Pilates Exercise Video Can Be An Effective, Inexpensive Way To Start
A Pilates Exercise Program

I've had some nice, surprised experience with Pilates exercise video - I discovered how to pick out a right video plus how to sustain motivation in video-based Pilates program.

Through "trial and error" really, but at the end got it all "sorted" out....

Here's all the stuff.....

Is A Pilates Exercise Video For You?

From my experience, a video provides an effective, convenient,inexpensive way to start a Pilates program .

YOu may not like a video, but it does offer some advantages over Pilates done in gyms/studios/classes.

The bottom line, of course, is that you've to do the exercises to gain results.

• Inexpensive

Don't want to pay for an instructor, to join a gym, a Pilates studio or a Pilates class? Or your budget cannot afford the fees charged....

So, you opt for a video.

That's a good choice as you can get a nice collection of the videos, which normally cost between $10-$30 each.

Ah, so inexpensive to start an exercise workout, don't you think so?

• Variety

There're many Pilates exercise videos on the market, so there's something to suit your style and fitness level: beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

• Superb Instruction

Many - though not all - Pilates video instructors are terrific teachers with credentials, qualification and years of experience.

Advanced exercisers might even find more challenging routines on a video than at their local gyms or studios!

• Your Workout Will Not Be Disrupted

You'll get your exercises done in your own home, by just popping in a video, no matter what weather is out there!

• Privacy

Feel self-conscious exercising at a gym or studio?

Simple, put on your old T-shirt, pop in a video, and have a good sweat!

• Convenience

Sometimes it's just easier to pop in a video than to drive to a gym or studio. Like for me, I would never exercise regularly if I'd to get in a car and fight traffic to do it!

Slide that video in and convince yourself to do the warm up - you'll be surprised that you continue through to the end!

Try it!

• You Can Replay the Pilates Exercise Video

If you like part of an exercise routine, or if you've some disturbances going on while exercising and miss a particular part or movement, you can always replay the video to catch up.

• Beware of Low-Quality, Low-Standard Pilates Video Out There

Unscrupulous marketers out there are repackaging an old video, give it a new copyright, and sell it as new and innovative one.

Such video is dangerously unsafe and doesn't incorporate the expertise of a certified Pilates instructor who really knows the Pilates exercises.

So my advice is - before you buy a Pilates exercise video, consult a certified Pilates instructor first.

• A Pilates Instructor Cannot Correct Bad Body Form On A Video

It's important for you to listen to the instructor's instructions on proper body form, especially if you've never taken a class with a certified instructor.

Bad body form can result in injury and decrease the effectiveness of the exercise.

So carefully view any instructional segment on proper body form at the beginning or end of a Pilates video, and try to imitate the instructor's form as closely as you can.

• Boredom

Sometimes a video routine can really get into you because it's repetitive and dull.

Or you feel that a library of well chosen, varied videos can provide ample variety and prevent you from getting bored of Pilates program.

Whatever it is, it's worth to try out - who knows, you could like a Pilates exercise video after all!

I've here a few tips to help you pick out the right video:

• To start off, aim at having at least 2 or 3 videos, ideally by different instructors

  Why?

  Because variety will beat your boredom of exercising alone and will increase the likelihood that you'll stick to your Pilates program.

• If you're overweight, older and/or have not exercised regularly for a long time, try to stick to a video specifically labeled or rated as "beginner" or "basic" video first

  Avoid anything complex or "advanced" Pilates.

• On the other hand, when you've mastered the exercises, you may be bored with the "basic" or "beginner" level Pilates. It's then time for you to move onto an intermediate video
• Look for a Pilates exercise video instructed by a certified, well-known and respected Pilates instructor, as he or she's a qualified professional obtaining his or her qualification from credentialed Pilates organizations
• Read the video cover carefully, but don't always believe what you read!

  Video cover may give you clues about the length of the workout, target fitness level, required equipment, and workout structure, but it's not always accurate or specific enough.

  Hey, get suspicious of any outrageous claims made on the cover, for example: "Learn Pilates Fast and Get Lean, Fit & Slim Body in 10 days!" or "Melt Fat Fast from Your Abs With Pilates!"

  These're clues for you NOT to buy the video!

• Don't get too ambitious - no matter how good the reviews of a Pilates exercise video, beginners should never start with an intermediate or advanced video

  Give yourself plenty of time to do the exercises for beginners before tackling an intermediate or advanced level video.

In addition to risking injury, a Pilates exercise video that's way beyond your current fitness level will likely frustrate you and make it harder for you to stick to your exercise program.

On the other hand, don't buy a dozen beginner videos that you may grow out of in a couple of months.

Just a few well-chosen beginner videos will do and can do the job of getting you to the next level.

I've bought the following Pilates exercise videos by 2 truly Pilates experts and excellent Pilates instructors:

Romana Kryzanowska and Moira Stott.

I've tried both instructors' videos and find them good and can help me to exercise effectively.

Romana Kryzanowska's Pilate Videos

• Romana's Pilates: Introduction to Pilates Mat Video

This is an excellent beginner video in which Romana introduces you to the fundamental and basics of Pilates

• Romana's Pilates: Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout Video

This is an excellent video for experienced Pilates exercisers familiar with the advanced level of Pilates exercises

Moira Stott's Pilates Videos

I like the following Moira Stott's videos, each one designed for different level of Pilates exercises:

• Essential Matwork Video - beginner level
• Intermediate Matwork Video - intermediate level
• Advanced Matwork Video - advanced level

What right gears you need to start off your video-based Pilates program?

Well, you don't need much, just the basics will do:

• A firm mat - The mat needs to be as long as your spine and as wide as your body. It should be firm enough to support your back when you do rolling on the floor

  You'll hurt your vertebrae if you use a towel or a yoga mat. I normally use a gymnastic mat or a fold up foam mat. You can also invest in buying a good quality Pilates mat.

• Comfortable clothes - Wear what you would feel comfortable in. The most important thing is that nothing should bind you or hinder you in the sense no buttons or tight waist-bands to restrict your movements
• Bare feet - always go bare feet when you do Pilates exercises. Wearing socks tend to slip on the floor

I set realistic goals that can help me to increase my chance of maintaining Pilates exercise based on a Pilates exercise video.

For example, I set the following goals:

• Start with the beginner exercises
• Then the intermediate exercises
• And then the advanced exercises

In my mind, it's important that I don't stray from this order because this is the order set by Joseph Pilates himself.

There's a definite logic to the order and when I start at the beginner level, my body will be preparing to advance in a gradual and healthy way.

Remain practicing in the beginner level on a Pilates exercise video for as long as you want, until you're very sure of the exercise movement and have gained strength and flexibility to prepare you to go to the intermediate level.

Same thing happens in the intermediate level, i.e. remain practicing exercises at this level until you feel that your body is ready to receive exercises in the advanced level.

Tell yourself you'll do the first few minutes of the exercise on a Pilates exercise video, and chances are you'll continue to the end.

Stay Motivated

There're ways to stay motivated - keep a workout log so you can look back at how far you've done and how many days you've exercised.

Normally, when I see results like leaner body, straighter posture and flatter abs, these motivate me strongly to stay in the exercise program.

First, give yourself time. It could take 3-6 months of consistent Pilates exercises on a Pilates exercise video before you notice physical changes in your body.

You may see changes in the mirror, but if not, you're likely to find concrete evidence of your improved health.

And look at the goals you set.

Have you achieved some or all of your goals?

If you're doing well and your Pilates exercise video isn't challenging you anymore, think about moving to the next level of the exercise and selecting a new video to help you achieve new goals.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How do your clothes fit? You're likely to notice that your clothes fit better or differently
• Are you less stressed?
• Are you sleeping better?
• Do you have more endurance for your daily, routine activities?
• Has your posture improved?
• Are you seeing a flatter stomach?
• Are you experiencing lesser or no pain in your backs, shoulders and in other parts of your body?
• Do you feel better?

I think these questions are important, as when you've answered any of them, they can have positive impact on your body and in your life.

Above all, focus on what your body can do that it couldn't do before.

That's real progress, and a clear indicator that you're making a significant improvement in your body and in your health, working out on a Pilates exercise video!

Shhh....

You'd do even better....

The video plus this Pilates book by Brooke Siler and her superb "Pilates Body Kit" !

You'll get full understanding of Pilates - a huge help when come to doing the exercise movement!

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