Discover How To Do Pilates Using The 7 Keys To Success - By: Michael Tasker

The awareness of Pilates has grown along with its acknowledged health and fitness benefits but it would be wrong to think that all the techniques are simple and gentle non impact exercises that will heal and strengthen the body. It does place a demand on the body and when learning how to do Pilates it is essential to know and understand the principles to ensure success.

To enjoy the benefits that Pilates will bring, it is essential to apply the seven secrets to success in order that all the effort that you put in is not wasted. The first and most essential is to ensure that the spine is correctly aligned centrally in order to maintain a required static position. It is important to find and then adopt the proper alignment position for the spine as all the exercises require this for their effectiveness.

Secondly, it is vital that you become aware of your breathing patterns when undertaking the exercise techniques. Practice both inhalation and exhalation, and ensure that your lungs are fully filled as this will have the effect of allowing the diaphragm to assist in the stabilising of the body trunk. By fully inhaling, this will expand the rib cage and ensure the lifting of the upper abdominals without moving the shoulders, an important factor when trying to maintain correct spinal alignment.

It is important not to skimp on any instruction during an exercise. To achieve the success you want, the exercises should not just be understood but also followed with as close to extact precision as possible. You have to be precise when establishing your core spinal alignment, not only to benefit from the exercises but also to prevent the risk of injury. In addition to this, you have to ensure there is always a degree of control over how you undertake the exercises. If movements are undertaken without control, they can become jerky which can lead to loss of alignment and the possibility of pain and muscle injury.

Following on from control, by repeating correct movement patterns this will reinforce good habits and will soon ensure that any exercise that is undertaken will benefit from a natural flow. Breathing also plays a crucial part in the skill of undertaking the exercise using precise control and flow. And how is all that achieved? It is through the requirement for concentration where the brain is guiding the body through the exercise often with the use of visualisation. By a combination of mind and body, you will be very pleased with your ability to undertake the whole range of Pilates exercise techniques.

Finally, the last key part of any Pilates program is to enjoy it. It should not be viewed as an exercise chore but as a method to bring body and mind together to reap the health and fitness benefits that it offers. Learning how to do Pilates can be your key to unlocking and accessing the answers to finally achieve the health and fitness goals that you aspire to.

About the Author

Discovering how to do Pilates is a totally different approach to exercise. Forget about exercising to lose weight, shift your focus to the physical activity and exercise that aims to improve the body's strength, flexibility and posture including preventing back pain. Learning Pilates at home has never been easier with a professional instruction dvd and more at http://www.pilatesdvd.info

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Michael-Tasker/31515

Additional Articles From - Home | Health & fitness | Pilates