Exercise Equipment FAQs

Simon Volk asked:


Pilates is the most popular exercise system going–just try it and you’ll know why! It is known by some to be a new form of exercise. The fact is that the history of Pilates has been around since the early nineteen hundreds. It works out the entire body, keeping you limber and strong everywhere and works with the body instead of against it. Pilates is a great cardio exercise that can get you toned-up and remove that excess fat from your thighs and hips. It has recognized body-shaping benefits, including the power to help you lose weight while benefiting both your physical and emotional states.

Pilates Forms

Winsor Pilates is designed to tone and sculpt the entire body to help people lose weight through a low-intensity, calorie-burning workout. It was originated by Mari Winsor and is known to be challenging and fast-paced.

Stott Pilates is the Canadian equivalent of Windsor Pilates. It is a contemporary, anatomically-based approach to the mind-body exercise developed by Joseph Pilates. It makes use of many of the original Pilates exercises and routines modifying them make them safer and more accessible to a variety of people.

Zone Pilates divides your body into three target areas, called zones. The zones are the arms and shoulders, flat abs, and thighs and buns. You will work a zone daily for a few minutes. In addition it won’t take numerous repetitions. It makes Pilates more effective and easier than ever before.

Benefits

What are the benefits of this innovative system of mind-body exercises? The main benefits are the building of a strong core and muscle strength, as well as balance. It addition:

increased flexibilitymuscle toneimproved mental outlookincreased motivationstress relief

Classes

When seeking out Pilates classes or instructors be sure you work on with certified trainers. Pilates certifications are offered by a vast number of firms that aside from offering Pilates certifications also hold classes for practitioners. Many local gyms and community centers will offer the classes. My advice is to take several Pilates classes and incorporate the core strengthening into Yoga. Choose small classes, if possible, so you don’t get lost in the crowd.

So I hope this little introduction was informative and useful. The summary would be look before you leap and be prepared to commit to a work out routine or you will not see the results you wanted in the beginning. Good luck and good health.

Fit Yummy Mummy!

Amy M asked:


Most of us already know how great Pilates workouts are for flattening, toning, and strengthening our abs. If you have ever thought about trying Pilates, but for one reason or another have been hesitant, here is your chance. This article has free Pilates exercises that will flatten your abs and leave you feeling fantastic.

Before you begin exercising, take a few quick minutes to learn the C curve. This will help you get most benefit from your efforts, and make the free Pilates exercises even easier.

Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head up. Place your hands on the backs of your knees and breathe in. When you exhale, pull your tummy in completely.

Your head should go down some so that you will be looking at your tummy, and your back will form a deep C curve. Then inhale, and allow this to push you back up to a sitting position. Once you’ve got this, you’re ready to start flattening your abs.

Rolling Up

This free Pilates exercise is a great and easy one to do.

1. Start by lying on your back with your legs out straight. A padded mat is great for this one.

2. Extend your arms toward the ceiling.

3. While breathing in slowly, stretch your arms toward the ceiling.

4. While you’re breathing out, allow yourself to ‘roll up,’ your spine coming off the mat until your arms are over your legs.

5. Keep your legs as flat to the ground as you can, and repeat 5 times.

Can you feel your abs getting flatter already? This is going to be a great confidence booster, and you will be healthier and happier. Stick with it.

Leg Circles

This free Pilates exercise will flatten your tummy, and with continued use, you will notice the benefits quickly.

1. Lie flat on your back on a padded mat, and keep your arms down flat by your sides.

2. Lift one of your legs toward the ceiling (at about a 45 degree angle) and turn your foot slightly in.

3. Slowly breathing out, draw a full circle with in the air with your foot. Don’t touch the floor, but come close!

4. Do this free Pilates exercise 5 times, and then switch and do the other leg.

Leg Stretch

This one is really great. It will feel good and it is a wonderful tummy flattener.

1. Lie on your padded mat and place your hands behind your head. This is similar to the position for doing a regular crunch, except your legs are out flat.

2. Breathe in, and while you’re exhaling, lift your head and neck off the mat while you extend your legs up to a 45 degree angle. Make sure your head and neck stay up.

3. Exhaling, lower only your legs until they are a couple inches from the floor.

4. Repeat, breathing slowly, 10 times.

If this is your first time trying Pilates, you may think these free Pilates exercises sound difficult. However, once you get into the position and try them, you will find that they are very simple to use. You will be more relaxed, and can flatten your tummy in a fun way. You will have a great workout.

Fit Yummy Mummy!

Charlie McDaniel asked:


Lately a number of questions that have been loading my email has been asking me where you can find used exercise equipment.

I understand given our economy right now every dollar counts so in this article I am going to share some little know places to find used exercise equipment for cheap.

Now there are really two types of exercise equipment that you need to be aware of and that is commercial fitness equipment and home gym equipment.

The difference is significant because home gym’s are built with a nominal shelf life because the manufacturers realize that most of their customers won’t use the equipment.

The reverse is true with commercial grade equipment because the fitness equipment needs to work twenty four hours a day seven days a week, every day of the year.

The reason is many professional health clubs are open every day of the year.

You will find that commercial equipment will run significantly higher in price given the quality of the gym equipment.

Here are some places to find used exercise equipment.

Go online and you can check out craigslist where you can find some quality used exercise equipment. Just be careful of what you purchase and that pictures are provided.

Another website is called backpage.com and kijiji.com which are similar to craigslist and be another option for you when looking online.

Don’t forget your local newspaper where you might find some ads in the penny pincher type of newspapers in addition to your local newspaper.

One final suggestion would be to find a quality used gym equipment reseller that specializes in buying and selling commercial exercise equipment.

This is my personal choice for buying used exercise equipment cheap.

Just make sure that the company has been in the market for at least five years and that they have a website.

Check their website for contact information as well as viewing their current selection of fitness equipment.

I would also suggest giving them a call to make sure they answer their phone and a friendly voice is there to answer your questions.

Following a few of these tips will save you hours and maybe thousands of dollars, so there’s no more excuses go below to find my personal favorite company and why I chose them. 

Fit Yummy Mummy!