To those who have never practiced it, Pilates may seem foreign, perhaps even a bit intimidating. Looking for Pilates Windermere and Pilates Winter Garden? You have the right place. But for decades, Pilates has been a great way to increase strength in your core muscles and improve your posture, balance and flexibility. Along with helping your body stay fit, Pilates can be great for your state of mind. Professional athletes, weekend athletic warriors and busy professionals all practice Pilates and love the results. At Zero Gravity Fitness in Ocoee, FI, our professional staff can teach beginners the basics of Pilates and offer fresh instruction and guidance to those who have practiced it for years. Contact Zero Gravity today to learn more about our Pilates programs and classes. If you are thinking about trying Pilates for the first time, here are some things to keep in mind before you begin.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is an exercise program that features low-impact flexibility and movements, which focus on muscle strength and endurance. Pilates promotes using your abdominal muscles, lower back, thighs and hips. Pilates is named for Joseph Pilates, the man who developed the exercise regimen in the early 20th century. At Zero Gravity Fitness, we can work with you to develop Pilates routines that work best for you. For the most part, Pilates often includes 25 to 50 strength training exercises that are repeated. In a way, Pilates is much like old-fashioned calisthenics. Many people believe, incorrectly, that Pilates is practiced only by elite athletes and dancers. While these athletes were among the first to practice Pilates, anyone can practice Pilates and reap the many physical and mental benefits it provides. Pilates does not require a lot of fancy equipment. Part of the beauty of Pilates is its simplicity. Exercises can be performed on the floor with only a mat, although additional equipment can be utilized. If you practice Pilates on a regular basis at Zero Gravity, you will soon reap numerous health benefits, including:

• Improved core strength

• Better posture and improved balance

• An increase in flexibility Reduced pain in your back

Is Pilates For Me?

For most people, the answer is yes! But if you’ve passed age 40 and have not exercised for a long time, or if you have health issues, it’s best to check with your physician before you begin any new exercise regimen, including Pilates. Also, pregnant women should check with their health care professionals before starting a Pilates program, although many pregnant women practice Pilates and love it. Another positive about Pilates is its widespread appeal. Programs can be tailored to provide gradual strength training and stability for beginners, while more seasoned athletes who are already in shape can choose more challenging workouts. Zero Gravity has Pilates programs for everyone! Our staff will meet with you before you begin one of our Pilates sessions because some workouts may have to be altered if you have:

• Unstable blood pressure

• A blood clot risk

• Osteoporosis

• Herniated disk problems

Because maintaining the proper form is key to reaping the benefits of Pilates and decreasing the chance of injury, our highly trained staff at Zero Gravity allows beginners to start their programs under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors. At Zero Gravity, our certified instructors have undergone classroom instruction and have years of experience in Pilates training.

Does Pilates Work With Other Exercise Programs?

If you want to become healthier and more toned, your weekly exercise regimen can include Pilates and:

• At least two and a half hours of solid aerobic exercise

• Seventy-five minutes of high-level aerobic work

• Exercises that build strength at least two times a week

Remember, Pilates is a great strength training workout, but it’s not a substitute for aerobic exercise. At Zero Gravity, we can help you supplement your Pilates program with other exercises that will keep you in great shape. At Zero Gravity, we can help you build strength without adding bulk to create a sleek, toned and slender physique. All of our Pilates classes are private and held in our fully-equipped Pilates studio. If you want to start a Pilates program, or if you are an experienced practitioner who wants to improve your Pilates experience, contact Zero Gravity Fitness today!