Hot body Pilates's Blog

Lululemon

hotbodypilates — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:28:29 +0000

Ask any avid pilates or yoga practicer what their favorite brand of fitness gear is, and I guarantee you will hear a lot about Lululemon. What is this Lululemon brand you may ask? Founded in Vancouver, in 1998 the first Lululemon store was shared with a yoga studio. Today, Lululemon has spread to the U.S., Australia and Hong Kong. So why Lululemon? Why pay the extra fifty dollars, as they are more expensive than normal workout wear? Because you get what you pay for!

- no discomfort or chaffing

-garmets hold their shape

- the materials are colorfast and do not fade as you wash them

- there is 4 way stretch for comfort

- they make you look thinner and more toned

- they last for years

So now that you have heard the facts…. go grab a pair of Lululemon pants!

Walking For Your Bones

hotbodypilates — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:26:30 +0000

Experts have said that walking 30 minutes per day, a few days a week is enough to moderately increase overall bone density. Compared to non-exercisers, in a 16 week trial period, the people participating in the walking increased their bone mass by 2%.Experts recommend women follow a program that combines both aerobic activity and weight training, which also increases bone mass, to lower their risk of developing osteoporosis.

Stiff Arteries

hotbodypilates — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:46:17 +0000

“Natural News” maintains that exercises like Pilates and yoga could prevent and treat stiff arteries. Healthy blood vessels are elastic and flexibility helps to keep blood pressure steady as people age. Arteries stiffen as we age, which as a result makes the risk for cardiovascular disease much greater. Because people who exercise and do exercises that are specific in training flexibility, they are usually more flexible, moderating blood pressure and helping with overall general health.

11 Minute Pilates Sculpting

hotbodypilates — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:53:32 +0000

Pilates Mats

hotbodypilates — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:19:17 +0000

What you need to know before purchasing a mat….

1. Pay attention to the size of the mat. A good Pilates mat is at least a half inch thick.

2. Make sure the mat is firm because a mat that is to soft will not support balance and alignment properly.

3. Make sure the mat is long enough. About 72″-86″ in length with width varying from 21″ to 39″.

4. Roll up Pilates mats are more portable so consider buying one that rolls.

5. A mat that comes with straps can keep the mat rolled up easier and is easier for storage.

Pilates Shoe

hotbodypilates — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:42:17 +0000

Most people go barefoot during Pilates sessions but many people do still prefer to have something on their feet.” TheShu” is a lightweight slipper-like thing that covers the foot. It was made in the Philippines and is made for indoor sports to help with performance but still be lightweight and comfortable. It is made with Lycra or eco-friendly options such as bamboo or cotton. There are two different styles, the athletic and the ballet. The athletic is higher cut with a tapered sole and the ballet styled slipper is lower with a foot cut sole. It comes in many different designs and colors and the price ranges from $26-$36.

Stretching For Your Arteries

hotbodypilates — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:08:34 +0000

Studies have shown that how flexible a person is could also show how flexible his or her arteries are. New research suggest that stretching exercises could prevent and even reverse stiffening of arteries. Yoga and Pilates have been viewed as two of the most influential activities in stretching the body which ultimately is through to lead to more flexibility of the arteries.

Pilates For New Moms

hotbodypilates — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:56:59 +0000

After giving birth, new moms are overwhelmed with emotions, responsibility, new stresses, and fatigue. Pilates is the way to go. Pilates focuses a lot on making the pelvic stronger which is something new mother’s really need. Breathing techniques can help to reduce stress in new mom’s and really relax them. The focus on fixing posture is great for new moms because a lot of times they don’t notice they are keeping their shoulders rounded down and slouching. Pilates is a great way for new moms to get back in shape and also gain some peace of mind!

History of Pilates

hotbodypilates — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:11:20 +0000

Ever wonder who invented Pilates or where it came from?

“German-born fitness innovator Joseph H. Pilates (1881-1967) developed the Pilates exercise system in the 1920s. His interest in physical fitness stemmed from a determination to strengthen his own body and improve his health after a sickly childhood. With a background in yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts and other ancient fitness techniques plus some success as a gymnast, diver and boxer, Joseph Pilates devised a unique sequence of movements that worked the mind and muscle in harmony.

He fine-tuned his wellness regimen while interned in England during the First World War, claiming it helped him and his fellow internees resist an influenza epidemic. Working as an orderly at an infirmary, he engineered a way to rig springs on hospital beds to offer light resistance exercises to bedridden patients, and thus the seed for Pilates equipment was planted.

After the war, Joseph Pilates moved to New York and with his wife, Clara Pilates, opened up a studio near the New York City Ballet in 1926. It wasn’t long before he drew a following with dancers who took to Pilates for its ability to create long, lean muscles and a strong, streamlined physique. LegendsMartha Graham and George Balanchine were among his clientele.

In 1945, Joseph Pilates published Return to Life Through Contrology, which described his philosophical approach to exercise. Soon, some of his students began opening studios of their own – some making subtle adaptations to the method – and word of Pilates slowly spread.

Pilates didn’t really hit the big time, however, until the 1990s. The mind-body fitness movement took off as baby boomers started seeking gentler paths to health and wellness. Ancient techniques such as yoga and tai chi enjoyed a resurgence of popularity and Pilates followed suit.

No longer that enigmatic workout on strange contraptions, Pilates’ reputation broke free from elitist studios and started popping up at neighborhood gyms. Hollywood celebrities and top athletes started singing its praise and the press picked up the story.

The Pilates “buzz” has taken on a life of its own, perhaps enhanced by Mari Winsor and that ubiquitous Winsor Pilates infomercial, but the positive results purport that this is more than a passing fitness fad. Joseph Pilates always claimed he was ahead of his time, and his legacy lives on beyond his wildest expectations.”

-pilatesinsight.com

What is Pilates?

hotbodypilates — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:05:35 +0000

So you know Pilates is good for you. You’re interested and maybe even want to try it. You’ve heard numerous success stories. But maybe you are wondering… what actually is Pilates?