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Seems like everywhere you turn now-a-days...someone's teaching Pilates...or are they really? So you think you've done Pilates...are you sure? Or are you playing around with the idea of checking out what Pilates is all about?

Buyer beware...there are many people out there using the Pilates name to promote their own personal agendas. Pilates is a very intricate and complex workout system of exercises...and must be taught by a well-trained Pilates teacher.

Who am I, and how do I know what is and isn't Pilates?

I was trained by Romana Kryzanowska, in the Pilates Teacher's Training Certification Program back in 1993 - 1994. Romana is one of a handful of actual liviing tudents of Joseph H. Pilates, and sole inheritor of Jospeph H. Pilates New York Studio. The Pilates she teaches is the authentic, classical Pilates (New York Style). And up until a few years ago Romana taught there...I believe, I recently heard she is now living in Texas, but her daughter Sari is still teaching at the New York studio. Romana is now in her 80's, but spent most of her life, both teaching and doing Pilates...At the age of 71 when she taught me, she was still doing the exercises, it was amazing to watch her do them.

To make sure you have a safe and effective Pilates program, your Pilates teacher should have, at a minimum, completed an intensive certification program, which includes, not only seminar training, but also at least 600 hours of apprenticeship.

Some of the people and places I would recommend would be those listed below...

The New York Pilates Studio

The PhysicalMind Institute

Brooke Siler

Alycea Ungaro

Classical Pilates

And Mari Winsor (although now she has added some variations, and called it Winsor Pilates, most of the exercises she teaches are from the authentic Pilates...she was originally trained in the Pilates Method by Romana Kryzanowska around the same time I was.)

There are probably a few more I could add to this list, but these are the ones who come to mind right away...not sure if your teacher, or studio is teaching the real thing...e-mail me, and I can give you some guidance and recommendations on who to train with.

Joseph H. Pilates designed more than 500 specific exercises using five major pieces of unique equipment to develop the body uniformly. Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Joseph H. Pilates preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring proper control and form. In Pilates your mind is mind must engage with your body to perform the movements correctly. Pilates works deep into the muscles, too, for more strength and overall control.

It's a great exercise technique...just make sure whomever you train with knows what they are doing...if they are teaching you correctly...Pilates can be very, very effective in helping you to achieve your fitness goals, and/or in rehabilitating you from injuries.

What are some of the benefits of the Pilates?

The Pilates Method of body conditioning promotes physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions while providing a unique and challenging workout that both refreshes and energizes you. Pilates sessions are best done in one-on-one sessions with a certified teacher or in very small closely supervised groups. Each Pilates session should be tailored to the client's specific needs. Pilates is an awesome workout, but know who your teacher is, so that your program will be both a safe, and effective one.

Regardless of your current level of fitness, anyone and everyone can benefit from Pilates both for body conditioning and for injury prevention. Pilates when used correctly can also be of great benefit with rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs, assisting in a faster recovery time for soft tissue injuries. Pilates is also great for pregnant women, as long as the teacher knows what they are doing, and the pregnant women has been okayed by her OB/Gyn to exercise while she is pregnant. It helps teach proper breathing and body alignment, improves concentration, and helps in a quicker recovery time of body tone and shape after pregnancy.

Are you interested in getting Pilates equipment? Again, please e-mail me, and I would be more than happy to assist you in picking out quality equipment. The main company that I would recommend for the most authentic Pilates equipment would be Gratz.

If you have found this guide helpful...please take the time to rate this review...I love to help others achieve a happier, healthier lifestyle!