February 19, 2008

Using a Resistance Band in Pilates

Have you ever wondered about the different equipment involved in exercising the Pilates way? There are many questions that swirl around this subject about the whys and how-tos. This article is for anyone who is interested in learning how to use a resistance band while participating in a Pilates exercise routine. Like any regimented exercise program, there are rules to follow when using the resistance band in a Windsor Pilates exercise routine.

For those who are new to Windsor Pilates and the resistance band, you want to do one set of eight to ten repetitions of each separate resistance band exercise with no weight for two to three times a week, with at least a day of rest between each session.

The intermediate Pilates student, however, can do a Pilates resistance band routine with two sets of eight to twelve repetitions by using the light to medium weight for two to three times a week with at least one day off in between to rest between workouts.

The advanced Pilates student must do two to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions with using medium to heavy weights for two to three times of week with one day of rest between workouts just to see results.

All Pilates participants who want to use a resistance band in their routines must make sure that they warm up their bodies prior to their workouts with five to ten minutes of cardio work and plenty of stretching and that they cool their bodies down properly after the workout with more stretching. As with all exercise routines the participants need to properly hydrate during the workout by drinking plenty of water. This technique of using a resistance band during a Pilates exercise regimen works best when paired with a cardiovascular or aerobic program for best results.

There are specific movements associated with using resistance bands in a Pilates exercise routine. Some of the names of these movements are Chest Press, Unilateral Fly, Rear Delt, Push Ups, Lat Pulls, Overhead Press, Shoulder Rotation, Unilateral Lateral Raise, Tricep Extension, Bicep Curl, Tricep Extension 2, Squats, Lunges, and Outer Thigh Exercises. Each exercise using the resistance band in a Pilates routine has a specifically correct way of performing them, with movements that are outlined by the Pilates method of exercise. Each exercise has its own particular distinctions and repetitious set of steps.

For example, the Chest Press is very simple, but precise to learn. First, you need to place the resistance band under a step or ball and lie facing up while holding the handles in each hand. Next, you contract the chest to push the arms up and then repeat this series of movements for two or three sets.

Each of the Pilates exercises used with resistance bands have their own set of specific instructions like the ones above. Anyone who wants to begin to use the resistance band in their own Pilates routine, whether they are novices or advanced Pilates students needs to seek professional, qualified Pilates instructors to teach them the correct way to perform each exercise. If you follow this simple advice, you will be integrating the resistance band into your Pilates routine in no time.