Getting Rapid Results With Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates. Joseph was a physical-culturist in Germany. He developed this method of exercise in the early to mid 1900s. It was developed because Joseph saw a lack of attention to mind-body exercise. He strongly believed that the core muscles, the muscles in your stomach and back, were essential to overall health and physical well-being.

Joseph Pilates (Photo credit: rozic)

Originally Pilates was used by dancers. However, as more and more people became aware of the method and the results, it caught on. Today Pilates is taught all over the world. There are more than 14,000 instructors worldwide.

Why Pilates?

Pilates is designed to increase strength, flexibility and control of your body. It’s an extremely controlled and precise series of movements. If you’ve ever taken a Pilates class it is a real physical challenge. You will walk away from a class knowing you’ve worked out and sore muscles are almost guaranteed.

However, you’ll also see results quickly with Pilates. It burns fat. It tones muscles. And you’ll notice an improvement in your posture. Many experts say that Pilates helps cure many chronic pain issues.

What to Expect in a Pilates Class

There are two different types of Pilate’s classes. You can either take a class in a gym where there are traditional Pilates machines. These machines are designed to facilitate or force you to perform the movements correctly. The equipment uses pulleys and resistance to strengthen your core muscles.

The other type of Pilate’s class you might take involves mat work. You perform the exercises on the floor of the gym and you use a mat, a yoga mat is fine.

While Pilates is a series of concentrated and specific movements it is also adaptable. You don’t have to be in great shape to take and benefit from a Pilates class. In fact seniors, pregnant women and fitness beginners can receive great benefits from Pilates. It is adaptable to your fitness level.

Pilates in Your Home

Because Pilates is a series of specific exercises and movements it’s easily done in your own home. All you need is a map and an instructor. The “10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates” DVD is a great home workout. Taught by Lara Hudson, it was rated the Best Pilates DVD of the Year by Health Magazine.

The 10 Minute Solution provides you with 5 distinct Pilates workouts. Each is only ten minutes long. Because each ten minute workout focuses on a different area of your body, you can also combine the workouts for a longer routine. At the end of the week you will know you’ve worked to strengthen and tone your entire body. If you have just ten minutes a day and want to try Pilates or focus on strengthening and conditioning, try “10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates”. It retails for $10 (or less) and it may be the best thing you can do for your health and fitness. (There are also several other good "10 Minute Solution" Pilates DVDs you may want to try. A few are listed below.)

More 10-Minute Solution Pilates DVD Workouts: