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Pilates: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Beginner Pilates Exercises
This list of beginner exercises is designed help you build familiarity with the basic Pilates mat exercises. These exercises provide a foundation for building the core abdominal strength, stability, and flexibility that Pilates is famous for.
Flat Abs Series
One of the benefits of Pilates is that doing the exercises correctly produces not just great core strength, but flat abs, too. Include this series of free Pilates abdominal exercises in your workout routine and find out why Pilates offers the best ab exercises and core strength builders.
First 10 Classic Exercises
There is a traditional order to the Pilates mat exercises, as developed by Joseph Pilates. Here are the first 10 exercises of a classical Pilates mat exercise workout.
What is Pilates?
Famous for developing strength, flexibility and coordination, not to mention flat abs., Pilates is appreciated by everyone from elite athletes to seniors. Find out what makes the Pilates method so unique.
Pilates Warm-Up Set
Be centered and aligned before you begin exercising. These easy Pilates exercises will give you an opportunity to tune in to your body, find your alignment, and set your mental focus for your workout session.
Pilates and Weight Loss
Many People do Pilates to tone their muscles, gain strength and flexibility, and to lose weight. Creating lean muscle mass, as Pilates does, is one of the best ways to increase your calorie-burning potential.
Inner Thigh Lifts
Inner Thigh Lifts work your legs from your core abdominals. They tone the thighs and abdominals and stretch the hips.
Quick Workout
Use this series of free Pilates mat exercises anytime you want a quick workout. It includes a warm up, exercises that tone the abdominals, back, arms, legs and butt, as well as some stretching.
Side Kick Series Intro.
The Pilates Side Kick exercises strengthen and tone the hips and legs, as well as develop core strength by challenging the abdominals to stabilize the movement.
Fundamentals Set
Fundamental exercises teach the movement principles that the Pilates method exercises are built on. Here is a sample set of Pilates fundamental exercises.
Pilates and Back Pain
Pilates teaches correct posture, helping people with back pain get relief from the imbalances that cause back pain. Find out more about why Pilates exercises work for back pain.
Plank
Plank is a popular exercise in both Pilates and yoga. While plank really targets the abdominal muscles and shoulder stability, you will find that plank is an excellent way to get a full-body workout.
The Hundred
The hundred is a classic Pilates exercise. It builds core strength, stamina and coordination. To do this exercise well, you must fully engage the abdominal muscles while you practice a dynamic breathing pattern.
Pilates and Pregnancy
Are you wondering about doing Pilates during pregnancy? Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for a healthy pregnancy. Pilates will help you maintain strength and flexibility, tone the abdominals and pelvic floor muscles, and set up good conditioning for your post pregnancy rebound. Here are some basic guidelines for working with Pilates and pregnancy.
Pilates Principles
The Pilates principles are concepts that inform the Pilates method of exercise and set it apart from other exercise programs. The Pilates principles apply to every Pilates exercise, mat or equipment.
Meet the Abs
Abs are abdominal muscles. Get to know where the ab muscles are and how they move. Meet the transversus abdominis.
Pilates Info for Beginners
Pilates is a beginner friendly fitness method. Use this page as a guide to the Pilates information and exercise principles that will help you get the most benefit from beginning your Pilates workout.[br] Here will find everything from how to choose a Pilates class and instructor, to how to do basic Pilates moves.
Pulling in the Abs
Whether you are doing Pilates or engaged in other exercises, it is essential to know how to pull in your abs in a way that builds strength, supports the spine, and provides stability.
Chest Lift
Pilates Chest Lift looks a lot like an abdominal crunch, but beware, it's not! Use these instructions to work your abdominals in a way more effective than the common crunch.
Anatomy of a Reformer
Springs, straps, gears and pulleys - the Pilates reformer can be an intimidating looking machine! Actually, the reformer is a very elegant piece of resistance exercise equipment, designed to build strength and flexibility. Here is an introduction to the parts of the reformer and their functions.
Pelvic Curl
This exercise if often used in Pilates classes as a gentle warm-up for the spine and abdominal muscles. Pelvic curl also works the lower body and helps coordinate breath and movement.
Pilates and Fitness Balls
A brief description of exercise balls, also known as fitness balls or Swiss ball, and how they fit into the Pilates picture. Review ways to use the ball for core strength, Pilates exercises for the ball, and buying tips.
Pilates Certification
In this article, I explore Pilates instructor certification. We look at Pilates mat certification and equipment certification, and what you might expect from each.
Finding Neutral Spine
Neutral Spine is the natural position of the spine, with all 3 curves of the spine in good alignment. Knowing neutral spine placement is crucial for doing Pilates exercises properly.
Doing Pilates for Weight Loss
You have to keep challenging your body to burn more calories and lose weight. Learn how to do your Pilates workout for weight loss.
Single Leg Stretch
Single leg stretch is one of the best Pilates mat exercises for working the abdominals. It is an especially good exercise for the lower abdominals. If flat abs is one of your goals, this exercise is for you.
Spine Stretch
Pilates mat exercise, spine stretch, is a great stretch for the back and the hamstrings, as well as a moment to center oneself before moving on to more challenging exercises.
Exercise and Dizziness
Dizziness and nausea while exercising are not uncommon among athletes who train really hard, but what about those of us doing moderate exercise, like Pilates? Read about common causes of nausea and dizziness while exercising.
Exercise Modification Tips
Learn to modify Pilates exercises for safety or more challenge. Do Pilates exercises, and protect your neck and back, with these simple tips. Apply these basic modifications to matwork or reformer workouts.
Imprinting
Imprinting may be the most basic Pilates exercise there is. Yet it can also be one of the most profound. Imprinting is deeply relaxing and centering. It is wonderful for stress reduction, and as a way to center yourself before any workout.
Winsor Pilates Super Sculpting
Here I review the Winsor Pilates Super Sculpting DVD package. This weight loss support package includes DVDs with fat burning, body sculpting, and pilates circle workouts. It also includes the Winsor Pilates exercise planner, cookbook, and sculpting circle.
Getting Started in Pilates
Here is you want to know to prepare for a beginning Pilates Class. What to wear to do a Pilates workout, what to bring to Pilates class, and what to expect at a Pilates studio.
Top Pilates Video Clips
Find the best online Pilates videos. Top choices for Pilates exercises in free online video format.
Strength and Stretch Level 2
If you are ready for an intermediate level Pilates challenge, this Pilates mat routine will provide a good over-all workout. This routine includes abdominal exercises for core strength as well as exercises for the legs, hips, and back.[br] Part of the free Pilates exercises online at pilates.about.com.
Double Leg Stretch
Double Leg Stretch sounds like a leg stretch, but it is really a very strong abdominal strengthening workout. In this exercise, everything moves from center. Double Leg Stretch is an intermediate Pilates mat exercise.
Roll Up
The roll up is a classic Pilates Mat exercises. Roll Up is a great challenge for the abdominal muscles, and is well known as a foundation exercise for the Pilates flat abs effect.[br] It has been said that one Pilates roll up is equal to six regular sit ups, and is much better than crunches for creating a flat stomach.
Pilates Mats
Here is a buyers guide for Pilates exercise mats. Having the right equipment can do wonders for your Pilates experience. An exercise mat could well be your first choice for doing Pilates at home. Read through this buyers guide before you make up your mind what kind of mat you want for Pilates exercise.
Pilates C-curve
The C curve is an essential part of any Pilates workout. Once you understand the Pilates C-curve you are well on your way to getting your abdominals working effectively for many Pilates exercises. This short "How To" will help you find the perfect position.
Double Straight Leg Lowers
This Pilates mat exercise is a very effective abdominal workout, working both the upper and lower abdominals. Provided that you learn to do it correctly this is an ideal core strength builder. Follow these step by step instructions and learn to protect your back as you get a great abdominal challenge.
Criss Cross
Criss Cross is a popular Pilates mat exercise for targeting the abdominal muscles, especially the obliques. Working the obliques supports posture, the ability to flex and rotate the torso, and helps define the waist.
Magic Circles
Pilates magic circles, also known as exercise rings, magic rings, fitness circles, and many other like descriptions are small pieces of Pilates exercise equipment. They are great for toning the abs, arms, butt, legs and torso. Here are some things to consider before you buy a magic circle.
Buying Exercise Bands
Exercise bands, also known as resistance bands, stretch bands, workout bands or flex bands, provide adjustable resistance training for stretch and strength. They are used in Pilates and other fitness routines.
Sequential Breathing
Learning to breath deeply, with control, is one of the most important parts of Pilates exercise. This is a free sample exercise of pilates sequential breathing.
Saw
Saw is a basic Pilates mat exercise that is appropriate for all workout levels. It is a back and hamstring stretch and that utilizes a spinal rotation to increase the stretch.
Rainbow
Rainbow is a Pilates mat exercise that targets the hips and thighs. Lying on your side will require a good bit of core strength and stabilization effort from the abdominals as well. You can do rainbow with, or without, a magic circle.
Swimming
Swimming, is a fun exercise, yet quite a workout. Swimming, like the activity it is named after, works every part of the body. This one is perfect for toning the abs, butt, back and hamstrings.
Pilates and Posture
Can you stand comfortably, in a way that feels relaxed and supported by the core? Use this primer on Pilates and posture to help you access your core strength, and improve the way you stand and use your body.
Teaser - one leg
Teaser is one of those abdominal exercises that really shows us whether we are working our abs in a symmetrical way. It requires coordination and balance and will quickly help you develop core strength.
Stretches for Flexibility
Pilates is known for helping people develop both strength and flexibility. This sample set of Pilates stretches includes exercises that increase flexibility of the back, front-body, side-body, hamstrings and hips.
Daily Pilates?
Can you do a Pilates workout every day? What would such a workout look like and how could your Pilates routine safe and effective? Find out how to keep your Pilates workouts interesting and safe every day.
All About Winsor Pilates
Winsor Pilates is one of the most recognizable names in Pilates exercise. Developed by Pilates instructor Mari Winsor, Winsor Pilates is known for its weight loss, body sculpting, and abdominal workouts.
Floor Press w Circle
This Pilates Magic Circle exercise is a wonderful all-in-one for the arms, the abdominals and the back.
Wall Roll Down
This standing Pilates exercise is great practice for beginners and advanced students. It stretches the back and the hamstrings as it works the abdominals and teaches good posture.
The Pilates Chair
The Pilates chair, also known as wunda chair, is traditional piece of Pilates equipment that is gaining popularity with new designs and training programs.
Swan
Swan stretches the abdominals and hip flexors, even as it strengthens the abdominals, back, shoulders, inner thighs, pelvic floor and hamstrings. This mat exercise is part of the free pilates exercise series available at pilates.about.com.
One Leg Circle
One leg circle is a great test of core strength. One leg circle also tones and stretches the thighs.
Magic Circle Arms Back
This Pilates Magic Circle exercise opens the chest and shoulders as it strengthens and tones the arms and upper back. It is especially good for the back of the arms, the triceps.
Magic Circle Straight Arms
Use the Pilates Magic Circle for this simple resistance exercise. Straight arms with circle, tones the shoulders, arms and chest. Straight arms is also an excellent way to put your core strength to work as you keep your torso stable while exercising the arms.
Ways to Learn Pilates
From private instruction to group classes, books, DVDs, and even online instruction there are lots of ways to learn Pilates. Here is an introduction to some popular ways of going about learning Pilates for beginning and continuing students.
Pilates and Yoga Exercises
You may be thinking Pilates versus yoga? How are Pilates and yoga different and alike? Exercises that both yoga and Pilates share reveal differences and similarities between the two.
Core Strength
Core strength is a foundation of Pilates Exercise. To develop core strength we learn to use the abdominal and back muscles in a balanced way.
Open Leg Rocker
This Pilates mat exercise develops core strength as it challenges the strength and control of the abdominal muscles. Open leg rocker stimulates the spine and encourages full breathing. These instructions are part of a series of free sample Pilates exercises at pilates.about.com.
Seal
Seal is a fun and challenging pilates mat exercise. Seal is an abdominal workout and it stimulates the spine. One of the free pilates exercises at About.com.
Seated Legs
This is the perfect Pilates exercise to tone the inner thighs and abdominals, and lift the pelvic floor. Seated Legs is done with the Pilates magic circle. Instructions for this exercise are part of the free Pilates exercise series at pilates.about.com.
Do Open Leg Balance
Open Leg Balance is one of the best Pilates mat exercises I know testing the strength of the lower abdominals. Core strength is the name of the game here as you will literally lose your balance unless your abdominals are working hard.
Frog with Exercise Band
This version of frog legs is an all-over workout where the exercise band provides the kind of resistance the reformer usually provides for legwork. Adding the upper body, we work the arms and shoulders as well as the abdominals and legs.
Angel Arms
Angel arms is a Pilates warm-up exercise. Doing angel arms is a wonderful way to perfect your understanding of how the arms and shoulders affect the back and ribcage. This exercise develops core strength, improves posture, and helps increase range of motion for the shoulders and arms.
Guide to Equipment and Gear
From clothing to Pilates equipment, books and DVDs, this buyers' guide is designed to help you sort through the variety choices that are available.
Pelvic Clock
Pelvic clock is a basic Pilates exercise that will help you understand the difference between neutral spine and flat back, and how to move the pelvis with the abdominals.
Straight Leg Stretch
This Pilates mat exercise works the endurance of the abdominals, and gives a great stretch to the hamstrings. It can be modified for different levels. Single straight leg stretch is part of the free Pilates mat exercise series.
Pilates - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Pilates guide site.
Roll Back
Supported Roll Back makes a perfect warm up for the abdominals and spine. It is also one of the best exercises for figuring out how to use your abdominal muscles in Pilates. The support of the hands behind the knees also allows one experiment with how the abs are engaging, and the amount of challenge they take on at different points in the sequence.
One Leg Circle with Band
One Leg Circle is a core strength tester. It tones and stretches the thighs and deepens the engagement of the core muscles.
Mermaid
Mermaid side stretch lengthens and opens the side body, it teaches engagement of the scapula in the back, and it connects your stretch all the way through center. Use Mermaid as a gentle warm up or a more intense stretch later in your routine. This exercise is one of the free sample Pilates exercises at pilates.about.com.
The Pilates - Yoga Connection
There is a tremendous amount of interest these days in yoga and pilates together. While Pilates may be a bit more about core strength and yoga emphasizes stretching, they are very complimentary forms of exercise. Both Pilates and yoga workouts offer exceptional fitness benefits.
Side Kick Front/Back
Use Pilates Side Kick Front and Back to work the back muscles, the abdominals, the hamstrings, and the hip flexors. Side Kick Front/Back tones the thighs, hips and abs. It is also a balance challenge, calling forth the ability to use core muscles to stabilize the pelvis and allow the legs to move independently.
Side Leg Lifts
Pilates side leg lifts work the abdominals as well as the thighs. Lifting the legs together keeps the inner thighs and buttocks engaged as the powerhouse pulls in and up, developing core strength and balance.
What Makes a Workout Cardio?
A cardio workout has many health benefits, but do you know what a cardio workout really is? Find out about the benefits of aerobic fitness, what your target heart rate is, and how to find it.
Joseph Pilates
Read this short biography of Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method of exercise and the inventor of the Pilates exercise equipment. Joseph Pilates story is an essential part of the history of Pilates.
Myths About Pilates
What is Pilates? Is Pilates a derivative of yoga? Is it only for women and wimps? Does Pilates exercise cater to flabby abdominals and ignore the rest? Take a look at the stories behind these and other erroneous ideas about the Pilates method.
Pilates Push-Up
Push-ups! Everybody knows about them, but have you done a push-up the Pilates way? Pilates push-ups use the whole body and require a new level of upper body stability and core strength. This exercise is great for the pectoral muscles and getting to the point of doing it correctly, with absolute stability of the scapula and pelvis, will even give athletes a run for their money.
Ways to Maximize Your Classes
From choosing a Pilates instructor to deciding what kind of class to do first, here are seven ways to make sure that you are getting the most out of your Pilates classes.
Pilates Bicycle
We all love an exercise that works a lot of areas at once. Bicycle, done the Pilates way, will work your legs, your butt, your abs, shoulders and arms. Bicycle is part of the free Pilates exercises series online at about.com.
Contemporary Pilates Teachers
As the popularity of Pilates increases, so do the number of teachers adding their own insights and methods to the richness of Pilates. Here are brief profiles of some of the Pilates teachers and styles that are among the most influential today.
Arms Over
Arms over is a fundamental Pilates exercise. It helps improve posture, range of motion in the shoulders, and trunk stability.
Rolling Like a Ball
A classic Pilates exercise, rolling like a ballis almost always included in Pilates mat classes. Rolling like a ball stimulates the spine, deeply works the abdominals, and tunes us into the inner flow of movement and breath in the body.
Magic Circle
The Pilates Magic Circle is a ring, about 13 inches in diameter, that is used to provide resistance for exercise.
Double Leg Kick
Double leg kick is an intermediate Pilates mat exercise that builds back strength and flexibility. It is an extension exercise that also provides a great stretch for the chest and shoulders.
All About Foam Body Rollers
Foam body rollers are used for stretch and strength exercises, as well as for massage and relaxation. Find out how to use and buy foam rollers in Pilates and other exercise.
Sit Bones
Those bony parts you feel when you sit on a firm surface. Find out the technical name...
Knee Folds
Knee folds is a Pilates fundamental exercise. It teaches pelvic stability and efficient movement principles. This is one of the Pilates exercises that is often used to help relieve back pain.
What to Wear for Pilates
What kind of clothing do you wear to do a Pilates or yoga workout? Find out what workout clothing is best for Pilates and yoga fitness classes.
Scoop the Abs.
Scoop your abs is a phrase we use a lot in Pilates but it can leave a beginner wondering what that could possibly be. Here is a quick definition for scoop the abs..
Review: Lululemon Clothing
Read a review of Lululemon yoga and Pilates workout clothes for men and women. Reviews can help you find great exercise clothing for men and women.
Neutral Spine
Neutral Spine is the natural position of the spine when all body parts are in good alignment. When the spine is in neutral, the natural curves of the cervical and lumbar spine are maintained.
Inverted-Hang Photo
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do!
Swan with Neck Roll
Swan stretches the abdominals and hip flexors, even as it strengthens the abdominals, back and shoulders. Add a neck roll for more freedom of motion.
The MVe Pilates Chair Review
Read a review of the Peak Pilates MVe Pilates chair. This piece of Pilates equipment is a redesign of the classic Pilates chair.
Teaser on Chair photo
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do.
Knee Folds on the Ball
A fundamental Pilates exercise done on the ball adds a core strength and balance challenge. Try knee folds on the fitness ball.
Pilates and Food
Many people wonder what to eat when they are going to do Pilates exercise. Here are a few guidelines around food and diet that are good to be aware of as you prepare for a Pilates class.
Underwear for Womens Workout
Are you wondering what to wear under womens exercise clothes? What about bras, sports bras, and panty lines? Get recommendations and discount tips on what to wear under workout clothing.
Design Your Exercise Program
Learn how to design your own exercise workout. Whether you do Pilates or other exercise, you can learn to make a safe, effective workout program.
Chest Lift on Exercise Ball
Pilates exercises done on a ball create additional core strength and stability challenges to the ab workout you get with chest lift on the mat.
Nutrition and Exercise Combo
This interview with exercise, nutrition and natural body building expert, Cory Holly, covers sports nutrition and exercise training with tips on weight loss, vitamin supplements, and natural health.
Single Leg Kick
This Pilates exercise focuses on the hamstrings, but it is also a great way to work your powerhouse by keeping your abdominals lifted throughout. Learn how to do Pilates Single Leg Kick.
Abdominals
A definition of the term, abdominals, as used in pilates exercises.
Side Sit Ups Photo
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do.
Side Kick Up Down
Side Kick Up Down is a great Pilates exercise for toning the thighs and hips. It also works the abdominals as they must maintain stability as the leg moves independently. This is part of the free Pilates mat exercise series.
Tips for Choosing a Teacher
Pilates is a scientific and detailed system of exercise. It is essential that you learn from a Pilates instructor who really understands the Pilates principles and can communicate them clearly. Here are some tips to get you started thinking about the experience you would like to have as a Pilates student.
Certification Issues
The release of the trademark on the Pilates name had a dramatic impact on Pilates instructor certification and the use of the Pilates name in general. Anyone considering studying Pilates or becoming a Pilates teacher will want to be familiar with the status of Pilates instructor certification today.
Stott Matwork DVD Review
This is a beginner level video that focuses on toning the deep abdominal muscles and back. It has a moderate pace and presents all the great exercises for tone and strength in the torso. This DVD is part of a graduated difficulty level set of DVDs. They include The Secret to Flat Abs, Firm and Fit, Core Challenge and Strong & Streamlined.
MVe DVDs - Chair and Reformer
The MVe series of Pilates DVDs from Peak Pilates cover Pilates chair and reformer workouts from the beginner to instructor level.
Pilates for Men
Pilates is a good workout for men. Find out why men do Pilates and why Pilates has a history with men.
Balance Clothing
Great Workout Clothes for Pilates and Yoga from the Yoga Journal Conference.
be present Clothing Review
Environmentally friendly fabrics and casual, hip styles go a long way toward recommending [i]be present[/i] exercise clothes for Pilates or yoga. Read my review.
Kneeling Side Kick Front/Back
Kneeling adds a new level of difficulty to a Pilates side kick front/back. This a real core exercise, giving the back and abdominals a workout as you maintain your balance while your free leg is moving. Learn to do this Pilates move.
Vary Your Pilates Workouts
Variety is the spice of life, and a key to keeping your Pilates workouts effective and interesting. From working with videos and books, to magic circles and creating your own home workout, here are ideas and resources for keeping your Pilates training up to date.
Spine Twist
Spine twist helps increase the range of motion in the upper body. It trains the trunk to spiral on the central vertical axis while maintaining the support of a stable pelvis. Spine twist works the oblique abdominals and the back extensors.
Pilates - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Pilates guide site.
Flexion
In anatomical terms, flexion is to bring parts closer together. Flexing the muscles is to use the muscles to bring the bones closer together.
Exercise Balls
Fitness balls are big balls, 55cm - 75cm, that are used in all kinds of fitness scenarios from physical therapy to yoga, Pilates, and general exercise. Also known as exercise balls, balance balls, stability balls.
Tips for Rolling Exercises
Rolling exercises are part of the classic Pilates exercise repertoire. They create a unique abdominal workout where we have to use a lot of core strength to initiate and support the movement. Review these tips for doing rolling exercises to help you get the most out of rolling exercises, and do them in a safe way.
Roll Over with Exercise Ball
Adding the fitness ball to Pilates' roll over exercise increases the challenge and helps work the inner thigh.
Review - Lucy Clothing
Lucy workout clothes are among my favorites. In this clothing review tell about my new exercise pants and other stylish Lucy active wear Pilates, Yoga, or something else, exercise can be more fun with a fresh look.
Sculpt and Tone DVD Review
This is a review of the Stott Pilates workout dvd/video: Sculpt and Tone level 1 with flex-band. These exercises are taught by Moira Merrithew, founder of Stott Pilates.
Powerhouse
The center of your body, the area between your bottom ribs and the top of your pubic bone, is your powerhouse. It includes the abdominals and the lower back.
Are You Ready to Teach Pilates
Are you ready to become a Pilates teacher? These questions will help you decide if Pilates instructor certification is right for you. Includes links to Pilates certification programs.
5 Minute Pilates Pick-Up
You only have 5 minutes to make a transition. Mix and match any of these Pilates exercises to help get energy, reduce stress, and feel refreshed.
Side Kick - Before and After
Compare pictures of the Pilates exercise, kneeling side kick. Learn to use oppositional stretch for better form in Pilates exercises.
Rael Pilates 17
Rael Isacowitz is one of the true Pilates masters. His Pilates mat work DVD is both inspiring and well planned workouts. System 17 is the intermediate level of a three level workout system.
Pilates Pull Ups
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do.
Pilates Stance
Pilates stance refers to a slightly turned out position of the legs. The legs are rotated outward at the hip, leaving the heels together and the toes apart. This leg position is used in many Pilates exercises.
BlueCanoe
Great Workout Clothes for Pilates and Yoga from the Yoga Journal Conference.
Standing Pilates Exercise
This standing Pilates exercise is based on the Pilates mat exercise, rolling like a ball. Free Pilates exercise instructions for standing Pilates work the abs and legs, and help develop balance and flexibility.
Neutral Pelvis
Neutral Pelvis and neutral spine are important reference points for Pilates exercises.
Snake and Twist Photo
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do!
How to Size Your Exercise Ball
Pilates and other exercises are fun on an exercise ball. Use these tips to make sure your fitness ball is the right size and provides enough stability for the exercises you want to do.
Roll Over
Roll over is all about control. Add roll over to you Pilates workout -- you'll get a good stretch for your back and hamstrings and work your abdominals very well in the process.
Lateral Breathing
The Pilates breathing method, lateral breathing, will help you breathe deeply even when your abdominals are pulled in.
How to Do Childs Pose
Showing up in both yoga and Pilates classes, child's pose is a wonderful relaxation and stretch exercise. Here are the instructions for child's pose.
Standing Pilates
Find out what standing Pilates is, how to learn standing Pilates exercises, and about standing Pilates teacher certification.
Leg Pull Front
Like plank/front support, leg pull front engages every part of the body. Leg pull front takes plank/front support a step further. By lifting one leg off the floor, the instability that is introduced challenges the abdominals and shoulders to keep the trunk and pelvis stable as you move.
Pilates' Return to Life Book
Joseph Pilates' book, Return to Life Through Contrology is essential Pilates reading. In it, Joseph Pilates writes about the philosophy of the Pilates method and gives instructions for Pilates mat exercises, including pictures.
Pilates for Seniors
Promoting strength, balance and flexibility, Pilates can be a safe, enjoyable method of exercise for seniors.
Great Pilates Gifts
A Pilates gift could be clothing or a DVD, or equipment like the reformer or magic circle. Get reviews and recommendations for Pilates gifts.
New York Style Pilates Level 1
Are you looking for a good video introduction to Pilates? Read my review of the New York Style Pilates Beginner Workout from Jonathan Urla, creator of Yogilates.
Funky Chicken Photo
Enjoy this photo gallery of advanced Pilates pictures. Take a look at what core strength can really do!
JaiDye400x391
Great Workout Clothes for Pilates and Yoga from the Yoga Journal Conference.
Pilates Anytime Resolutions
New health and fitness resolutions can be made anytime. If you are of strong spirit and ready to make a commitment to your health and exercise goals, here are my top 5 resolution picks for Pilates fitness 2008.

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