Success Stories

Is Pilates Right For Me?

Pilates is a form of exercise based on focusing, breathing and incorporating movements from dance, gymnastics, yoga and calisthenics. But lets face it, not all forms of exercise is right for everyone.  Read on to see if Pilates is going to give you what you are looking for.  Or click here and start downloading Pilates workouts now.

Who can do Pilates

The fact is Pilates can be done by anyone irrespective of their age and lifestyle. Be it the strong or the weak, flexible or the rigid, the normal and the injured and even pregnant women. Doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors alike recommend Pilates to their patients. Pilates can be made into a complete fitness program by itself so that all your health problems are taken care of or can be followed along with other forms of exercises. Using workout videos to learn and train in the exercises is also a good idea so that you can reap the full benefits.

Who should not do Pilates?

Well technically speaking Pilates is for everyone. However in certain cases like pregnant women or osteoporosis patients all types of Pilates may not be advisable.

Pregnant women who would like to continue or do Pilates should take care of the following

• Avoid exercises done lying on your back
• Avoid over-stretching during any exercise
• Only do Pilates if its ok with your doctor and if you were doing Pilates before you were pregnant.

For osteoporosis patients, tell your trainer of your condition as you will need modifications a number of exercises including, but not limited to The Hundred, Single Leg circle, and Swan-Dive. And at all costs avoid the following exercises:

• Roll-up
• Neck Pull
• Spine Stretch
• Spine Twist
• Scissors
• Rocking
• Saw
• Control Balance

Types of Pilates

Pilates are basically of two types – machine (reformer) and mat (pilates mat)

Mat exercises, evidently, is done on the floor. The exercises are designed to aim at the core muscles stabilizing the back and the pelvis. Mat Pilates are generally done along with a group of people and the instructor only occasionally gives specific instructions relating to individual movements. People with pain or injuries should preferably go for the machine Pilates as a one-size-fits-all formula may not suit them.

Machine Pilates are generally conducted by certified instructors who design or modify the Pilates exercise program to suit specific individual needs. Different types of specialized equipment are used and a program from over 500 exercises planned to give you the best benefit possible. The equipment generally uses spring-loaded resistance allowing you to stretch to your maximum limit and strengthen the targeted muscles without straining the joints and ligaments. Such resistance exercises have proved beneficial in the prevention of degenerative diseases like Osteoporosis.

Starting a Pilates program

While exercise videos of Pilate’s program can help you learn the types of exercises and its benefits, it is essential to have an initial evaluation and a complete assessment. This will help you understand the principles and equipment used for Pilates, your own body’s strength and weaknesses. It will also help you set a practical goal with a possible timeline to achieve it in. Once the assessment is over, you can use specific Pilates to target your problem area.

Another common question in people’s mind is how often Pilates exercises should be done. Well the fact is the number of times or the frequency per week cannot be exactly determined as there are various factors to be considered – such as one’s fitness level. But as a general rule of thumb Pilates produces great results if done at least 2 – 3 times each week and no more than 5 times a week. Just a few weeks of Pilates shows you the results and you will definitely be motivated to carry on.

Weight loss through Pilates

Pilates is also known to help create long, lean and fit bodies. So with a good measure of confidence it can be said that Pilates does help in weight loss programs.

Some of the Pilates mat exercises that can be done are the Beginner Pilates like The Hundred, the chest lift, the roll up, one leg circle, side kick series etc, or the Flat Abdominal Series.

Also for quicker results you can include aerobic workouts along with Pilates. Pilates will tone and lengthen your body while the aerobic workouts will help you burn extra calories.   And isn’t that a big reason you are considering doing Pilates?  To create sexy curves that make you feel confident and strong?  So how about it, grab an exercise mat and a Pilates exercise video and get started on your dream.

Start today, try our free Pilates exercise video below:

3 Reasons Busy Moms Do Yoga Exercise Videos and Why You Should Too

Because we live in a world where feeling stressed is inevitable, a lot of mothers get tired and worn out juggling and balancing their roles. Aside from having a day job, mothers also have to see to it that their kids are safe and fed while making sure that their husbands leave home prepared and ready for work. Doing all these things every single day can only bring a mother so far. The time will come when she will have to take a break and replenish her energy. One way is through Yoga, but with her already-full schedule, enrolling in a Yoga class seems a long shot.

Good thing there are already Yoga exercise videos available online that mothers on-the-go can take advantage of. By viewing these exercise videos for women online a few times every week, a busy mother can get rid of the stress and the tension brought about by her hectic lifestyle. If you are one of the many busy mothers in the world who are feeling a little low on energy, are having mood swings, are gaining weight, and are feeling muscle and joint pains, then perhaps stress has affected your health more than you think. Click here to save 45% on Yoga exercise videos.

In a nutshell, Yoga is a type of workout that people have been practicing for centuries. It is a kind of exercise that is founded on the principle of “working in perfect harmony” – bringing together the body, the mind, and the spirit. That is why in some practices, Yoga is dubbed as a mind and body workout.

The first major reason why busy mothers watch Yoga exercise videos online is its physical benefits. Regular practice of Yoga creates a toned, flexible and a stronger body. Since Yoga is a form of exercise, it also improves a person’s respiration, stamina, and overall energy. It helps balance one’s metabolism as well as promote cardio and circulatory health. But among its many physical benefits, its ability to relieve joint and muscle pains and its ability make one feel and look younger is what every busy mom needs the most.

Aside from its physical benefits, Yoga also has a number of mental gains. Practicing Yoga can help you relax and handle stressful situations more easily. It will also help you learn how to focus while encouraging positive thoughts and self-acceptance. When your mind is relaxed and focused, you will be able to make sound decisions with ease.

The third reason (and perhaps a bonus) why mothers choose to practice Yoga are its spiritual benefits. Regular Yoga practice will let you build a sense of awareness of your body and your feelings. You will become keener to the world around you as well as to the needs of others. You will be able to gain interdependence between mind, body and spirit, helping you live in the concept of oneness.

If you have been thinking about doing Yoga but have been too busy to enroll in a formal Yoga class, now is your chance. Get an exercise video and start practicing Yoga today!

Below is a free Yoga exercise video!  Enjoy.

Show off your New Beautiful Arms from Exercise Videos

It’s summer and it’s time to break out the summer gear – and after putting on your favorite tank top you decided you were ready for sleek, sexy arms, well, its time to your favorite exercise video and dust off those hand weights and get moving. Yes, you can have beautifully toned arms without looking bulky! Yes, you can create definition in your shoulders and still look feminine. And yes, it only takes a few minutes each day to notice a change in the shape of your arms and shoulders.

Just the Facts!

The three primary muscles to target to tone up your arms would be your biceps (the front of the upper arm), the triceps (the back of the upper arm) and the deltoids (your shoulders). There are endless ways to train this area and numerous types of equipment. You can use hand weights, or resistance bands or even nothing but your own body weight – yep! There are tons of things to do with absolutely no equipment at all. You know what that means? That means that is one less excuse not to do it!

How much weight should I use? And how many should I do?

Great question! Those questions go hand-in-hand. When trying to tone up and add definition to your already beautiful body, remember that you do need to put you’re body under some “stress” in order to help it change. In other words, you need to create what we call “overload”, which is were the muscle has to work a little harder than it is used to in order for it to get stronger.

Play around with the size weights you use when you first get started, you will be surprised that you can probably do more than you think you can. As a rule of thumb, you should do two or three sets of exercises for each muscle group you are working. And each set should have between 10-15 repetitions. And this is important: If you are doing a set of ten, you should feel fatigue by the sixth repetition, by the eighth you should feel significant discomfort, and the last two should be challenging. If you are going for longer sets, adjust accordingly but keep the intensity to the same basic scale. And if you are just getting into it, you may consider using workout videos to give you a well-balanced workout that works all your muscles equally. But never forget this one thing: form is more important than intensity. Never sacrifice your technique for a higher weight.

Below are a few simple exercises you can start with, but don’t forget, there are literally hundreds of things you can do to train the arms and shoulders! In fact, a simple push up uses all the muscles of your upper body and even works your abs a bit!

Bicep Curls

You can either sit or stand, but make sure you’re back in straight and your shoulders are back and relaxed. Gently grip your weights and keep your upper arms against your sides. Bend your arms (keeping your elbows in your waist line) and bring the weights above the elbows about 3-6 inches. Lower slowly, again only moving the lower arm. The upper arms should not move at all. Use control and move slowly.

Tricep Dips

Sit on the edge of a bench and hold onto the edge. Bend your elbows and lower your butt down toward the ground in front of the bench. Then, straighten out your arms in order to raise yourself back up again. These are tough! But they work. And you don’t need anything except a kitchen char.

Lateral Raise

Stand with your arms at your sides with your elbows slightly bent. Holding your hand weights gently in each hand. Slowly raise both weights at the same time until your arms are straight out at your shoulder level. Next, slowly lower your arms to your sides.

There you have it – some simple and fast ways to get beautiful arms and shoulders with exercise videos. Don’t forget, “The slower the motion, the faster the result!” So, take you’re time and do not rush the movement. Now you are all set to start working out and becoming successful for beautiful arms and shoulders – start today and enjoy sleek, sexy arms and shoulders.

Start today with this free exercise videos using hand weights!  Click here to find more great exercise videos that will help you see results today.

Tone and Sculpt your Butt with Exercise Videos

If you are wondering about how to have a nicer butt through sculpting and toning with exercise videos, read on! As a fitness instructor I can tell you a fact: The #1 part of the body women want to sculpt and tone and lift is the butt. Yes, it’s even an even more popular area to work than the abs – can you believe that? That’s why we are constantly trying to emphasize good form – because without good technique you won’t be toning your gluts, you will be hurting your knees and wasting your time.

Types of Exercises that Tone the Butt

There are many exercises that tone you’re back side. However, two great exercises to begin with in order to tone up the butt area include squats and lunges. In short, squats will tone and strengthen the butt area, lunges will primarily work the legs. These exercises really make the lower body look and feel stronger and phenomenal. And once you start seeing results, so will others! Because by training your lower body you will start to redefine those curves that make you feel and look amazing and…sexy!

Squats

There are a million variations for squats. Some will target different parts of you’re lower body, some will engage the inner thighs, but here is a great rundown on a basic squat.
• With your feet about hip width apart, stand with your knees and toes in the same direction. Many tell you to point them straight forward. And while this is not wrong, it is not completely necessary. If they go out slightly, that’s fine as long as the knees are in the same direction as the toes.
• You can put your hands on your thighs (great if you have a weak lower back) or you can reach forward with your hands. You choose what is best for you.
• Lower your body as if you are sitting in a chair. In fact, put a chair behind you and imagine sitting back into it – but don’t go all the way, just until you feel you’re thighs start to work. FYI: Absolutely do not drop your hips lower than your knees.
• Now, hold it there for a few seconds. You should feel the weight of your body in the back of the foot. And if you cannot lift your toes, shift your weight into your heals.
• Stand up! That’s a squat. You can grab hand weights and rest them on your thighs or your shoulders if you want to make it harder. Or, you can just go lower or do more repetitions. If you can do two or three sets of 10-15, that would be great. But listen to your body, if you are not ready for that much, start slower.

Lunges

Just like with squats, there are a million variations to this wonderful leg and butt workout, but for today’s purpose, lets learn good form for the standard lunge.
• Stand in a split stance – take either leg and step back about two to three feet. Your upper body should be centered between both legs with your shoulders over your hips. In other words, one legs slightly in front and the other behind you with your torso lifted between then legs.
• Back heal is lifted and your tailbone under your shoulders.
• Lower your body.
• Keep your front knee over your ankle. If your knees moves past your front toes, ouch! Start over. Make sure to lower the body without moving it forward. And just like with squats, keep the weight of your body in the heel of your front foot.
• Hold the lunge for a few seconds and lift back up. Now, don’t forget the other side!

And if for some reason you cannot do these exercises, Pilates is another great way to tone your entire mid-section, including your butt! Just pick up a few workout videos and you can be doing Pilates this afternoon.

Getting started is often the hardest part. You don’t have to do these exercising all day long, but how about five or ten minutes in the morning before the kids wake up? What a great way to start the day. Click here for a great selection of Leg and Butt exercise videos that can get you moving in the right direction.

Below is a free leg and butt exercise video!  Enjoy!