Is Pilates Really That Great?

So, you’re wondering if all the hype is true about Pilates and is it possible that it can really give you what it says it will, which is great looking abs and sleek and sexy legs and thighs! Well, the answer is yes! Of course the degree of success depends largely upon how committed you are to the workouts, but in general if you do Pilates three to four times each week, you should start to see results in around a month. For a free Pilates exercise video, click here.

The basics: Pilates “claim to fame” is that it targets your abs, and it does. The moves are designed to make your abs strong, sleek and sexy. And while your abs are warming up, you may also feel some work into your thighs, hips and butt. And some positions in Pilates even help to strengthen and tone your shoulders, arms and back. And if you are one of the many Americans who is suffering from back pain, this may be the best form of exercise you have ever tried. Because what Pilates is so good at is strengthening your abs so that your abs can support your back and therefore help to reduce back pain. And some of the moves are also designed to strengthen the muscles throughout the lower back as well to create a mid section to die for. So the question really should be, why aren’t you doing Pilates with all these amazing benefits?

Why not add Pilates to your exercise program? Even if you only do Pilates a few times a week for five or ten minutes you will start to notice your abs getting stronger and as well as better posture. Also, don’t be surprised if the first few times you do Pilates that it seems a bit challenging. A good friend once said to me “Confusion is just a sign that you are learning something new.” Just keep at it for a few weeks and soon you will start to understand the breathing and the moves with more ease. You may consider trying a few exercise videos to help you learn. These days, you can get you’re workouts via the web by downloading exercise videos online. Now that is what I call a great solution – no need to buy expensive workout videos anymore, just get them online.

No-Sweat workouts that help you lose weight

The most common reason a women starts a new exercise program is to loose weight. And while cardiovascular workouts that make you work up a sweat are the most popular workouts when trying to loose a few pounds, there are several workout plans that will help you loose weight without having to sweat. So if you would like to loose a dress size or two but don’t want to get all sweaty, you are in luck, we have the answer.

To start, I must be honest, it is easier to loose weight with workouts such as Cardio Kickboxing, Group Cycling, or running. Those types of workouts increase your heart rate and burn a lot of calories. But how effective are workouts you don’t enjoy? If you don’t like how something makes you feel, how consistent are you going to be in the long haul? Wouldn’t it be a better idea to figure out what works for you and then do it all the time? So if you don’t like to sweat, it’s best to know that and choose your workouts accordingly.

The two most popular “sweat-free workouts” would be Pilates or Body Sculpting. Both of these exercise programs focus on muscular strength and endurance. They attempt to stress the muscle in order to make it stronger, leaner and more toned. By simply doing either for about 30 minutes a day, and reducing your daily calorie intake by 200 calories (that’s one big cookie or one can of Coke) you could loose six to eight pounds in a year. And if you are thinking you want to do it faster, add in a 30- minute brisk walk and could do it in as little as six months. Click here for more sweat-free workout ideas.

It may not seem like much, especially when the media has us watching TV shows with participants loosing 10-15 pounds a week. But remember, to loose weight that fast you need to exercise 5-7 hours each day! And your diet is typically restricted to about 1200 calories. These types of diets go beyond extreme and these programs require a physician’s constant supervision. How about taking a more sensible approach? An approach of slow changes over time that become part of your lifestyle, how does that sound?

Remember, consistency is more important than intensity. Start with 20 minutes a day and consider starting with exercise videos that are at your level so you can learn good form and technique. And don’t forget, creating healthy habits is the key to long-term weight loss.