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Did you know that Pilates is conducive to weight loss? It is a question that many people have, considering that the exercise program is a low impact one. If you have been rather sedentary, even... |
Did you know that Pilates is conducive to weight loss? It is a question that many people have, considering that the exercise program is a low impact one. If you have been rather sedentary, even beginning classes in Pilates are beneficial and will kick start your weight loss. But you have to remember that exercise alone is not going to peel off the weight. You also have to commit to eating fewer calories in a day and actually burning more than you consume. As your body becomes accustomed to Pilates, you will have to ramp up your workout in order to derive the same benefits as before.
Pick Up the Pace
While Pilates is primarily performed slowly, particularly when you first start out, there are ways to incorporate a little faster pace. Of course, you want to thoroughly understand the basic moves of Pilates and gain better concentration, inner focus, good alignment and stronger core muscles first. Then, you can look to the primary principles of breathing the flow of movement to ramp up your workout.
The best thing you can do is seek guidance from your Pilates instructor as to the best and safest way to pick up the pace on your Pilates routines. Perhaps your entire class might be ready for that step too and you would have some company! Otherwise, there are some things you can do at home to supplement your Pilates workout routine in the fitness studio.
At home, focus in on one or two basic routines that you have memorized on the mat. Concentrate on your breathing to ensure your movements are smooth and fluids. Once you are comfortable with a few basic routines, you can look for ways in each one to enhance the intensity a bit. You may have to incorporate other fitness practices into Pilates such as using an exercise ball when doing the mat exercises or even using a magic circle apparatus or a fitness band. Do not discount DVD recordings that focus on Pilates weight loss moves either. These DVDs may be able to give you additional ideas on how to intensify your workout for more calories burning.
Go through each routine you have at full strength, getting the most out of each move. Stretch a little further than you normally would instead of holding in a little reserve. Scoop a bit extra out with the abdominal exercises. Intensify your focus on breathing, creating more controlled and precise motions as these will certainly burn more calories on your quest for weight loss. Totally engaging yourself increases your intensity in the workout.
What is interesting is that many people who use Pilates equipment find that decreasing the resistance of the machines actually intensifies the workout, burning additional calories. The reasoning is it is more of a challenge to control your moves and maintain balance using your core muscles in this less resistant situation.
Another way to lose weight with Pilates is to add another day or two to your weekly workout routine. Sometimes, once or twice a week is not enough to lose the weight. If you cannot afford extra class time with an instructor, do your workouts at home, using a Pilates DVD for inspiration. Eventually you will have a suppler, graceful new body thanks to your efforts with Pilates.