise to tone the inner thighs and abdominals, and lift the pelvic floor. Seated Legs is done with the Pilates magic circle. Instructions for this exercise are part of the free Pilates exercise series at pilates.about.com.
Magic Circle Straight Arms
Use the Pilates Magic Circle for this simple resistance exercise. Straight arms with circle, tones the shoulders, arms and chest. Straight arms is also an excellent way to put your core strength to work as you keep your torso stable while exercising the arms.
Magic Circle
The Pilates Magic Circle is a ring, about 13 inches in diameter, that is used to provide resistance for exercise.
Frog with Exercise Band
This version of frog legs is an all-over workout where the exercise band provides the kind of resistance the reformer usually provides for legwork. Adding the upper body, we work the arms and shoulders as well as the abdominals and legs.
Side Sit Ups on the Reformer with Box
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do.
Side Kick Front/Back
Use Pilates Side Kick Front and Back to work the back muscles, the abdominals, the hamstrings, and the hip flexors. Side Kick Front/Back tones the thighs, hips and abs. It is also a balance challenge, calling forth the ability to use core muscles to stabilize the pelvis and allow the legs to move independently.
Roll Back
Supported Roll Back makes a perfect warm up for the abdominals and spine. It is also one of the best exercises for figuring out how to use your abdominal muscles in Pilates. The support of the hands behind the knees also allows one experiment with how the abs are engaging, and the amount of challenge they take on at different points in the sequence.
Single Leg Kick
This Pilates exercise focuses on the hamstrings, but it is also a great way to work your powerhouse by keeping your abdominals lifted throughout. Learn how to do Pilates Single Leg Kick.
Back Stretch - Cat /Cow
Cat and cow, a back stretch exercise from yoga and Pilates is one of the best. Get exercise instructions for cat-cow back stretch.
Pilates Roll Up in Detail
Learn Pilates Roll Up. Get detailed exercise instructions, with pictures, for roll up. This exercise is a great challenge for the abdominal muscles and is well known as a foundation exercise for the Pilates flat abs effect.
Sit Bones
Those bony parts you feel when you sit on a firm surface. Find out the technical name...
Teaser on the Pilates Wunda Chair
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do.
The Pilates Tower
This gallery of Pilates equipment pictures will show you all the major Pilates machines used in Pilates equipment exercises. See pictures of equipment from Stott Pilates, Peak Pilates and Balanced Body as well as exercise demonstrations.
Powerhouse
The center of your body, the area between your bottom ribs and the top of your pubic bone, is your powerhouse. It includes the abdominals and the lower back.
Pilates - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Pilates guide site.
Tips for Choosing a Teacher
Pilates training is a scientific and detailed system of exercise. It is essential that you learn from a qualified Pilates instructor. Here are some tips to get you started thinking about the experience you would like to have in Pilates training.
Inverted Hang on the Cadillac
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do!
Abdominals
A definition of the term, abdominals, as used in pilates exercises.
All About Winsor Pilates
Winsor Pilates is one of the most recognizable names in Pilates exercise. Developed by Pilates instructor Mari Winsor, Winsor Pilates is known for its weight loss, body sculpting, and abdominal workouts.
Side Kick - Before and After
Compare pictures of the Pilates exercise, kneeling side kick. Learn to use oppositional stretch for better form in Pilates exercises.
Reclined Spine Stretch Twist
This gentle twist exercise can be used a a lower back stretch before or exercise or after. Use back stretches to increase flexibility and help relieve back pain.
Certification Issues
The release of the trademark on the Pilates name had a dramatic impact on Pilates instructor certification and the use of the Pilates name in general. Anyone considering studying Pilates or becoming a Pilates teacher will want to be familiar with the status of Pilates instructor certification today.
Scoop the Abs.
Scoop your abs is a phrase we use a lot in Pilates but it can leave a beginner wondering what that could possibly be. Here is a quick definition for scoop the abs..
The Pilates Spine Corrector or Step Barrel and Half Arc
This gallery of Pilates equipment pictures will show you all the major Pilates machines used in Pilates equipment exercises. See pictures of equipment from Stott Pilates, Peak Pilates and Balanced Body as well as exercise demonstrations.
Extension
To extend is to take things further apart. Anatomically we say that we are using our muscles as extensors when we use them to decrease the angel between parts.
Roll Up Tips
Pilates mat exercises, like the roll up, are great abdominal exercises, but these moves can be hard. Here are free Pilates exercise tips for doing the roll up well.
Jennifer Kries Beginner DVD
Read this review of the New Body! Beginner Pilates DVD from Jennifer Kries. With a mat workout and a magic circle workout, this beginner Pilates DVD might be right for you.
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