How to Learn a Pilates Workout
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, a German gymnast and bodybuilder. Pilates is a type of exercise for increasing flexibility, lengthening muscles in the arms and legs, and strengthening the core, which includes the abdominal muscles. Pilates revolves around six basic principles: centering, control, flow, breath, precision and concentration. It is possible to do Pilates at home by learning the exercises on your own or finding a licensed Pilates instructor to teach you a Pilates workout.
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Instructions
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Learn Pilates workouts online. Many websites, including the Fitness Magazine website, have Pilates workouts available. The steps are detailed in text and with photographs. You can learn Pilates online for free, and although you may not get a very detailed version of the exercises, you can get a general idea of what they involve.
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Purchase Pilates DVDs or VHS tapes. These will allow you to work at your own pace and practice Pilates at home. DVDs and videos offer a visual guide to the workout, but without an instructor present you may not be able to determine whether you are doing the exercises correctly.
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Take a Pilates class taught by a licensed Pilates instructor. Balanced Body University (see Resources) is a program that trains Pilates instructors to become officially licensed and can be found all over the world. The Balanced Body website includes a form you can fill in to find the 15 licensed instructors closest to your home. Most classes have 10 to 20 students, although some teachers prefer to work in smaller groups. The teacher will observe your form and correct you if you are doing any of the exercises improperly. If you are not satisfied with your teacher, most classes allow you to audit or take test classes before committing long-term.
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Hire a private Pilates instructor. This is the most expensive way to learn Pilates. Usually the instructor will come to your home. Many people feel that a private Pilates instructor is worth the price because the one-on-one attention you receive is far greater than what you'd get in a group setting.
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Tips & Warnings
For best results, repeat your Pilates workout two to three times a week.
If you have back or neck problems, contact your doctor before attempting a Pilates workout.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.sxc.hu/profile/Scyza
