Go exoti with pilates, which combines exercises as diverse as Chinese acrobatics and yoga, says Kamal Doctor.
If you’re the kind who likes change and is adventurous, Pilates might just be the exercise routine for you. It draws from the common elements or goals of Chinese acrobatics, yoga or even ballet, but there are certain ruling principles that bring all these elements together under the Pilates (pronounced pee-lah-teys) name. Posture, length and muscle control are at the core of the Pilates principle and many different styles of teaching are employed to reach these goals. The common goal is to create a natural flow of movement and then to gradually increase the dynamic energy, with which the movements are performed, without sacrificing control.
WINDING DOWN We spend countless hours either in front of the computer or huddled over our desks. Or we run around, lift, lug, and create havoc in our bodies and minds. Most of the stress and fatigue comes from poor posture, bodily imbalances and incorrect breathing.
By stretching and strengthening your body and taking in adequate oxygen, you can create the habit of relaxation, which is essential for body and mind.
BREATHE GIRL! If you want to achieve total fitness, it is important to cleanse the blood-stream through oxygenation. By inhaling and exhaling properly, you are expelling stale air and replenishing your body with fresh air which energises and revitalises your system.
Insert the following workout into your regular exercise sessions at least thrice a week. Eventually, the time you take to perform the sequence of movements willdecrease, but make sure you don’t lose the efficiency with which you perform each exercise.
CORE CONDITIONER * Lie on your back and lay your arms out to the sides, keeping the palms facing downwards.
* Bend both your legs, and then straighten the right leg upwards so that it is vertical, keeping your toes pointed out. * Pull in your abdominals to stabilise your body and slowly lower your legs to the left side.
* Return to starting position (left leg bent and right leg straight). * Repeat this movement to the other side, keeping your right leg bent and left leg straightened, lowering your legs to the right side.
* Do eight to 10 repetitions for each side.
Back Shaper