Many actors, models and athletes use pilates to stay fit and healthy. They typically schedule a session several times a week. The benefits are many as stated by Super Bowl winning NY Giants corner back R.W McQuarters. He credits the exercise to no injuries. It keeps his muscles looser, hips aligned better and it also helps him sleep. Samatha Jones ala Kim Cattral from Sex in the City, says pilates is her secret weapon to staying young. It keeps her trim, improves her posture and helps her sleep.

Since spot reducing a particular body part is not realistic, pilates is ideal for a whole body workout. If you want to lose weight and develop a solid mid section then you should check out pilates. Pilates is excellent for toning abs, buttocks while making the rest of your body lean.

Pilates exercises are based on quality of movement. For example, instead of doing 25 leg raises, you may only do 10. Those 10 may be preformed very slowly so you feel the effects on the mid section inch by inch. The focus is on quality instead of just trying to finish.

Pilates vs Yoga, what’s the difference?  They are similar in that they both encompass stretching and build core strength. The difference is on focus. Yoga has a bigger focus on stretching and flexibility while pilates focuses on strength. Yes yoga does develop strength but we are talking about primary focus.

Here are some excellent choices of Pilates DVDs from beginner to advanced. Some DVDs will require extra equipment such as a mat pilates ring or dumbbells. I would recommend you get a mat that is at least 1/4″ or thicker.

1. Pilates for Dummies this is a great intro  to strictly Pilates. No cardio or weights. She demonstrates the movements, makes modifications for beginners to advance plus what not to do. Easy to follow and a great ab workout.

2. Stott Pilates Strong and Steamlined - This is not for a beginners and more suited for intermediate level. An excellent workout that will keep you  challenged for a while. This one is quick to get to the moves and assumes you know basic pilates.

3. Beginning Mat Workout with Ann Caban - although this is a beginners workout it is also challenging to the intermediate practitioner. This is a good trainer video if you are familiar with Pilates. Clear instruction that will challenge your abs and deliver noticable resorts in short time.

4. Stott Pilates The Secret to Weight Loss is for a those ready to step up to the first level of advanced. In addition to pilates moves there is a cardio componet to get the heart pumping. The aerobic  component adds variety and helps to promote  weight loss.

5. Total Body Pilates – Karen Voight is an intermediate level DVD that targets the legs, abs and back. You will need a pilates ring for this DVD. Overall an excellent workout targeting the difficult areas of abs, legs and back.

6. Classical Pilates with Peter Fiasca - This a good DVD to have as you progress through your Pilates journey. It incorporates beginner, intermediate and advanced techniques. The DVD is quick paced. This DVD is best suited for someone familar with Pilates.

7. Hillary Burnetts Intermediate Pilates is good for someone who is familiar with Pilates and short on time. This is a 32 minute workout that will keep you moving at a constant tempo.

8. Jennifer Kries Pilates Method -  is a combination of Pilates, yoga, dance, and weight training. You will need resistance bands and dumbells for the resistance training. The dance section is fun and builds a nice cardio component. This is a good overall workout not strictly focused on Pilates.

9. Hit the Spot Pilates - Denise Austin is a great DVD to add after cardio workout. It includes pilates and some yoga moves. The DVD is customizable so you can pick the area you would like to focus on or do the entire workout.

10, Rapid Results 10 minute Solutions is a modified Pilate’s DVD. Not for the purist. It is an excellent workout that uses weight resistance in the second portion of the DVD for increased challenge. Good for people who like variety over repetition.

11. Winsor Pilates Basic Workout System – three DVDs  from beginners to intermediate level. Well explained and constant reminders on form. If preformed correctly and consistently you will begin to see the benefits. 

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