Pilates Fitness

Chicago Pilates Workout: Combining Pilates and Cardio

With hundreds of fitness and workout programs today, choosing one that will give you the specific outcome you want can sometimes get tricky. For example, you're considering signing up for a Chicago pilates workout class to improve flexibility and correct your posture, but at the same time you also want a fitness program that will help you effectively shed a couple of pounds. Luckily, there are now multiple variations of pilates fitness programs being taught at gyms and studios which combine the traditional practice and techniques of pilates with other fitness programs.

Pilates is a fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates, and over the years has gained worldwide popularity and evolved into various styles and forms. The system not only brings about changes in the way your body looks, but also in how it functions on daily basis. By promoting proper posture, flexibility, injury prevention, increased range of motion, and strength, the practice of Pilates is able to address the different needs of athletes, dancers, supermodels, and even the elderly.

This fitness system is especially popular among women because it allows them to develop and strengthen muscles without "bulking up." It is also widely used to help alleviate back, knee, and neck pain and restore the normal functioning of the body after suffering injury. Regardless of your age and background, there is a pilates program that is suitable for your current physical condition and will help you get the results you want. There are a lot of trainers who offer private sessions and can customize an effective program while keeping in mind any physical limitations you may have as a result of injury or trauma, aging, and medical conditions.

Cardio-based Pilates Workout

There are different types of cardio-based pilates workout programs, depending on the equipment used and the program's goals. If you're an athlete looking to improve your flexibility and strengthen your core, you may want to try pilates programs that include resistance techniques and exercises. Programs that use springs and other resistance equipment are effective in helping you increase muscle mass and develop core muscles. A lot of Chicago pilates workout studios now offer cardio-based classes that make use of chairs, springs, and other equipment to intensify your workout and maximize weight loss.

Cardio-based workout classes are usually offered either in groups or private sessions. If you have certain medical conditions that may affect the way you carry out exercises, we suggest you take the safe route and opt for a private session with a certified Pilates instructor.

If you're looking for a Chicago pilates workout program that will give you all the benefits of pilates and lose weight simultaneously, you should definitely check out the cardio-based pilates classes that use the HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training format. These are the types of classes that will provide cardiovascular training and increase your metabolism to help you lose weight. In addition to weight loss, this type of workout is also proven to improve athletic performance and strengthen your muscles.

About the Author

This article was written by Kristina Lo and it was prepared for UrbanCore (http://www.UrbanCoreChicago.com). UrbanCore is located at 3864 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, Illinois. Look for Angela Carini and Christine Hall at 773.857.1592. Drop by their studio today or visit their website to sign up for classes and find out more about the Chicago pilates workout classes they offer.

Fitness Pilates Intermediate Workout $11.99 Fitness Pilates Intermediate Workout

Fitness Pilates Advanced Workout $11.99 Fitness Pilates Advanced Workout

Fitness Pilates (Box Set) $16.99 Fitness Pilates (Box Set)

Stott Pilates: Fitness Circle Flow - $8.99 Stott Pilates: Fitness Circle Flow -

EcoWise Premium Pilates / Fitness Mat $56.95 EcoWise Premium Pilates / Fitness Mat

PILATES FOR FITNESS (DVD) $23.39 Genre: How To Pilates Rating: NR Release Date: 19SEP2006

Total Fitness - Total Yoga/Total Pilates $10.99 Total Fitness - Total Yoga/Total Pilates

Susan Tuttle's In Home Fitness: Standing Pilates - $14.99 Susan Tuttle's In Home Fitness: Standing Pilates -

Stott Pilates Fitness Circle Lite $29.99 Stretch, strengthen and streamline with the professionals choice in Pilates instruction and accessories. Our Fitness Circle Lite resistance ring helps develop torso stability while targeting specific muscle groups in the upper and lower body. The Fitness Circle Lite incorporates the resistance of our professional model but its lightweight construction makes it ideal for beginners, at home workouts, and travel. Inner and outer foam grips provide extra comfort. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Other Yoga & Pilates Accessories , Fitness Circles

Stott Pilates: Pilates for Men - $12.99 This installment in the Scott Pilates fitness series leads viewers on a 46 minute Pilates workout designed specifically for men in order to promote strength, flexibility, and muscle tone in a way that's geared towards the male physique. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Pro Fitness Yoga and Pilates Set. $24.99 Whether you're looking for increased flexibility or a workout that challenges the body, the Pro Fitness Yoga and Pilates Set is the ideal way to ease yoga into your day.Set includes yoga mat, 2 pilates bands, 65cm gym ball and pair of 1kg neoprene dumbbells.

Pilates Method: Precision Pilates - $12.99 Dancer and fitness trainer Jennifer Kries offers a fun and effective variation on the pilates style of yoga in this exercise video. Pilates Method: Precision Pilates fuses elements of dance, yoga, Pilates, and weight training for an efficient workout routine, beginning with an upper-body regimen, followed with pilates-based exercises, and concluding with dancer's stretches. The program can also be performed with small hand weights for greater impact. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Stott Pilates: Fitness Fun: Pilates for Kids - $12.99 Fitness expert Moira Merrithew leads her group of young pupils through this 26 minute Pilates workout designed for kids ages eight to fourteen. With exercises that utilize household objects like balls and bands, this workout teaches kids how much fun it can be to stay in shape. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Stott Pilates: Fitness Circle Challenge - $14.99 This 32 minute Pilates fitness program utilizes a Fitness-Circle to achieve flexibility, strength, and endurance. The difficulty level for this workout is rated three out of five, and is recommended for people who have some experience with using a Fitness Circle. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Stott Pilates Pilates Express Mat $20.99 Signature Pilates Mat is made of closed-cell foam to protect your spine and soften hard surfaces. Integrated Velcro straps allow you to simply roll and go. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Mats , Pilates Mats

Stott Pilates Deluxe Pilates Mat $69.99 This club-quality Deluxe Pilates Mat can be rolled up and provides optimum protection for the spine. Closed-cell foam construction provides comfort and withstands repeated use. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Mats , Pilates Mats

Pilates for Life: Pilates For 50 - $6.99 Noted physical fitness instructor Amy Brown extends her Pilates for Life series of exercise videos with Pilates for 50, the first volume in the line-up focusing exclusively on Pilates workouts for adults age 50-55 and for senior citizens. In this program - built around the needs of novices and intermediates - Brown leads home viewers in a series of Pilates routines aimed at shaping the thighs, back, hips, butt, waist and abs. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Pilates for Life: Pilates on the Ball - $6.99 Certified physical fitness expert Amy Brown hosts Pilates on the Ball, a volume in her successful Pilates for Life series of home workout videos. Per the original intention and principles of program founder Joseph Pilates, this volume in the series emphasizes shaping areas of the body with an apparatus - in this case, a large rubber ball. Brown invites at-home participants to join her in a number of routines with the ball that hone and define the hips, abs, butt, thighs, waist, and back . ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Pilates $9.49 Pilates

Thane Fitness Pilates Power Gym. $249.99 The revolutionary Pilates Power Gym is the answer for people who only have space and budget for one piece of quality home fitness equipment. With over 15 body transforming pilates exercises that you can do in just minutes, you will start shaving inches and fat off your body in the very first week! With a mind boggling 95 resistance levels, you control resistance.Pre assembled ready to use.All fitness levels and all ages .Total body workout.Smooth transition between exercises.60 different exercises.5 variable height elevations.Compact design.Frame made of welded carbon steel.Maximum user weight is 125kg.

Pilates for Dummies $8.99 Pilates fever is sweeping across the country! This friendly guide helps you develop your own Pilates fitness grogram perfect for home or the gym. Eight basic principles show you how to get the most out of your mat-based Pilates routines and become stronger, more in control, and less prone to injury.

Pilates For Beginners $8.76 Rated: NASynopsis: Pilates is the fastest growing fitness trend - and it's no wonder: Pilates produces visible and lasting results. Learn the basics of this popular workout in Pilates for Beginners with certified fitness instructor and master Pilates trainer Jillian Hessel, who grounds you in pre-Pilates fundamentals and then incorporates them into classic Pilates mat work. Beginner's modifications allow you to work at your own pace to achieve a strong, sleek, more flexible body. Deluxe DVD with chapter menus includes three workout levels with beginner's modifications and instructor interview.

Pilates Prenatal $11.03 Pilates Pre-Natal Program includes exercises for those who wish to gain or maintain healthy fitness levels during pregnancy. This instructional DVD is taught by Allan Menezes, Australia's foremost Pilates practitioner who introduced the Pilates Method to his country in 1986. He has created a series of videos with a unique approach based on his bestselling book The Complete Guide to the Pilates Method and the original teachings of Josephe H. Pilates.

Stott Pilates Power Pack - Fitness Circle Lite $36.99 Add extra resistance and variety to your exercise regimen with an energizing workout that will help you increase strength, flexibility and muscle tone while developing greater body awareness. The lightweight construction of the fitness circle Lite makes it ideal for beginners and perfect for home and travel. Inner and outer foam grips provide extra comfort. Includes: 1 Fitness Circle Lite, Fitness Circle Flow DVD and Bonus Easy Start Poster. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Other Yoga & Pilates Accessories , Fitness Circles

Stott Pilates: Armchair Pilates - $12.99 Fitness expert Moira Merrithew hosts this exercise program, leading viewers through a full workout based on the principles of Pilates, combining stretching, strength training, and cardiovascular exercise in order to maximize results. The workout is designed for people with limitations on mobility such as injury or arthritis, and can be performed while in a seated position. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Liz Gillies: Core Fitness - Progressive Pilates - $12.99 Koch Vision presents Liz Gillies Core Fitness: Progressive Pilates. Hosted by Pilates and stability ball expert Liz Gillies, the program includes four ten-minute routines to target specific muscle groups and build strength. The workout incorporates Pilates basics with dance and toning techniques. Segments include buns, thighs, upper body, and abs. Also includes an emphasis on the total body. Five pound weights are recommended. This workout is for intermediate fitness levels. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Cardio Pilates - $12.99 If you enjoy the relaxing and muscle-toning benefits of pilates but are looking for something with more calorie-burning kick, someone has finally created an exercise system that offers the best of both worlds. Cardio Pilates features certified pilates instructor Ana Cab?n guiding viewers through an exercise routine that combines a cardio-intensive workout with the stretching of pilates, resulting in a satisfying and effective fitness regimen. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

PILATES FOR LIFE:PRENATAL POSTNATAL BY PILATES FOR LIFE (DVD) $12.99 Certified fitness instructor Amy Brown presents Pilates workouts for beginner and intermediate levels designed to tone and strengthen the entire body. Artist: PILATES FOR LIFE Genre: How To Pilates Rating: NR Release Date: 10JAN2006

Ecowise 31672 Deluxe Pilates and Fitness Mat Olive $53.43 AGM Group / Aeromat Fitness Products specializes in supplying high quality mats and related fitness products to the fitness sporting goods and rehabilitation markets and offers these markets both product innovations and brand name recognition. The AeroMat EcoWise Deluxe pilates Mat is perfect for anyone who loves pilates aerobics or fitness. It has cushioning to keep you comfortable while you move. This pilates accessory is environmentally friendly as well. New closed cell foam material. Environmentally friendly. No Latex PVC and chloride. Extra comfort due to superb cushioning. Easy to carry; lightweight. Body heat retentive. Waterresistant; clean easily with a damp cloth. Excellent for pilates mat exercise aerobics fitness and rehabilitation. Has a ribbed surface on both sides to provide additional traction. Color: Olive. Dimensions: 5/8 x 23 x 72 .

Stott Pilates Pilates For Pregnancy Kit $74.99 Stay strong and energized while you're expecting! This kit gives you the tools needed to keep fit during and after pregnancy. The three DVDs will guide you through gentle work outs in comfortable positions that will help you maintain strength and a healthy weight while reducing back pain. Includes: 65cm Stability Ball, two 2lb Toning Balls, light-strength, non-latex Flex-Band (orange), Prenatal Pilates on the Mat DVD, Prenatal Pilates on the Ball DVD, Post-Natal Pilates DVD. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Kits , Yoga & Pilates Kits

Wii - New U Fitness First Yoga and Pilates $51.66 New U Fitness First Mind Body Yoga and Pilates Workout follows the success of the first title released in the Fitness First series, New U Fitness First Personal Trainer. Developed with the guidance and expertise of Fitness First, the biggest gym chain in the world. New U Fitness First Mind Body addresses the needs of your mind and your body with the Yoga and Pilates workout using a range of breathing and relaxation techniques. It includes a full and customizable program of exercises demonstrated by real personal trainers via audio voiceovers and motion capture to physically work along side you and guide you through the many exercises and meditations.

Easy Pilates $13.77 Rated: NASynopsis: More than just a beginner?s workout, this program guides step-by-step fundamentals of the revolutionary fitness techniques developed by Joseph Pilates?and helps anyone master them at their own pace. Certified Pilates instructor Ana Cab n demonstrates each movement in detail, explains ideal positioning, and helps to isolate key muscle groups. Easy-to-follow guided routines teach essential Pilates moves and develop strength without bulk, improved posture and flexibility, and enhanced mental and physical well being.

Stott Pilates: Power Paced Fitness Circle - $14.99 The Stott Pilates method is a trademarked update of the system of low-impact mind-body exercises developed by German-born physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967). The Stott "Fitness Circle Exerciser" is a rubber-padded spring-steel ring, a piece of exercise equipment required for doing the routines shown in this video. Led by Moira Stott-Merrithew, and demonstrated by exercisers, this program builds on techniques demonstrated in the video Stott Pilates: Fitness Circle Workout. It provides a more intense Fitness Circle workout, and includes a warm-up and cool down. The original Pilates system (pronounced puh-LAH-teez or pi-LAH-tis) attracted a number of famous disciples early on, including dance immortals Martha Graham and George Balanchine. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that its popularity increased exponentially. Pilates exercises resemble yoga and dance, emphasizing stretching, precision movements and postures, and focused breathing, but unlike yoga, much of the work is performed on exercise devices. The Stott method also uses equipment, but claims to incorporate a more modern understanding of body mechanics. Developed by Moira Stott-Merrithew, a former professional dancer, the Stott system is intended to promote strength and flexibility without adding bulk. The Fitness Circle and this workout are designed for those who exercise at home. Less bulky and cheaper than the Reformer, the Fitness Circle promotes similar conditioning. ~ Steve Blackburn, Rovi

The Pilates Bible $9.99 Participation in Pilates has skyrocketed by more than 500 percent in the last five years. Today 9.5 million Americans do Pilates at least once a week. The Pilates Bible is the modern guide to this superb fitness program. The authors, all expert Pilates instructors, correlate their own practical experience with up-to-date knowledge, new exercises and brand-new modifications supported by recent medical findings. Clear step-by-step photographs show the exercises, and captions provide tips on form and movement. There is a range of workout choices designed for sessions lasting 20 to 30 minutes, 40 to 50 minutes and 60 to 70 minutes. The book includes: The guiding principles and fundamentals of Pilates. Beginner, intermediate and advanced mat work. General health benefits and benefits for specific medical conditions. Pilates for sedentary and active lifestyles, sports and weight training. Pilates in the local gym, at work and while traveling. Prenatal and postnatal exercises. Exercises for menopausal and postmenopausal women. A survey of studio equipment and small equipment. Designed as a practical all-in-one guide, The Pilates Bible is the most authoritative and comprehensive book on Pilates available. Students, practitioners and instructors will find this book indispensable.

Standing Pilates $18.95 Perform Pilates postures just about anywhere-- and get faster results! Joseph Pilates's revolutionary methods of strengthening, toning, and even lengthening the body have become hugely popular all around the world. Now, in Standing Pilates, celebrated Pilates expert Joan Breibart takes Pilates off the floor, showing you step by step how to perform classic postures while standing or sitting. Breibart, the creator of the first Pilates exercise video, has transformed traditional Pilates floor exercises into a new workout that frees you to perform postures any time, anywhere, without mats, balls, or workout gear. This groundbreaking new method uses your own body weight to help you achieve faster, longer-lasting results. You get clear instruction on how to increase your focus, develop proper form, and strengthen and tone your body more easily and efficiently. Plus, Breibart gives you valuable tips on improving your technique, making modifications to the postures, and varying each exercise to take things up a notch. No matter your current fitness level, Standing Pilates is the revolutionary new way to reshape your body and reach your fitness goals in less time. This exciting new book: * Features black-and-white photographs throughout that fully illustrate each exercise * Explains how to exercise smarter to get the body you want * Provides fundamentals and foundations for retraining your brain to move your body correctly to improve your balance and form * Presents testimonials from fitness professionals on the benefits of Standing Pilates * Includes up-to-date contact lists for certified Pilates instructors, those also certified in Standing Pilates, and Pilates Certifying Studios

Pilates on the Ball $34.71 A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly acclaimed fitness techniques: Pilates Method and the Swiss exercise ball.* Non-impact Pilates exercises on the ball can be adapted for all levels of ability, from fitness trainers and weekend athletes to those healing from injury or chronic back pain.* Shows how to practice Pilates techniques without expensive equipment.* Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs for maximal learning.The Pilates Method of body conditioning is a highly effective workout technique that strengthens the body while engaging the mind. Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body; builds long, lean muscles; and develops core abdominal strength. Many lifestyle and fitness magazines have named Pilates the hottest workout of the decade.In a first-of-its-kind fusion, Pilates on the Ball merges the principles and exercises of the highly effective Pilates Method of body conditioning with the unique functions of the exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to fine-tune body awareness and enhance physical performance. The ball magnifies the benefits of the carefully developed and refined Pilates Method. Because maintaining balance on the ball recruits the deep, stabilizing muscles of the spine, the postural muscles are strengthened. The ball intensifies athletic performance by increasing resistance and heightening awareness of how the body moves in space. Chapters detail the Pilates principles step by step, with successive movements to challenge all levels of ability and watch points for careful evaluation of your form. Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet accessible enough to use as an everyday exercise routine or to alleviate chronic pain, Pilates on the Ball builds strong bodies and engaged minds.

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