If you belong to a health club, check the aerobics schedule to see if Pilates is an option. Or, find other health clubs in your area and call them for information about the classes they offer. Many cities have Pilates Studios or you can buy your own Pilates equipment. When you visit a Pilates Studio, you'll either perform your workout on specially designed equipment or on a mat. Most Pilates classes these days have been adapted to the mat and may use other equipment such as a ring, band, ball or even a BOSU.
Pilates Videos
If you don't have Pilates classes in your city or want to workout at home, why not try a video?
- The Method videos cover everything from yoga to Pilates-like workouts.
- Videofitness.com provides a database of video reviews for over 20 Pilates videos.
- Once you've read the reviews and chosen your video, visit Collage Video to buy it!
- Stott Pilates is another resource for Pilates videos and equipment.
Pilates Equipment
Now that Pilates is mainstream, it's much easier to find affordable equipment for your home. So, what are these bizarre contraptions and do you need them? You don't need equipment to get a good workout, but having Pilates machines will certainly enhance your workout and really help you take advantage of your own body as resistance. Think of a Pilates machine as a cushy pad on rollers. You use straps to move the pad, using your own body to strengthen and lengthen your arms and legs, as well as your core.
The Stamina Pilates Premier allows you to do up to 32 exercises for a total body workout. It comes with heavy-duty elastic cords that provide you with four levels of resistance. The straps and hand grips are adjustable and it folds up for easy storage. It also comes with a video to show you how to do the exercises.
However you get started, you'll find that Pilates will enhance your daily functionality by improving your posture and flexibility. Not only will your body feel better, your mind will remember how to relax and your spirit will feel rejuvenated. But, don't think this workout is easy! You may find the exercises difficult at first as your body adjusts to the balancing and strengthening movements. Start slowly and only go as far as your body will let you. Gently work up to the more difficult exercises and be mindful of what you're doing. Staying in the moment will help you get the most out of your Pilates workout!
If you wanted to get started now, check out my Yoga & Pilates workout.
