Resistance bands are easily portable, yet create a considerable amount of challenging resistance to help firm and tone. The body ring, well known among Pilates enthusiasts, is another resistance tool used during mat exercise, often focusing on the lower body and core muscles.
Look Thinner One of the best ways to look and feel thinner is to maintain good posture. Pilates helps create better posture by firming not only the abs, but the back, as well. “All Pilates work is performed with proper alignment and attention to posture. By establishing optimal spi- nal alignment, you can facilitate better circulation, improved lymphatic flow
Once a favorite of 1930s New York City dancers George Balanchine and Martha Graham, Pilates now has 10 million
followers in the United States alone.
and increased stamina of the muscles along the spine,” says Ungaro. Not only will toned spinal muscles help with continued weight loss vis-à-vis increased metabolism, standing up straight will au- tomatically make a person appear thin- ner, thereby increasing one’s confidence, as well. “You will stand taller, hold your waist tighter and feel stronger,” she adds.
Craft Core Muscles Pilates is all about core strength—front and side abdominals and the entire back. Toned abs and a strong back help to prevent injury, improve posture, reduce lower back pain and even promote prop- er bowel function. But the most popular result is flat abdominals. “Pilates teaches people how to use
their abdominals correctly—how to con- tract the abdominal wall, rather than let it distend. This simple mechanism can be used 24/7 in your daily life. That is the single reason that Pilates flattens abs so quickly,” comments Ungaro.
natural awakenings January 2012 29
Improve Eating Habits “The increased body awareness will also make you less likely to indulge in unhealthy eating habits,” notes Ungaro. Experiencing the improvements to your body and of what it’s capable is incred- ibly motivating. “You will have a new respect for your body and be more likely to take better care of it,” she says.
Complete with Cardio No weight loss regimen is complete without cardiovascular work. Com- bining the strength training of Pilates
Creative soulful spiritual wild!
and a consistent cardio session works to help you lose weight and tone up nearly twice as fast as doing either routine on its own. Walking up hills works, or to add variety and challenge, “Consider swimming, running or the elliptical machine,” suggests Ungaro. “Steady-state activity is great for cardio conditioning.”
Victoria Everman, a freelance writer in San Francisco, California, contributes to
Gaiam.com, from which this was adapted.
V i n y a s a Y o g a f o r a l l l e v e l s
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