Tabata Training  (30 November 2010)

Rachel Holmes (Choreographytogo) has applied the Tabata Training principles to Fitness Pilates and I've started teaching this in small sections in my classes last week.  Here's more about the Tabata Training technique:

"The Tabata is a high-intensity training regimen that produces remarkable results. A Tabata workout (also called a Tabata sequence) is an interval training cycle of 20 seconds of maximum intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated without pause 8 times for a total of four minutes. This powerful  training method belongs to its namesake, Dr. Izumi Tabata and a team of researchers from the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo, Japan. Their groundbreaking 1996 study, published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, provided documented evidence concerning the dramatic physiological benefits of high-intensity intermittent training. After just 6 weeks of testing, Dr. Tabata noted a 28% increase in anaerobic capacity in his subjects, along with a 14% increase in their ability to consume oxygen (V02Max). These results were witnessed in already physically fit athletes. The conclusion was that just four minutes of Tabata interval training could do more to boost aerobic and anaerobic capacity than an hour of endurance exercise."

Rachel Holmes www.choreographytogo.com

Celebrities and Pilates  (30 November 2010)

Have you ever wondered why some celebrities are always in fab shape even in later years???  Many celebrities choose to take regular Pilates sessions.  Heres some of the celebrities who regularly do Pilates and why:

Jamie Lee Curtis is often known as “The Body.”  One way that she got that body is by using Pilates.  Lee Curtis has often said that she attributes her great shape to Pilates, a low impact exercise that sculpts the body as it tones and strengthens muscles.

Jennifer Aniston, star of “Friends” and now a film star has been using Pilates due to a hip problem that prevents her from using high impact exercises.  Aniston has gone on record to say that she is pleased with the results of the effect the Pilates has had on her body.

Joan Collins has stated that she feels Pilates are more effective for her abdominal muscles than standard crunches.  Because Pilates are slower and more defined, they do not rely on fast repetitions.  With Pilates, it is quality and not quantity with regard to exercise.  This can be especially beneficial for anyone who has back, knee or leg trouble. 

Hugh Grant began using Pilates to get his abdominal muscles in shape.  The abdominal muscles are heavily concentrated on during the Pilates movements.  The muscles are isolated and strengthened at the same time.  Grant has gone on record to say that he now has a more toned abdominal area. 

Madonna.  Although the “Material Girl” has been quick to jump on any bandwagon that comes along, Pilates is one thing that she has stuck with.  This could be the reason why the 50 year old  celebrity looks like she is in her 20s. 

Liz Hurley, noted actress, did Pilates after the birth of her first child so that she could get back into shape.   

These are just some of the celebrities who have used this type of exercise that concentrates on isolating muscle groups and tightening them while simple floor exercises are performed using total concentration and resistance.