| If normal ab exercises arent really doing it for you, then | | | | interested in Pilates, though, because of the effect it |
| there is an alternative thats very much in fashion at | | | | can have on your abs. It is designed to strengthen your |
| the moment. Youve no doubt heard the name, even if | | | | abdominal muscles, together with your back and your |
| youre not really sure what it is. Its Pilates. | | | | behind, as all these muscles being able to move freely |
| Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates when he was | | | | gives you the feeling of real physical fitness. |
| imprisoned on the Isle of Man during World War I. While | | | | However, one word of warning is that while Pilates will |
| he was there, there was a flu epidemic, and Pilates | | | | get your abs fit, it wont necessarily make them look |
| came up with an exercise system to help flu victims | | | | muscular toned, yes, but not ripped. This is because |
| get back to health more quickly. After the war, he | | | | Pilates isnt about lifting really heavy weights and |
| moved to America and started training boxers in these | | | | building large amounts of muscle mass its more simply |
| new exercises, attracting widespread interest. | | | | about physical wellbeing. |
| The key to Pilates is that instead of doing simple, | | | | If you want to learn more about Pilates, you could just |
| repetitive exercises over and over again, it encourages | | | | go along to a class although, unfortunately, many |
| you to learn more complicated, exact exercises, which | | | | classes that advertise themselves as Pilates use few |
| you then do only a few times. The idea is to use your | | | | of the original methods. If you cant find a good |
| own body as a weight to lift. Once you master Pilates, | | | | instructor in your area, consider teaching yourself from |
| you can exercise quickly, precisely, and effectively. | | | | a book instead, as there is nothing about it that you |
| Many people are into Pilates for the same reason they | | | | cant teach yourself, at least with a little effort. |
| like Yoga: the relief it can give for back pain. Were | | | | |