For years, I've used incorporated Pilates into my own and my clients workouts. It's yielded results that no other training method can. Pilates promotes long lean muscles that women crave. It gives men the shoulder shape and abs they want. For athletes, Pilates improves flexibility which reduces risk for injuries and enhances performance.
But can Pilates help burn fat? YES! Pilates cross-trains well with all cardio. In my classes, I mix in boxing, dance and plyometrics for major calorie burning workout. Pilates and yoga have always been a popular combination, but because of the health benefits that cardio provides (strengthening the heart and lungs, reduces stress and increases energy levels), consider cross-training cardio into your Pilates regimen. This interval style maximizes your workout by burning the most calories more efficiently, all while tightening your core!
The overall effect is creating those long lean muscles, and being able to show it off by shedding the layers of fat. Plus, fusing Pilates with boxing, dance etc. switches it up to make exercise fun. Check out what your neighborhood has to offer as far as Pilates fusion classes. If you're in Colorado... come in and take one of my classes at Peak Physique!
Example Cardio Core Workout (taken from my class). Perform exercises in a circuit format:
-Plie plyometrics for 30 seconds, followed by side plank with 20 hip lifts on each side
-Power jumping jacks for 45 seconds, followed by holding a high plank for 10 seconds then going to low plank for 10 seconds (repeat 3 times)
-20 jump squats, followed by 1 minute of roll ups into hamstring stretch, followed by 15 reps of plank roll-outs on ball (place elbows on ball in plank and roll elbows forward)
As with any workout program, consult your doctor first and make sure to begin at a level that's appropriate for you and work up from there. I'm off to teach! Have a great workout everyone!
As a personal trainer, Ms. Fitness USA is a regular person's champ
Wow, I love the sound of this! If you ever get a chance to post a little video of you doing a run-through of this example cardio core workout I would love it... I'm not sure what some of the exercises are that you mention - maybe they are Pilates moves. But I'm going to try it, cuz I love what intervals do for me. Thanks!
Posted by: Nancy | 01/10/2012 at 05:30 PM