subject: Pilates For Beginners [print this page] Many people want to exercise and get in shape, but it is difficult to find the time, it can be expensive to join a gym, and sometimes health issues (like knee problems or weak ankles) get in the way of running, swimming, or biking. However, pilates are a perfect answer to get exercise at home or at the gym, at an individual's convenience, and in a high-energy, low-stress way.
Pilates are easy to begin, as they are an individual exercise someone can practice on their own time. They are taught as a system of physical conditioning exercises that have no impact on the joints, do not involve extra equipment, and can be ramped up or cooled down depending on the individual's capability and desire to challenge themselves that day. The greatest benefit of pilates comes from working to isolate and tone muscle groups while learning to better control oneself - slimming the body and building strength without building bulk. Many pilates beginners are surprised with how much energy and strength they feel after a workout.
The easiest way to begin with pilates is to get a beginner pilates DVD. These are readily available online or in bookstores, and they offer a range of activity levels for those just beginning the exercise. Jennifer Kries is one of the most famous pilates instructors in the U.S., and her Beginner Pilates DVD comes highly rated and recommended. The majority of exercises for beginners focus on proper body alignment and posture, increasing blood circulation, balance, developing and toning key muscle groups, and improving range of motion.
The benefits of doing pilates regularly will quickly become apparent to even the most novice beginner. While the core, back, arm, and leg muscles will most likely be quite sore after the first few pilates sessions, pilates beginners will find themselves walking taller, leaner, and with more confidence than before they started the workouts. Some beginners will find themselves looking forward to a pilates workout every day, others will find their other exercise activities enhanced by the strength and confidence learned in pilates. Either way, pilates provide an excellent method for individuals to strengthen, sculpt, and discipline the body in a no-impact, healthy, invigorating way.
