subject: Pilates Workouts [print this page] Among many fitness exercises to carry out, Pilates workouts are the most famous ones worldwide. Aside from fitness purposes, Pilates workouts also help individuals strengthen their muscles, improve their ability to concentrate, and promote proper body alignment. There are quite a number of Pilates workouts that can be mastered depending on the pressing need i.e. weight loss, abdominal trim, core strengthening, etc.
Pilates workouts are categorized into 4 programs. The first one is the warm-up exercises that include chest stretch and swinging warm-up. The chest stretch is done for chest muscles mobility and can be done as easy as stretching both arms to reach the sky. The swinging warm-up on the other hand is vital in the success of Pilates workout as it allows the muscles to loosen up to make them flexible and to prevent cramping during the workout. Warm-up exercises should be done first before carrying out a major workout.
The Beginner Workouts are the 2nd program available for newbie. The program includes The Hundred, Roll Up, One-Leg Circle, One-Leg Stretch, Single Straight-Leg Stretch, and Spine Stretch. These workouts are to strengthen the core or the torso muscles and can be done by lying on the back.
The 3rd one is the Intermediate Workouts that engages the major parts and muscle groups in the body. The program includes Neck Pull, the Saw, The Rocker, Shoulder Bridge, Sidekick, Double-Leg Stretch, and Saddlebag Slimmer. These workouts help strengthen the core muscles, improve balance, align the spine, and tone the thigh muscles.
The last program or category is the Advanced Workouts that help improve mobility in the back, and balance; build strength in the torso; and further strengthen the abdominal muscles. The exercises include Swimming, Hip Twist, The Corkscrew, Spine Twist, The Best Push-Ups, and The Teaser.
The most important thing in doing Pilates workouts is to practice proper breathing. The release and hold of the muscles while engage in the workout is a vital technique in working out the muscles so proper breathing plays an important role in the success of the workouts.
