Benefits of Pilates Exercise

Pilates exercises are beneficial because they can be used by almost anyone. The reason is that Pilates reduces the risk of injury during and after exercise. The movements reach deep into the body, stimulating good muscle development and a more effective circulation.

Because Pilates is designed for beginner and advanced exercisers alike, you can work at your own pace. This means that depending on your fitness level, you can begin with simple exercises or jump right into more advanced techniques. You can also incorporate the Pilates approach in everyday activities and other forms of exercise.

Practiced regularly and correctly, Pilates exercises can help improve your physical and mental well being in various ways. For example, if you sit at a desk for most of your day or even drive for long periods, your posture has likely taken a beating. Pilates exercises, however, will help you strengthen and tone your muscles to give you better support and stability.

If you are new to the Pilates method, you'll want to start slowly and methodically. The key is to focus on doing the exercises correctly. Keeping your mental focus will make sure you remain aware of how your body feels and ensure you exercise safely.

A great way to get started is with a Pilates reformer machine, the foundation of the Pilates approach. You can determine which model is right for you by taking a look at some Pilates machine reviews.

Pilates Machine: Selecting A Pilates Reformer, Part I

The older I get the harder it becomes for me to stick to a workout regimen. And going to the gym…it just ain’t gonna happen. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I want to workout. I want to be fit and lose a few pounds in the process. But, I always tend to come up with every excuse in the book as why today is not a good day to exercise. Planning for tomorrow always tends to be a better option.

So I got to thinking, enough is enough. There are just too many options available for me to make exercising convenient, particularly since I primarily work from home. I took a Pilates class a couple of years ago that I enjoyed because it provided results without feeling like I was a triathelete in training. Thus, a Pilates machine seems like a good choice. But, there are soooo many. How is a girl to choose?

Here’s how I started. I looked for the most reputable Pilates equipment manufacturers first. After all, if I’m going to make an investment in home exercise equipment, I want a quality machine that will not break down every other day. The manufacturers I discovered include Balanced Body, Gratz Pilates, Peak Pilates and Stott Pilates. Now these machines are not cheap, but they are affordable and are typically noted for:

• Durable Material Used In Wood, Metal and Upholstered Components

• A Smooth Gliding Carriage

• High-Integrity Springs

• Non-Slip Foot Bar, Some Adjustable

• Comfortable Hand and Foot Loops, Easy To Alter

• Padded Shoulder Rests to Secure Alignment

• Easy Adjustments to Accommodate Different Body Sizes and Ability Levels

• Easy-To-Clean Surfaces

To narrow down my choices, I set aside a budget of about $2000 for a new machine. I have found that quality Pilates Reformers fall in the $2000-$4000 range. A used machine is certainly an option, but I want a warranty and to avoid the risk of purchasing someone else’s “lemon.” I also know that I need a machine that will easily fit and store in my extra bedroom.

I initially looked at the Stott Pilates At Home SPX Reformer because of its price and mobility for storage. It is equipped with five reformer springs, soft reformer loops and ropes, and six carriage stopping positions. It has three headrest and four foot bar positions, detachable shoulder rests, easy-roll wheels, and a secure spring housing system. It weighs in at about 100 pounds. The dimensions of the machine are:

• Overall Width 22"

• Overall Length 97"

• Carriage Height from Floor 9"

The prices for a new Stott Pilates machine range from $2495-$2895. Most companies provide free shipping, but if you plan on buying direct from Stott Pilates, don’t count on it. My old reliable is Amazon: Stott Pilates At Home SPX Reformer. Amazon offers the machine for $2495, with free shipping and reliable delivery.

Because the Stott Pilates machine is just over my budget, I will be taking a look at my second option, the IQ Reformer, by Balanced Body. Stay Tuned.

Technorati: pilates machine, pilates reformer, stott pilates, balanced body, gratz, peak pilates