January 5, 2009

Using the Pilates Rings

By now, the name Pilates is nothing new. You may have even been practicing a Pilates routine for quite a while. There are many techniques in the Pilates Method of exercising that use many different types of equipment. If you want that great body that has been promised by all the proponents of the Pilates method, you need to consider getting yourself some safe and inexpensive Pilates Rings.

The Pilates Rings, is used in the practice of Windsor style Pilates. The Windsor style of Pilates uses a low intensity workout that conditions the 'core' of the body. The core are the muscles in the abdomen, back, and pelvis. Because these exercises are low intensity, people with less than perfect health can participate in them. But, just because these exercises promise low intensity, it doesn't mean that you will have low results. You will see results after starting to participate in Windsor Pilates in as little as one month and sometimes sooner. There are many DVDs available to teach the ring techniques of the Pilates Method of exercise.

The Pilates ring, besides being used to tone the buttocks, the abdominals, and the pelvic muscles, can also be used to work the muscles in the pecs, legs, lats, biceps, and triceps. The Pilates ring is a versatile piece of equipment that should be in everyone's home gym. To work different muscles, you simply have to reposition the ring using your arms or legs or whatever body part you want to improve and you simply squeeze. But, although the process sounds simple, you can become injured if you were to use this apparatus improperly, so it is a good idea to consult a trained Pilates instructor before you begin to use it.

Pilates rings come from different manufacturers and can offer different resistances. While some manufacturers offer just one resistance level in its Pilates rings, others offer a graduated set of rings with different resistances. It has been suggested that the best route to follow with Pilates rings is to get a set of the rings that offer varied resistances so that as you progress and get fitter, you can steadily increase the resistance of the rings you are using in your workout. Some of the Pilates rings have light resistance and are suitable for the lighter workouts, while others have a tougher resistance and are suitable for the heavier workout. But, no matter the resistance level you are starting with, make sure that it is one you can handle, because you can easily be injured if you use a tougher resistance or use a resistance incorrectly. Again, it is best to consult a trained professional before using the Pilates rings.

Pilates rings are made of a lightweight material with padded foam grips for comfort. The foam grips are the only part of the ring that makes contact with the body, making the exercise more comfortable. Pilates rings are portable and easily taken anywhere, the gym, home, or travel.

The Pilates ring is only one of many pieces of equipment that is used with the Pilates Method. However, you don't need to be participating in a regimented Pilates routine on a regular basis to use the Pilates ring. Although the ring has been designed specifically to incorporate into the Pilates exercise program, it can be used in conjunction with any other exercise program that you are already participating in. Just remember, before you change your exercise routine, consult a doctor or trained exercise professional.