Pilates is a great new form of exercise that has recently swept the nation. Similar to yoga, it focuses on aligning and relaxing the body while strengthening its core muscles. The best part is that it’s easy to get started, even for total beginners.
The best option for getting an optimal Pilates workout is to work with a professional. The best place to find an expert is at a Pilates Studio. These can be found in many cities. They not only have people that specialize in teaching Pilates, they also have machines specifically designed to give you an optimal workout.
If there aren’t Pilates studios in your area, you should look around for a class. Many health clubs will offer these classes for a lower price than going to a studio. While you probably will be doing exercises on a mat instead of machines, you’ll still be taught by someone who knows what they’re doing and can help you use proper form and attain the maximum benefit.
If you can’t find a class or studio near you, you have a few other options to try. The first is to buy a good book or set of tapes that teach you specific moves and how to do them. These tapes may also incorporate equipment such as a ball or resistance band. This equipment can be purchased at most fitness supply stores.
If you have money and space to invest in this fitness regimen, you may consider buying a Pilates machine. They offer more resistance and can improve the effectiveness of your workout. These can be bought from various retailers and are similar to those found in Pilates Studios. For the best workout at the best price, you should find a machine that offers the ability to do many different exercises all on the same machine.
Pilates can be great to help with strength, balance, and posture, among other things. Just be sure not to neglect doing cardio work as well. While it can’t replace aerobic exercise, Pilates is a great addition to your exercise regime.
Filed under Health Talk, Pilates by on Jan 2nd, 2007. Comment. 
When it comes to loosing weight your ultimate success will often depend on portion control. You’re better off eating moderate portions of all different types of foods including a few treats here and there than piling your plate up with apparently healthy options.
Many of us don’t even know what an adequate portion size should be. Go to any high-chain restaurant and your plate will be piled high of food, sometimes you’ll be served up to 5 portions in one sitting! So just how do you watch your portion size and reduce your waist line?
Eat slower – you’ve heard it before I’m sure, but it’s so true, if you take time to eat your meals your brain will have adequate time to register you’ve had enough. Many of us are out of touch with our bodies and we keep eating until we feel so full we could burst. Try to make the mind and body connection by eating your food slowly and taking the time to enjoy each bite.
The Portion Plate – You don’t need to invest in any fancy plate to help you do this, it’s really easy to do anywhere. Mentally divide your plate in half, fill the first half with vegetables then divide the remaining half in half. One half will consist of a portion of carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, and so on and the other half should consist of a protein such as chicken, fish, eggs or beans.
That’s your new portion rule from now on, one quarter protein, one quarter carbohydrates and one half fresh salad or veggies.
Keep the visual image of what your plate should look like anytime you are about to make a food choice. If you’re just having a chicken sandwich for example remember the chicken serving should ideally fit into that quarter of the plate, add two slices of bread and fill up the rest with fresh salad or veggies.
This is by far the easiest way to control your portion size and if you do this with your three daily meals and replace junk food snacks with healthier options such as fruit and low fat yogurt, you are almost guaranteed to loose weight without having to follow any strict diet regimen. Still not sure, give yourself a few days to try it and see the great results for yourself.
Filed under Health Talk, Healthy Eating by on Jan 2nd, 2007. Comment.