| Pilates is an exercise technique first invented by a man | | | | The Windsor Pilates Method is actually a variation on |
| named Joseph Pilates, a German national who | | | | the original Pilates Method invented by Joseph Pilates. |
| immigrated to England at the beginning of last century. | | | | Mari Windsor developed a series of exercises based |
| He was interned in a camp in England during World | | | | on Joseph Pilates' original techniques. This form, |
| War I and it was there that he began to invent the | | | | modified by Mari Windsor, claims to get results much |
| exercise method that would later take his name, | | | | quicker, in about 1 month. Most Pilate enthusiasts who |
| Pilates. The first Pilates machines that Joseph Pilates | | | | have used Windsor Pilates claim to get results in about |
| ever invented to use with his techniques were | | | | 2 weeks. |
| fashioned from bed springs gathered at the camp. | | | | Most people do not have enough time to get to the |
| After the war, Pilates moved to the United States | | | | gym and exercise. The Windsor Pilates video series is |
| where he opened a dance studio and continued to | | | | great for those who want to get in shape quickly in |
| perfect his Pilates exercise methods. Ever since those | | | | their own homes. Participants have reported, after a |
| early days, Pilates have been gathering popularity with | | | | short two weeks using the video series, a stronger |
| the general public until today, where you cannot open a | | | | core and better muscle strength, but no discernible |
| fitness magazine or see a celebrity on an interview | | | | weight loss. |
| show without the word "Pilates" coming up. | | | | The routines and exercises on the Windsor Pilates |
| But, can you learn the Pilates techniques using only a | | | | video series are simple enough for the participant to |
| video series? One of the greatest advantages to | | | | be able to memorize them easily, which takes the |
| using video is the convenience; you can exercise | | | | strain away from trying to look at the TV screen while |
| anywhere and any time you want. For those who | | | | exercising. Another advantage to using the Windsor |
| don't like to join organized classes or go to the gym, | | | | Pilates videos is that after the cost of buying the |
| the video option can be a good one, if they want to | | | | videos, there is no more costs, unlike gym |
| exercise in the comfort of their own homes to | | | | memberships, which often have yearly and monthly |
| improve their health. | | | | fees. |
| There are some disadvantages to using videos for | | | | Most of the Pilates exercises featured on the Windsor |
| Windsor Pilates techniques and instruction. The biggest | | | | Pilates video series are low intensity, so people who |
| drawback to using video is the lack of a qualified | | | | cannot participate in more strenuous forms of |
| instructor to show the student the proper way to do | | | | exercise can still use the video series. For most people, |
| the exercises. All of the questions that could be raised, | | | | the low intensity workout is better for the joints, while |
| or all the trouble that could happen needs to be | | | | still providing enough challenge to get great results |
| addressed by a certified Windsor Pilates instructor to | | | | without risking injury. If you want to build bulky muscles, |
| prevent possible injury. | | | | then Windsor Pilates are not for you, but if you want |
| So, if you still want to use Pilates videos at home, then | | | | to strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility, |
| it is advisable to first take a Pilates class or consult a | | | | then the Windsor Pilates video series could be a |
| Pilates instructor on proper technique before you begin | | | | perfect fit for your life. |
| your home Pilates exercises using the video series. | | | | |