Bowflex Pilates Exercises
Pilates is a physical fitness regimen that helps improve strength, flexibility and posture. The exercise method was developed by Joseph H. Pilates, but many practitioners of Pilates now offer their own version of the exercises through fitness classes and instructional DVDs. June Kahn, a professional fitness and Pilates instructor, has developed the complete Pilates Kit specifically for owners of the Bowflex home gym. This kit allows Bowflex gym owners to enjoy the benefits of Pilates from the comforts of home.
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Function
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The Bowflex home gym has become one of the leading exercise machines for thousands of men and women who want to focus on core conditioning. However, many of the exercises performed on the machine restrict certain muscles and may not make it easy to stretch and strengthen key muscle groups. The Bowflex Pilates Kit is designed to enhance the workouts performed on the Bowflex machine by using the Bowflex workout bench as a supportive surface for performing each Pilates exercise.
Features
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The Bowflex Pilates Kit contains several key pieces of equipment and a 45-minute instructional DVD. The equipment is designed to be used with the Bowflex home gym and includes; a stability ball, cable extensions, a foot harness and a foam mat that converts the workout bench into a Pilates mat. The extension cables connect directly to the rods of the Bowflex home gym to turn the gym into a home-based Pilates machine. This equipment allows the individual to perform core strengthening and conditioning Pilates exercises such as; pelvic tits, pelvic twists, cervical mobilizations, hip stability stretches, hip extensions and half roll-ups. Mat exercises that can be performed with the Bowflex system include: the Double Leg Stretch; Single Leg Stretch; Criss Cross upper body rotation; Double Leg Lift; Spine Stretch; Shoulder Bridge and Open Leg Rocker. The extension cables can be used to perform a number of inner thigh and leg strengthening exercises such as: the One Leg Circle; Inner Thigh Lift; Side Kicks and the Roll Over. The stability ball can also be used to perform abdominal crunches, oblique strengthening exercises, the classic roll over and to stretch core muscle groups between strengthening sessions.
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Effects
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This stretching and strengthening system was designed by June Kahn, named one of the Top 20 Personal Trainers in the nation by "Self Magazine." Individuals can strengthen and tone several muscle groups by completing each exercise using the foot harness, cable extensions and stability ball in various sequences. Many of the techniques and movements June Kahn uses in her exercise classes and workshops can be performed using the Pilates Kit and Bowflex gym at home. These exercises are focused on conditioning core muscle groups such as the abdominals, upper back, lower back, hips, thighs and glutes.
Benefits
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The Bowflex Pilates Kit is easy to setup and use with the Bowflex home gym equipment. When the different routines and exercises from the DVD are performed correctly, individuals can obtain a sleeker, more sculpted physique because of the conditioning and toning effects of Pilates. Pilates also encourages deeper breathing and concentration, which can help to focus the mind and body and reduce stress. Other benefits of Pilates include: improved flexibility, increased abdominal strength; decreased joint pain, improved posture; and weight loss.
Considerations
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The Bowflex Pilates Kit can be purchased online at a price of $60 to $100 depending on vendor. Completing the workouts consistently and executing each move featured in the instructional DVD can offer several health benefits, but most people will not see a difference in their physique for a few weeks. Eating a healthy diet and keeping up with a strength training and cardio training program are still important when doing Pilates to improve overall fitness levels. Doing different sets of exercises throughout the week can condition and strengthen various core muscle groups, and reduce the risk of injury.
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