Are you using the correct muscles when exercising?
Most people think that if they run or walk it will get them into shape. Think again .. you may be compensating your weak lower back and buttocks by using your thigh and calf muscles instead. Your body will take twice as long to get any results and you may end up with an injury or just sore muscles.
Without doubt one of the most effective ways to tone is to use the correct muscles whilst performing Pilates and Yoga. It’s difficult achieve this by just following a DVD. It’s invaluable to have a highly trained practitioner to help you understand what muscles are being recruited. We need to retrain natural movement patterns that have been lost in our sedentary lifestyles or from performing unbalanced exercises that can weaken the core muscles.
“More the better” is the case when performing Pilates and Yoga. At least three to four times a week is a must to re-establish healthy, mindful movement patterns. Your body will strengthen from the inside out with uniformity. Better posture makes you look taller. Pilates changes the way you carry yourself. Having a strong core and a flexible spine not only makes you feel good but stand straighter and actually appear taller.
If you're active in recreational activities and sports then the improved balance, strength & centeredness you can gain from Pilates will help you prevent injuries and improve your performance.
Joe Pilates defined ideal physical fitness. “The attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind, fully capable of naturally easily and satisfactorily performing our many varied tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure”
Yoga Master; “The most important pieces of equipment you need for Yoga are your body and your mind”