How to Benefit from Pilates Exercises

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By sjlk1966
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Doing the exercises in a Pilates class is one thing, but benefitting from them is another. Here's how to get the most out of those exercises, whether you're taking a class or doing a video.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A Pilates or yoga mat

Step 1

Give yourself permission to be there. Don't feel guilty about ignoring your kids or your long to-do list. This is something you're doing for yourself. Enjoy it!
Step 2

Focus! You can go through the motions of the Pilates exercises without actually getting any benefit from them. Concentrate on what the instructor is telling you and on the specific place you're trying to work in each exercise.
Step 3

Breathe. We shouldn't have to be reminded to inhale and exhale, but sometimes when we're stressed we forget to do it! The Pilates breath is a deep inhale through the nose that expands the rib cage rather than the belly. Follow the instructor's breathing prompts, which will usually match an inhale or an exhale to each move.
Step 4

Expect the exercises to be difficult! The movements in Pilates aren't huge or fast, but they are precise and controlled, so they're harder than they look. If you're doing the exercises correctly, your muscles WILL get tired.

Comments

veryirie said

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on 9/24/2008 I have a Pilates book and tape around here that I need to put to work. Thanks for the tips, especially about remembering the proper breathing.