Research, Research, Reseach!

Looking for the right beginners pilates DVD can turn into a tiring process of trial and error if you don’t bother to do a bit of research beforehand. While a single dvd is cheap, having to buy a lot before you find the one you’re looking for can become a drain on your resources. The best way to keep this from happening is by reading reviews of DVDs that you believe will be a good fit for what you’re trying to achieve. It is also important to fairly assess your current level of physical fitness. Perhaps the most important thing to do, however, is to join at least one pilates class. By doing this, you can familiarize yourself with the various pilates forms and even get a few key pointers from a certified instructor.

A Few Things to Consider

One key thing to look for in a pilates dvd is that it should present the information it contains in a clear and easy to follow manner. Not everybody can take in a pilates class, so even the most basic elements of pilates exercises should be presented clearly and concisely. A beginners pilates DVD should also give you room for improvement. Most DVDs follow a set pattern where the easier lessons are presented at the start while gradually moving on to the more advanced ones. If you plan to exercise at home, you might want to look for a DVD that focuses on home-based exercises.

A pilates DVD is cheap, easy to carry around, and is one of the best jumping off points towards the bigger world of pilates. It’s a great alternative to those with schedules that don’t allow them to join a regular pilates class. Just keep in mind the things we talked about here and you should be well on your way to finding the perfect one for you.

Some Important Considerations

There are a lot of overlaps when you’re looking for a beginner’s pilates dvd and an advanced one. First, you should know your physical fitness level in order to find a DVD that fits you. Even if you already know the basics, it’s always better to look for a DVD that provides a clear and easy to understand explanation of the goals and rewards of the exercises it contains.

Remember: Read Reviews!

You can just go out and scoop up any and all advanced pilates DVDs that you can find on store shelves, but that’s a very inefficient way of going about things. Before you shell out any money, read reviews first. A lot of online shops offer DVDs that can be found in brick-and-mortar stores, and the best thing about them is that they usually feature reviews from other pilates practitioners. It might get hard trying to sift through the useful reviews and the not-so-useful ones, but it’s going to be time well spent if it ends up in you finding exactly what you are looking for.

One other thing to consider is your schedule. While you can always pop the DVD into a DVD player anytime you want, it’s best to have a regular schedule for your workout. A good schedule gives your body time to heal and rest so that you get more of the benefits you gain from your advanced pilates DVD.

For those who don’t have the time and resources to take up a class at the gym or studio, don’t fret. You can still get a hell of a workout, and all you will need is a good Pilates video to get you started. Here are some of the popular types of Pilates videos you may want to consider.

The Basics of the Pilates Method

Introduction to Pilates videos are a must-have for anyone who is only just starting to get back into being physically active and has Pilates as their method of choice. With these videos, you will learn the basic concepts as well as the various mat exercises that are necessary to be able to progress to doing advanced poses, as well as working out with Pilates accessories and equipment.

Pilates for Weight Loss

A workout that gets your blood pumping and elevates your heart rate is what you will need to effectively shed those extra pounds. Most Pilates videos focus on developing the ab and core muscles, which may not give you the workout that you need if your goal is overall weight loss. Look for videos that teach moves and exercises in sequences that are slightly more vigorous than the rest — this is what you’ll need to increase your heart rate and oxygen intake, and consequently, the amount of energy you will spend. Remember, energy spent should always be greater than energy consumed.

Pilates Abs Exercises

Sick of that beer gut and those love handles, and getting a muffin top with every pair of jeans you wear? Then go for a Pilates video that teaches mat and equipment exercises that take those core and lateral muscles on lockdown. Here you will also learn how you can use basic accessories like the Pilates ring and workout bands to provide added intensity and resistance to your gut-busting routine.

Yogalates Workout Videos

One of the similarities of yoga and Pilates is the countless mental and physical benefits you get if you practice them regularly. If you are torn or undecided about which fitness routine to choose, then go for a combo workout and look for Yogalates videos. With yogalates, you won’t have to suffer through the typical sit ups and crunches to get that ab workout you want. Instead, you will learn moves that not only increase flexibility, but also strengthen the joints, improve breathing and posture, and tone the arm, leg, and core muscles.

Research, Research, Reseach!

Looking for the right beginners pilates DVD can turn into a tiring process of trial and error if you don’t bother to do a bit of research beforehand. While a single dvd is cheap, having to buy a lot before you find the one you’re looking for can become a drain on your resources. The best way to keep this from happening is by reading reviews of DVDs that you believe will be a good fit for what you’re trying to achieve. It is also important to fairly assess your current level of physical fitness. Perhaps the most important thing to do, however, is to join at least one pilates class. By doing this, you can familiarize yourself with the various pilates forms and even get a few key pointers from a certified instructor.

A Few Things to Consider

One key thing to look for in a pilates dvd is that it should present the information it contains in a clear and easy to follow manner. Not everybody can take in a pilates class, so even the most basic elements of pilates exercises should be presented clearly and concisely. A beginners pilates DVD should also give you room for improvement. Most DVDs follow a set pattern where the easier lessons are presented at the start while gradually moving on to the more advanced ones. If you plan to exercise at home, you might want to look for a DVD that focuses on home-based exercises.

A pilates DVD is cheap, easy to carry around, and is one of the best jumping off points towards the bigger world of pilates. It’s a great alternative to those with schedules that don’t allow them to join a regular pilates class. Just keep in mind the things we talked about here and you should be well on your way to finding the perfect one for you.

Some Important Considerations

There are a lot of overlaps when you’re looking for a beginner’s pilates dvd and an advanced one. First, you should know your physical fitness level in order to find a DVD that fits you. Even if you already know the basics, it’s always better to look for a DVD that provides a clear and easy to understand explanation of the goals and rewards of the exercises it contains.

Remember: Read Reviews!

You can just go out and scoop up any and all advanced pilates DVDs that you can find on store shelves, but that’s a very inefficient way of going about things. Before you shell out any money, read reviews first. A lot of online shops offer DVDs that can be found in brick-and-mortar stores, and the best thing about them is that they usually feature reviews from other pilates practitioners. It might get hard trying to sift through the useful reviews and the not-so-useful ones, but it’s going to be time well spent if it ends up in you finding exactly what you are looking for.

One other thing to consider is your schedule. While you can always pop the DVD into a DVD player anytime you want, it’s best to have a regular schedule for your workout. A good schedule gives your body time to heal and rest so that you get more of the benefits you gain from your advanced pilates DVD.

For those who don’t have the time and resources to take up a class at the gym or studio, don’t fret. You can still get a hell of a workout, and all you will need is a good Pilates video to get you started. Here are some of the popular types of Pilates videos you may want to consider.

The Basics of the Pilates Method

Introduction to Pilates videos are a must-have for anyone who is only just starting to get back into being physically active and has Pilates as their method of choice. With these videos, you will learn the basic concepts as well as the various mat exercises that are necessary to be able to progress to doing advanced poses, as well as working out with Pilates accessories and equipment.

Pilates for Weight Loss

A workout that gets your blood pumping and elevates your heart rate is what you will need to effectively shed those extra pounds. Most Pilates videos focus on developing the ab and core muscles, which may not give you the workout that you need if your goal is overall weight loss. Look for videos that teach moves and exercises in sequences that are slightly more vigorous than the rest — this is what you’ll need to increase your heart rate and oxygen intake, and consequently, the amount of energy you will spend. Remember, energy spent should always be greater than energy consumed.

Pilates Abs Exercises

Sick of that beer gut and those love handles, and getting a muffin top with every pair of jeans you wear? Then go for a Pilates video that teaches mat and equipment exercises that take those core and lateral muscles on lockdown. Here you will also learn how you can use basic accessories like the Pilates ring and workout bands to provide added intensity and resistance to your gut-busting routine.

Yogalates Workout Videos

One of the similarities of yoga and Pilates is the countless mental and physical benefits you get if you practice them regularly. If you are torn or undecided about which fitness routine to choose, then go for a combo workout and look for Yogalates videos. With yogalates, you won’t have to suffer through the typical sit ups and crunches to get that ab workout you want. Instead, you will learn moves that not only increase flexibility, but also strengthen the joints, improve breathing and posture, and tone the arm, leg, and core muscles.

Buying a Pilates Machine for Home Use

Most people enroll in Pilates classes to learn the basic principles and exercises, but once they are familiar with the practice, many choose to just continue their daily workout sessions at home. If you’re considering buying a Pilates machine, you should know that there are several types of Pilates home equipment available today. If you’re going by popularity, then the Reformer would be the immediate choice. But if you’d rather start with something less complicated, we suggest you check out the Barrel or the Pilates Chair.

Why You Should Buy a Pilates Machine

One of the top reasons why people buy a Pilates machine is to get variations on their workout sessions. You can create and modify your sequences of Pilates exercises, but sometimes the best way to add variety AND intensity to your workout is by using props and equipment. With Pilates equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, or even just the Magic Ring, you can push your limits further and find ways to do the same exercise in a different way.

The Cadillac is recommended for the more advanced Pilates practitioners, especially those who want to focus on developing upper body strength, because this equipment includes trapeze bars along with arm bands and foot straps. Before you buy your first piece of Pilates equipment, consider factors like the size and cost of the machine, and your level of practice so you would know which equipment will suit you best.

Identify and Focus On Your Goal

Most people take up Pilates to shed off pounds and tone the muscles. Well that’s all and good, but if you want to get the best Pilates program that will give you the results you want, we suggest you start thinking about what it is exactly you wish to achieve. Is it overall physical fitness? Do you have certain “weak” areas that you want to improve on? Or is it flexibility and increased stamina that you want?

Doing Pilates exercises can help you get all of these, a good Pilates program can guide you on achieving specific goals after you learn the basics. Once you’re familiar with the fundamentals, you can start to really focus on your goals and maybe even start using Pilates equipment for added variety and workout intensity.

Work Within Your Limits

It’s always good to know what your goal is when you work out and to keep your focus on it, BUT it is also equally important to realize and acknowledge your limitations. Your body doesn’t work like a machine; it can’t go from 0 to 60 in just a short amount of time. Especially if you haven’t been that physically active prior to doing Pilates, be patient and take things at a comfortable yet challenging pace.

Working yourself to the max will only wear you out sooner, as compared to taking time to learn the basics and getting comfortable so you can see your Pilates program to the end and reap the long-term benefits.