Fit and Healthy Lifestyle

Pilates is an exercise program that focuses on strengthening the
core muscles group. And it seems as thought everyone is doing it. And why not? Really it only takes the effort to get yourself to a class. Once there you find that Pilates is a
favorite fitness program for strengthening and developing balance
within the mid-section of the body. Cool people refer to it as your “core”.

The nice thing about Pilates is you do not need any fancy equipment to do the exercises. However, like with anything else, there are items that make performing the exercies more fun, advanced and more comfortable

Get Comfy With a Pilates Mat

The Pilates mat really only helps with one thing; a hard exercise
floor. Most of the Pilates exercises involve the participant stretching
and performing strength exercises while laying down, kneeling or
sitting. Having a non-slip Pilates mat will iaid in your comfort you to get the most out of the exercise movements and not worry about hard cold, hard, painful and uncomfortable the floor is. Get yourself a quality mat and it can be washed when needed and simply rolled up until the next use.

Fun With a Pilates Ball

A Pilates ball can also be used for comfort when performing the
exercises. Simply use the ball to sit on rather than sitting on the cold, hard floor. However, you should know that doing the exercises on the Pilate ball will certainly not make it easier. In fact, most people use the Pilate ball to make the movements more intense and advanced. The focus truly gets to your core.

What is a Pilates Machine?

The reformer is a Pilates machine that, while looking extremely
complicated, is actually a very elegant machine that allows the
participant to work the core with basic yet precise movements. The
reformer consists of a sliding platform with springs connected to a
spring bar that allows the participant to vary the resistance. The
sliding platform or carriage is where the participant will sit, kneel,
lay or stand as they perform the exercises. The carriage moves up and
back as they push on the footbar. There is a headrest and shoulder
block that is used to keep the participant steady within the machine.

You do not need Pilates exercise equipment to get something out of Pilates. However, you may not get the most out of Pilates because the equipment does make the exercises better.

Pilates is an exercise program that helps to strengthen and add flexibility with relatively easy movements. Most of the exercises can be done without the aid of any equipment. However, the Pilates ball can make the exercises more enjoyable, fun and comfortable.

The Pilates ball is typically used in more advanced exercise classes. The ball will focus the exercise more closely to strengthening your core as it requires more balance and strength that without.

The Pilates ball is chosen based on your height and weight. Additionally you want to make sure the ball is not overinflated. Check with the manufacturer to see how much air they recommend to put in the ball. You do not want it so firm that it bounces around too much. You want it you have a little give.

The Pilates ball makes your moves more difficult and advanced. The
instability of the ball during the exercise makes your core do more
work than if you were not using one. Other exercises can be made easier
if you are doing exercises where you place your legs on the ball for
support.

For some floor exercises many find the floor too hard. The same
exercise or variation can be performed on the Pilates ball which helps relieve some of the discomfort.