3 Weeks To A Flat Belly
See the Exercises at http://msn.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s2-2-87-176-2122-1,00.html
Invented by gymnast Joseph H. Pilates more than 80 years ago, the Pilates method involves a series of exercises that place intense concentration on your abdominal muscles, which, along with your back muscles, form your "core" or powerhouse from which your body derives its strength and stability. Besides helping you to shape a beautiful belly, Pilates strengthens and stretches the entire body, creating lean, toned muscles similar to those of a dancer. (It's strengthened my legs, making them as sleek as they were when I was a gymnast.)
The Pilates method combines these exercises with mental concentration and breathwork. The result is a mind/body fitness program to help you achieve your best body ever. And it helps you feel mentally and emotionally balanced, calm, and refreshed.
More Than a Trim Tummy
Here are some of the other great benefits of Pilates:
Beginner Program
The following moves offer a terrific introduction to Pilates. All you need is a mat or padded rug. If you have back problems, check with your doctor first.
Here's how to do Pilates correctly:
Concentrate on your abs. Keep them pulled in toward the back of your waist and slightly up, particularly during exhalation. Think "long and lean," and extend through your torso.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth as you move. As you inhale, keep your abs pressed flat, but encourage your ribs to expand out with your breath.
Do the exercises in order. Each one will prepare your body for the one that follows. Do the entire routine at least three times a week. You should start to see and feel results in as few as 10 sessions.
See the Exercises at http://msn.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s2-2-87-176-2122-1,00.html