Getting Started in Pilates

Pilates is by far my favorite way to work out.

By Carolina Dream Coy

Pilates is the only workout I have ever found that gives visible results very quickly. The key to Pilates is fewer, yet more precise, moves that require concentration and correct form. While doing Pilates you concentrate on your body's position, the moves you are doing, the muscles that are engaged as you move, and your breathing as you do the moves.

There are three basic ways to get started doing Pilates:

Buy a Pilates Video for Beginners
This is very inexpensive and easy way to learn Pilates in the privacy of your own home. It also makes it possible for you to take the time needed to concentrate on doing the moves properly, which is very important. I found it really helped me to pause the video so that I could practice each move in front of a mirror before moving on to the next exercise. By doing the move in front of a mirror I was able to mimic the position I saw on the video, and could feel what doing the move properly felt like. Then I could easily copy it while doing the workout in its entirety.

Take a Pilates Class
This will cost a bit more than buying a video but it will be beneficial. Many people find that joining a class helps them to stay committed and motivated. In addition, each class will be taught by a trained instructor who will help you achieve proper form while doing the moves.

Hire a Personal Pilates Trainer
This is possibly the most expensive way to learn Pilates. However, for those who feel the need of one on one attention and instruction this may be the most beneficial. A trainer will be able to devote time specifically to helping you achieve the moves properly, while also helping to modify any moves that you may find difficult.

Pilates is a great way in which to lengthen and strengthen the entire body. Pilates is a workout method that concentrates on working your core, which are primarily your abdominal muscles. While some exercise studios feature specialized Pilates machines, you can do a complete Pilates workout without equipment or special gear of any kind. While you don't need any special equipment or gear to do Pilates, it is important to wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in. It is also important to do your Pilates workout in a quiet, peaceful environment. I prefer to play soft, relaxing music while doing my Pilates routine, because it helps me relax and stay focused throughout the workout.

After you get used to the basic Pilates moves you can easily develop your own Pilates routine. At that point, you may want to purchase a Pilates instructional book that has detailed pictures and descriptions of various Pilates moves, so that you can take the beginner's moves you have learned and work into a more advanced way of doing them. You may also be able to add additional advanced moves, and to apply the Pilates method of breathing and muscle concentration while learning to incorporate other basic exercises into your workout.

02/07/08  By Carolina Dream Coy