by Sarah Love

Created on: March 15, 2009

I am not big on the exercise front so about a year or so ago when I was told to loose some weight and get in shape, I really wasn't sure what to do. Going to the gym didn't appeal to me, and hitting the pavement with some running shoes made my knees hurt. I went to the local mega store and checked out what was out there as far as motivational exercise DVD's went. I came home with a couple teaching basic Pilates something I hadn't really heard of and decided to give it a go.

If you are looking for a low cardio way to stay in shape and help sculpt your body, then Pilates may be for you. Pilates was invented in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates in Germany and is focused on the concentration of breath and core alignment. Practicing Pilates promotes good circulation, great posture, and lean muscle. It has come a long way from its origins in Germany!

From what I had heard about Pilates, it involved lots of weird equipment and only famous people did it. In actuality, Pilates was developed to assist with rehabilitation of wounded soldiers during World War 1. There are machines you can use while practicing Pilates using the concept of resistance, but most people concentrate on the floor or mat exercises. The DVD's that I selected were all based on floor exercise and training using your own body as resistance.

I was really excited to get started and like all people starting on a new exercise regime, expected positive results right away! I started out slow and followed the beginners' routine. I made sure to spend 30 minutes a day practicing Pilates and found that after the first couple days of doing these unique and somewhat simple movements, I was sore! My whole body was sore! I kept with it, and started feeling that I was standing taller and breathing deeper.

Pilates combines the mental and physical, creating a flowing and challenging work out.
Following the philosophy that Joseph Pilates started, movements are fluid, the exercises can be done slowly or quickly, and the body's "powerhouse" is focused on creating a solid body structure that is lean and sculpted. This promotes better posture and body movement.

Certain exercises focus on your breath, which assists with a strong heart and blood circulation.
There are also aspects of mind and body coordination, which help your ability to concentrate. This is beneficial to everything you do!
If you are spending time coordinating your body's movements while concentrating on your breath, your body is mulit-tasking which helps promote

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