Pilates!

I always thought that in order to practice Pilates, one had to go to a gym and hire a personal trainer.

I was wrong.

I recently acquired the "Slim & Sculpt Pilates by 10 Minute Solution" DVD.  This is by no means the only Pilates DVD on the market, but it is the one that peaked my interest enough to try it.  Two things drew me to this particular DVD, the 10 minutes options and the Pilates Band that was included.

There are actually five, 10 minute segments on this DVD, so you can determine how long you actually want to workout (I really like that).  In fact there is an option to create your own personal workout by programming any one of the five segments in the order you want to practice them.

The five segments are:

1. Upper Body Pilates
2. Lower Body Pilates
3. Pilates for Abs
4. Total Body Pilates
5. Pilates for Flexibility

Having never done Pilates, I found the movements in this DVD surprisingly easy to follow, however don't be fooled, you are going to get a good workout. You may be doing simple movements, but they are impactful.  I love that the 10 minute segments go by so fast, you don't have time to dread them and being only 10 minutes long, you are more likely to push yourself to do more.  I did all five segments my first time trying this DVD, I was feeling it, but I wasn't wishing for it to be over (ok by segment five, I was about to pass out).

What I really like about Pilates is that it combines my two favorite exercises: stretching and weights (remember muscle burns fat in your sleep!).  I know you don't actually use hand weights with this DVD or Pilates in general, however, the Pilates Band simulates the act of lifting weights through resistance.

What I'm not liking so much is the band that was included with the DVD.  It only has powder coating on one side of the band, so as you use it the non-coated side gets sticky and the band becomes difficult to use.

Why do Pilates?

Practicing Pilates can help you develop strong abs, improved posture, greater flexibility, long lean muscles, increased energy and above all can aid in weight loss.  Pilates also gives you a total body workout and body awareness because you practice each movement with total attention, thus uniting the body and mind.

If you're looking for something new to add to your workout routine, definitely give Pilates a try.

Check out a preview of this DVD to see if this is for you!



Happy Exercising!
The Hoff