What is this Pilates and Where Does it Come From?

Pilates pronounced (puh-la-teez) was created by German born Josef (Joseph) Pilates out of necessity to rehabilitate detainees of internment camp during WWI. While in the camp himself, he developed exercises with the tools that were available such as bed springs to allow bed ridden patients to exercise. This device is known today as the Cadillac.

In the early 1920’s Pilates immigrated to the US and settled in New York City. There he opened an exercise studio where he trained and rehabilitated dancers. Dance legends such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham were two of his students and incorporated Pilates into their training. Originally, Pilates named this method of physical fitness-Contrology and defined it as “the comprehensive integration of body, mind and spirit”.

Among the benefits of Pilates are:
· Increased flexibility
· Increased body awareness
· Increased core strength
· Preventing / helping joint injuries

Pilates has its own original distinguishing movements and also borrows from dance, yoga, and gymnastics. One can get a great workout with only a mat. Moreover it will enhance any sport or activity as it emphasizes proper breathing, and integrates the trunk, pelvic alignment, and shoulder girdle.

Check with natashalinton.com for more on Pilates and how to incorporate it into your current routine and lifestyle.

Copyright © 2008 by Natasha Linton

Finally, the Easy Way Out! Exercise in a Pill

Exercise in a Pill?

Throw away those workout DVDs, exercise books-- cancel your gym memberships and tell your friends and family that the 'exercise in a pill' is finally here (again). You wish!
With the new hype, people are unfortunately bound to buy into is this new exercise in a pill. In preliminary tests, the exercise pill makes mice run faster, burn fat, and build lean muscle. That's right, all the positive effects of exercise.
Maybe Not Really Exercise in a Pill
What about the other positive effect that naturally comes along with working out such as, fighting and preventing major diseases-- high cholesterol, high blood pressure, mental stress, osteoporosis? No research results have been published attesting to the exercise in a pill's ability to improve health.
"[Exercise] not only involves skeletal muscle fibers, but the main muscle we depend on, the heart," Dr. Linn Goldberg, head of the Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University, says. 'He adds that believing that you've exercised by taking a pill is "like being placed on third base and thinking you hit a triple." (ABCNEWS)
We also haven't been given any widley published information about potential harmful effects of the exercise in a pill.
Exercise in a Pill-- No Substitute for Hardwork
Before looking up to the mice, do the research yourself and ask questions. Remember, if its too good to be true, then it probably is. There's no substitute for a good fitness program. A good workout helps relieve stress, gives you more energy and improves long term health. When its called 'health' and not exercise in a pill, we might have a reason to get excited.
For more information contact Natasha at mail:natasha@natashalinton.com
Share your thoughts on this and other fitness topics at::http://natashalintonsport.blogspot.com/
Copyright © 2008 Natasha Linton
Before starting any exercise program consult your physician.