Pilates
I’ve proven Pilates to be a good way to lose weight and get in shape for as long as you do it with a sensible diet. Back in 2004, 8 months after I’ve given birth to my daughter I started to go on a diet and do Pilates. In a matter of 3 months I had lost a lot of the weight that I gained during my pregnancy, from 160 lbs or more down to 120 lbs. But since we were always vacationing in the Philippines and since I stopped my dieting and doing Pilates, I easily gained weight. Then I realized I had to do something about it. So I am now on a diet again and I’ve been doing Pilates for almost a month now. Pilates, according to web definition, is a technique invented 70 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. According to The Pilates Studio, pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) focuses on improving flexibility and strength for the overall body, but doesn't build bulk. In effect it’s more on stretching the muscles rather than building it. Although there is only one principle in Pilates, there have been different approaches and styles depending on the trainer or instructor. I’m using the Winsor Pilates by Mari Winsor. I have the beginners and the advanced 20-minute work out that my husband had downloaded 2 years ago. After getting accustomed to the exercises in the beginners video for a few days, I now use the advanced work out. I used to watch the video as I do Pilates, but having been into it for a month now, I’ve already memorized the exercises. I don’t need to play the video anymore, which works well for me since I don’t end up waking Xiane up in the morning.
For beginners, starting Pilates can be funny and at times frustrating. But after your body gets used to the exercises and gets more flexible, doing it can be as easy as the ABC’s. Although I admit till now there’s this certain routine that I still couldn’t do. I am hoping maybe after I lose more weight I’ll be able to do it. Pilates is very simple, all you need is a mat, I use a large beach towel over an area rug. As for my attire, I use a soft, fitted pair of trousers and a body-hugging top. There is no specific kind of clothes required but I prefer body-fitting ones because loose ones tend to get in the way. Then all you need to do is condition yourself into doing it every single day till you get results and hopefully maintain it for life.
For beginners, starting Pilates can be funny and at times frustrating. But after your body gets used to the exercises and gets more flexible, doing it can be as easy as the ABC’s. Although I admit till now there’s this certain routine that I still couldn’t do. I am hoping maybe after I lose more weight I’ll be able to do it. Pilates is very simple, all you need is a mat, I use a large beach towel over an area rug. As for my attire, I use a soft, fitted pair of trousers and a body-hugging top. There is no specific kind of clothes required but I prefer body-fitting ones because loose ones tend to get in the way. Then all you need to do is condition yourself into doing it every single day till you get results and hopefully maintain it for life.
