Powered by Pilates

Marlene had never been athletic, didn’t like to exercise, and now in her 40’s had gotten a little plump. Then she had a car accident and needed physical therapy. The clinic therapist worked with her three times a week and gave her exercises to do daily at home. "No matter how many times I did them," she said, " I didn’t know if I was tightening the right muscle, if I was twisting too much or not enough. It was horrible. I felt so uncoordinated. I just didn’t have any body awareness."

Her therapist recommended she try a specific exercise program called Pilates (pul-LAH-teez). Created over 70 years ago by a German immigrant named Joseph Pilates, the system is intended to improve muscle strength and tone without adding bulk. Pilates consists of dance-like movements that can done on a machine called a "reformer" or on a comfortable fitness mat.

Check out Kathy’s Fat Burning Pilates DVD

Exercises are performed in reclining, sitting, kneeling, standing and piking positions. Dancers are attracted to Pilates, especially after injuries, because it builds what they refer to as the "core muscles" or "power center," those located in the abdominal region that provide strength, flexibility, and power.

The key to Pilates is concentration--doing the exercises slowly and mindfully; breathing rhythmically with full attention on the muscle being worked and on the body’s alignment. Strengthening and stretching while maintaining a hyper-awareness of your core muscles, you feel a real connection between your mind and your body.

Keep in mind Pilates alone will not improve your cardiovascular fitness. So if you’re ready to learn the fundamentals of Pilates and boost your cardio workout, pick up my Fat Burning Pilates DVD with three complete workouts.

Choose from Pilates for Abs, Pilates for the Lower Body or Fat Burning Breakthrough. These routines can be done separately or combined for a more intense workout that will also sustain an elevated heart rate.

Give Pilates a chance. You will actually feel taller and your posture will seem more naturally erect. Your body will also feel more aligned.

As for Marlene, she learned body awareness while doing Pilates. "I was actually able to know on my own that my pelvis should roll this way,” she said. “Or that I was out of alignment because I really wasn’t working the right muscle. I got better so much quicker, you wouldn’t believe it."

Maybe what I love most about Pilates is the way it represents the vitality and creativity of the fitness world. It shows people like Marlene that there really is something for EVERY BODY.