Pilates can be a great form of exercise as well as stress relief. Although you would have seen or heard of many Pilates studios around your neighborhood, you need not join a gym in order to get started. All you really need is a Pilates DVD as well as a few pieces of simple equipment.
Some people will tell you that you need to buy a lot of expensive equipment to practice Pilates but on the contrary, you can get started really simply and the essential equipment is inexpensive. Here’s what you’ll need:
Getting a set of comfortable gym clothes is essential for Pilates – Shorts or track pants will suffice. You will be required to do plenty of stretching so don’t wear clothing that will be overly tight.
The next essential accessory is a Pilates or Yoga mat. To avoid wasting your cash, spend a few extra dollars and buy a gym mat that’s durable and thick. Thin ones are going to hurt your back in the long run as you will be doing a lot of floor work. Given that, most of the retail mats you find that are designed for Pilates will come with proper cushioning anyway.You will be able to get your hands on the Pilates mats at any good fitness stores or even buy them online for a very reasonable price (expect to pay about $40).
A Pilates ring might be the next piece of useful equipment you might like to add to your home gym. What is really is, is a stretchable loop made of rubber that comes in several different sizes as well as resistance levels. The diameter you should buy will depend on which muscle groups you intend to use it for – smaller rings for arms and larger ones for legs.
The purpose of the Pilates ring is to help you develop and sculpt your lower torso muscles, which is also known as the “core”. Your buttocks, pelvic areas and abdominal muscles all fall into this category.
The Magic ring is useful for working on all your abdominal areas as well as your lower body areas like your legs. The potential of different exercises are endless and you can utilize the magic circle in so many ways to help you achieve your weightloss goals.
The last thing you will need is a Pilates ball which is basically a Yoga ball and helps you perform many routines which you wouldn’t be able to do without the aid the ball. The ball routines help you develop your core even further as it raises the intensity of your workout.
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