Pilates

"Pilates?" my bar league softball buddies groan. "But that's soooo metrosexual."

Well, yeah.

But YOU try executing the Double Leg Stretch and The Teaser for a few minutes and tell me how your abs feel.

And that's precisely why I find these methods so impressive. They effectively hit all your core muscles (a.k.a. the Powerhouse). It's incredibly efficient and you'll get much more out of this than if you did a bunch of muscle-isolating exercises in the gym.

I first got into this when someone loaned me an Ana Caban workout video. I checked out her Pilates Beginning Mat Workout DVD and I've been hooked ever since. (If you'd like a sneak peek at this workout, a video preview has been added to the Recommended Resources section at the bottom of this page.)

Make all the metrosexual jokes you want. The truth is, I don't belong in the same room with Ana Caban. She's a freak. I was sweating, twisting, and struggling to keep up with her.

Fortunately, Caban has a workout partner who performs alternate versions of the exercises that she so effortlessly breezes through. Most other DVDs and instruction books offer the similar options -- so regardless of whether you're a klutzy beginner or a svelte professional, you can find something that matches your skill level.

Note: Although it's preferable that you sign up for an actual class where you can get individual attention and hone your technique, that simply wasn't an option for me due to my busy schedule. I found Caban's video instructions very easy to follow (and hey -- to that assistant who demonstrated the easier moves, whoever you are: THANK YOU!). Just be sure, as with any fitness program, to check with your doctor before you begin.

With regular practice, your skill level will climbs upwards with surprising results. Give Pilates a try and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish:

• Improve your muscle tone and posture
• Increase flexibility and reduce susceptibility to injury
• Strengthen and firm your core muscles (abs, lower back, buttocks, and thighs)
• Improve focus, concentration and mental clarity (Pilates uses your mind as well as your body!)
• Enhance coordination, precision, and control
• Relieve stress

Yes, guys, I know there seems to be a stereotype where the word "Pilates" conjures up imagery of ladies in leotards contorting themselves into pretzels. It might be a turn-off for guys who might otherwise benefit from the program if they gave it a try. (Ladies, I apologize. I'm directing this page towards men because I already know you're the smarter sex.)

It doesn't help that the techniques have cutesy names such as the aforemented Double Leg Stretch and The Teaser. If I had my way, I'd re-name those moves The Ab Detonator and The Powerhouse Explosion. That would have the guys on my softball team signing up in no time.

But don't be fooled. If you're a guy and you've blown this off because you thought it was just for the gals, hoo boy, you don't know what you're missing. The inventor of this workout regimen -- Joseph Pilates -- is right up there with Charles Atlas and other legends of physical fitness.

Give it a try. Your abs will thank you later.

Yours in Health and Fitness,

Mark Drolsbaugh

Recommended Resources