Hawaii Fitness Information

The Pilates Magic Circle is a ring, about 13 inches in diameter, that is used to provide resistance for exercise.

Are you ready to become a Pilates teacher? These questions will help you decide if Pilates instructor certification is right for you. Includes links to Pilates certification programs.

This Pilates exercise helps establish shoulder stability by increasing awareness of scapular placement in Pilate exercises.

Read this review of the Core and Curves workout DVD from Marisa Tomei before you buy. You might want to get a Pilates workout DVD instead.

Scoop your abs is a phrase we use a lot in Pilates but it can leave a beginner wondering what that could possibly be. Here is a quick definition for scoop the abs..

Abs are abdominal muscles. Get to know where the ab muscles are and how they move. Meet the transversus abdominis.

Mermaid side stretch lengthens and opens the side body, it teaches engagement of the scapula in the back, and it connects your stretch all the way through center. Use Mermaid as a gentle warm up or a more intense stretch later in your routine. This exercise is one of the free sample Pilates exercises at pilates.about.com.

Learn exercises for sciatic nerve pain relief. Brent Anderson from Polestar Pilates gives tips on Pilates for sciatica - what to do, and what not to do.

Plank on the exercise ball is one of the best ab exercises. These free Pilates exercise instructions for plank on the exercise ball will teach you to make plank one of the best ab exercises you know.

Kneeling adds a new level of difficulty to a Pilates side kick front/back. This a real core exercise, giving the back and abdominals a workout as you maintain your balance while your free leg is moving. Learn to do this Pilates move.

Use this free exercise log cut and paste template to create an exercise journal. Free tips for making a meaningful exercise log.

This free Pilates exercise program teaches the principles that make Pilates exercises so effective.

Learn great butt exercises. These Pilates moves will help firm and lift your butt. Get Pilates exercise instructions for 5 butt toning exercises that will also work the back of your thighs, your abdominal muscles, and back.

Side leg lifts done as a Pilates exercise works the entire abdominal region. Lifting the legs together keeps the inner thighs and buttocks engaged as the powerhouse pulls in and up, developing core strength and balance.

The release of the trademark on the Pilates name had a dramatic impact on Pilates instructor certification and the use of the Pilates name in general. Anyone considering studying Pilates or becoming a Pilates teacher will want to be familiar with the status of Pilates instructor certification today.

The Hundred is a classic Pilates Exercise. It builds strength, stamina and coordination. One must use the breath and really activate the powerhouse at the same time.

Like plank/front support, leg pull front engages every part of the body. Leg pull front takes plank/front support a step further. By lifting one leg off the floor, the instability that is introduced challenges the abdominals and shoulders to keep the trunk and pelvis stable as you move.

Double leg kick is an intermediate Pilates mat exercise that builds back strength and flexibility. It is an extension exercise that also provides a great stretch for the chest and shoulders.

10 Pilates exercises go from tip to toe, and front to back, with a Pilates workout that will start you on the road to increased  flexibility and strength with flat abs, toned thighs and a firm butt.
Learn the Tip to Toe Pilates Beginner Workout

Have the Exercise of the Week, along with other great Pilates info, sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

photo: Lara Kolesar, courtesy of Kolesar Studios

Exercise(s) of the Week: Tip to Toe Pilates Beginner Workout originally appeared on About.com Pilates on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 19:15:09.

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This standing Pilates exercise is great practice for beginners and advanced students. It stretches the back and the hamstrings as it works the abdominals and teaches good posture.