Doing Pilates

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Pilates

Pilates is a system of focused movements and breathing techniques aimed at improving flexibility, posture, and strength without adding muscle mass. Pilates exercises draw on the "powerhouse" region of the body, comprised of the abs and buttocks, for the execution of poses. Whether you’re a staunch Pilates devotee, or are interested in finding some Pilates classes in your neighborhood, the following guide has the information you’ll need to enhance your practice (and your butt!).

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Pilates

Although the practice of Pilates is approaching its centennial, ... read more »

Doing Pilates

Although there are many varieties of Pilates, you can’t do any of them without some preliminary instruction. That might mean checking out a few Pilates exercises online, finding a class to take, or committing to study with a Pilates instructor.

Dulcinea's Insight

If you’re a Pilates teacher or you own a studio, many online directories will let you add your studio for free.

Most argue that the best way to study Pilates, at least in the early stages, is with a private instructor. If you do elect to take a class or study at home, pay close attention to form and nuance. An exercise performed incorrectly may produce no effect, or could prove harmful.

Pilates necessitates special equipment and gear, such as a mat or a Pilates Reformer machine. Explore these options in the “Where can I buy gear and apparel?” section and the “What are the different kinds of Pilates?” section of this guide.

Dulcinea's Picks

For online instruction …

My Yoga Online

brings you full-screen, DVD-quality online Pilates video courses. To access courses you need to pay for a membership; an unlimited membership is $9.95 per month. You are permitted to try a sample video before signing up.

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Stott Pilates

is a trademarked Pilates style, described fully in the “What are the different kinds of Pilates?” section of this guide. While there’s plenty of information on the site about equipment to buy and classes to sign up for, it also offers these instructions for a basic Stott Pilates warm-up. Learn the five basic principles of Stott Pilates before you start, and then practice the warm-up.

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Easy Vigour

isn’t pretty, but it does have over 75 pictures and descriptions of Pilates exercises and stretches. This site is a useful resource, especially if you’re interested in looking up a term or element of the practice.

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For finding a pilates instructor ...

Balanced Body can help you find an instructor near you. You have to enter your name and address so that the finder will seek out up to 15 locations for Pilates classes near you. You’ll also have the option of signing up to receive a catalogue and mailings.

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PMA Pilates Certified is a directory that can help you locate PMA-certified Pilates instructors in your area. The organization is still relatively young, which means its membership is somewhat low. Because of this, you may find course listings to be spotty in non-metropolitan areas.

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The Pilates Foundation offers some guidelines for choosing a teacher. Although the site heavily advocates choosing foundation-certified teachers, it also suggests questions you may want to ask other teachers. The foundation is based in the United Kingdom, so its own teacher network will only be helpful to those living there.

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For finding a pilates instructor or class by state …

Pilates Insight

has a directory of Pilates resources that you can search by state. Once you enter your state you’ll chose from its cities and areas, then learn what studios, teachers, and classes are available.

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Pilates Style

magazine offers a studio finder by state. It’s less specific than the Pilates Insight directory, as you don’t get to choose your city, but you may find resources listed in one directory that aren’t in the other.

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Who Knew?

Good Time Golf claims that Pilates will improve your performance in a variety of sports. The site has several videos portraying Pilates exercises that promise to improve your golf swing and game.

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Health Habitravels offers luxury vacations that include Pilates instruction. The program is run by just one woman, so the schedule is limited, but a few trips are scheduled each year that are devoted to giving you the complete mind-body experience. The vacations include Pilates, yoga, water movement and Gyrokinesis. Check the calendar for information on upcoming trips.

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