Pilates Workout Videos, A Journey From Joseph Pilates All The Way To Modern Technology

One of the most convenient ways to learn Pilates is via the internet. This website offers detailed instructions on how to perform the various moves of Pilates exercises, along with information about Pilates and the benefits it offers. And all of this comes in the form of pilates workout videos and animated exercises.

But first let's answer the question:

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise that incorporates deep breathing techniques to improve posture, balance and core strength. It is a method that encourages the use of the mind to control the body. Pilates exercise focuses on increasing strength and flexibility of abdomen and back muscles and coordination of both muscular and mental abilities.

When practiced faithfully, Pilates provides numerous benefits. By focusing on breathing techniques, Pilates can realign the spine and strengthen deep torso muscles. Many report an increase in bone density, making it a good form of exercise for men and women. In a nutshell, Pilates teaches individuals to obtain balance and control over the physical body.

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates around 1914. Joseph Pilates was a boxer who lived in England during WWI. He was a self-taught yoga instructor and Zen practitioner. During the time he was imprisoned he taught fellow prisoners' yoga and developed a system of exercises known as "matwork", or exercises done on the floor. Pilates named his exercise system "Contrology" because it focused on controlled breathing.

Around 1917, Joseph Pilates was transferred to another prisoner camp. There he became a caretaker of soldiers and civilians who were stricken with physical injuries and wartime diseases. During this time, Pilates developed equipment for rehabilitation purposes. Using bed springs, he was able to develop a device that offered spring resistance and movement for patients who were bedridden.

Today, Pilates exercise equipment is similar to the devices developed by Joseph Pilates at the turn of the century. Pilates exercise equipment utilized spring tension and straps to hold feet and hands, while providing support for the back, neck and shoulder.

Many Pilates' exercises are performed on a mat. They are intended to be performed in fluid motions, as opposed to the static, isolated movements of other popular work-out routines. By focusing intently on each movement, the exercise becomes precise, perfect, and graceful.

People who participate in Pilates exercises on a regular basis develop graceful movement and perfect posture that carries over into their daily lives. Grace of motion is emphasized over speed and performed in a sequence such as a waltz or ballroom dancing.

Pilates helps people develop muscles which are conducive to good posture, suppleness, and natural grace.

Pilates Classes

If you have never visited a Pilates exercise studio before, you might find it a bit awkward and daunting. But, have no fear! Although Pilates equipment is considerably different than other types of work-out equipment, the odd-looking equipment used in Pilates classes are actually very user-friendly.

Pilates is based on six principles: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow. Regardless of a person's fitness level, these principles can easily be adapted to help anyone gain muscle tone and strength.

The majority of Pilates exercises are performed on a Pilates mat. Most Pilates studios provide mats to attendees of Pilates classes. However, if you decide to participate in Pilates classes on a regular basis, you might want to consider purchasing your own mat.

Pilates mats are typically a bit thicker than mats used in yoga exercise. They can be rolled up for ease in transportation and easily fit into a duffle bag or backpack.

There is no special workout gear required when participating in Pilates classes. Pilates exercises are performed barefoot, so there is no need for special foot gear. Clothing should be loose-fitting and allow you to stretch easily and fully. Keep in mind that your Pilates instructor needs to be able to see the alignment of your body, so avoid wearing baggy clothing. Some Pilates exercises require you to lift your arms and legs upward and outward, so you don't want to wear clothing that is too revealing.

Avoid wearing accessories such as long necklaces, dangling earrings, bracelets or belts during your Pilates classes. Although the majority of Pilates exercises are performed on a mat, there are other pieces of equipment you will be using. Accessories could become tangled or caught in the equipment and cause injury.

Additionally, if you have long hair, it's best to tie it back or use hair clips or bobby pins to keep it off your face and neck. Although Pilates isn't an aggressive form of exercise, certain precautions should be taken to avoid getting clothing, accessories, or hair tangled in exercise equipment.

Last, but not least, Pilates is a mind/body/spirit exercise. Due to this philosophy, many instructors who teach Pilates classes ask attendees to refrain from wearing strong scents while in the studio. These include perfumes, deodorants, hair spray, etc.

Next chapter is about push up workouts