Do It Yourself (DIY) Pilates – Does it Work?

Unless you've never been physically actively in your life, you have probably heard about Pilates and the many Pilates benefits that can be attained from doing it. You've probably heard that your local Pilates studio offers 8 or 10 week group classes and you've thought about signing up. Maybe you didn't' sign up because you're not sure how to continue when you've completed the classes. That is where "Do It Yourself" (DIY) Pilates comes in.Once you've taken the beginner's classes, you will have the basic foundation you need to continue on your own. There are many benefits to incorporating these Pilates exercises into your daily routine.DIY Pilates BenefitsCore Strength-It builds and strengthens not only your core, but your muscles as well. Your core includes your back, legs, abdominals, pelvic floor muscles and buttocks. When you have a strong core, your entire body will look and feel better; you will walk with poise and confidence. In fact, you are taller.Stretch & Lengthen-Pilates stretches up and lengthens the body. All of the exercises teach proper form and posture. This will have you sitting up straight all day long. You learn how to activate your muscles.Flexible Training Schedule-DIY Pilates offers flexible training times. You can come into the studio on your own time, whenever it is convenient for you. You don't have to worry about being late for class or having to leave work early to get there on time.It's Semi-Supervised-When you are in the studio, you can ask any instructor who's around if you are not sure of how to properly use the machine. And if you are practising a certain routine wrong, you will be corrected immediately on the spot, or if you need a demo, the instructor will help you out. There is always someone there to help you, so you will never feel that you are truly alone. There is no worry that you will be injured. Instructors are always at hand to offer help and assistance.Regain Self- Confidence-Doing DIY Pilates include not just inner and outer body improvements, but mind improvements as well. You will have greater self-esteem, confidence and self-assurance. You sleep better; have stronger awareness of your breathing, and your body. You have better body mind connection. This connection means you will know when your body has had enough, so you don't overwork it or injure yourself.You will most probably get some benefits from doing Pilates exercises at home with a mat and a DVD; however, Pilates reformer exercises are much more effective. The machines give you the resistance training that mats cannot. This resistance translates into stronger body and muscular strength. It also adds definition and form to your body. When your muscles are strong and tone, your metabolism will improve. This increase in metabolism makes you a fat-burning machine all day long.The reformer also makes it easier to engage in a broader range of motion when performing each exercise. For instance, if you have weak abdominals, the resistance helps to support your form and when you get stronger with time, the same resistance challenges you. This means you get the maximum benefit. There is no need to struggle, like most people did on mat work exercises. This is a major reason why Pilates reformer exercises are so popular with athletes and those who needs low impact training. And those recovering from injuries or suffering from chronic pain.