Pilates For Latin

Pilates in an exercise ball. Pilates fitness band. Pilates with yoga. Pilates for tango dancing. Pilates in the pool. The list goes on, but are we really talking about Pilates even when presented mostly in the context of a system of exercises? Much of the Pilates community would say no, and much would say yes.

Joseph Pilates developed a wide repertoire of exercises based on the principles of very specific movement. Their exercises are done on a mat or one of the many pieces of equipment he invented, as the magic circle, a Pilates chair or reformer. That’s near the end of the story for many traditionalists in the world of Pilates. However, as the Pilates method has influenced the exercise science and vice versa, many new approaches and equipment have found their way in the formation of Pilates.

The key question then is: How far from traditional Pilates is too far? If you take a class or buy a Pilates video and pretending to be something, say Pilates and ballroom dancing, but there are only two traditional Pilates exercises in the whole thing, is Pilates? “And if we add fundamental building work? If you do a Pilates class and the instructor ball no more than a day “Pilates on the ball” certification from one of the many self-appointed certification companies, you will reap the benefits associated with doing Pilates correctly?

I can not answer those questions. My job is to bring to your attention and alert you that the fact that while most of Pilates-based instruction is excellent, there are a lot of Pilates combined with other teams and traditions and is derived from Pilates there is no real is in it – other than as a noun or as a marketing tool.

So how do you know if you go to a fusion of Pilates experience that Pilates gives you enough to be worthwhile, especially if there is no traditional Pilates taught? The 5 tips below will help you be a demanding customer:

1. The best solution is to know about Pilates. Take some Pilates classes, equipment or mate, with a fully certified Pilates instructor. Then go to the combination of Pilates with this or that. At least you have an idea of the basics of Pilates movement, and you will be able to see the principles in its fusion instructor or not.

2. Find out how much of his instructional Pilates Fusion Pilates teacher actually does. Do not settle for a one day workshop. If the instructor is the combination of Pilates with something else, yoga or ballet, for example, must be well trained in both.

3. Look for the basics of Pilates inspired instruction and an emphasis on abs who retired in supporting the core, the length and alignment, exercise modification, including the stability of the ABS base, shoulder and pelvis integrated breathing, and a sense of the principles of Pilates.

4. Ask yourself how you feel after a class. Are you getting the benefits associated with Pilates training? Do your limbs feel more and feel taller? Are you getting the strength without the stress? His posture is better and breathing is easy and completely? Are you more flexible?

How to Master Muscular Anatomy Fast & Avoid the 5 Most Common Anatomy Mistakes Anatomy = Foundation of Exercise Science

Learning anatomy as a fitness professional is like learning to build a foundation as an architect; it supports everything else!

Everything else is built on top of it!

Personal training is super dynamic and intimate, so I suppose you could make the same claim about personality being foundational; if the client doesn’t want to spend time with you because of your bad attitude or bad communication skills, it really doesn’t matter how much you know!

But that is why we break up personal training sills into categories.  Because training is so dynamic, it is helpful to break up the various skill sets into 3 key mega-competencies: interpersonal skills, exercise science, and business acumen.

Anatomy and biomechanics are the very foundation of exercise science, with physiology secondary.  (What is physiology anyway, except your anatomies response to forces/mechanics?  Feel free to disagree in the comments, I know this isn’t a popular perspective, but I think it is one worth examining.)

It really doesn’t matter how much you know about other areas of exercise science, if you don’t have a strong foundation in biomechanics and anatomy, you will not be able to accurately and safely apply your knowledge.

Types of Anatomy

Within anatomy, there are multiple focuses; neural anatomy, bony anatomy, muscular anatomy.  As a trainer, it is VERY important to keep in mind how many other structures there are in the body that affects its performance and health.

Yes, initially we should be focused on muscular anatomy, but as fitness professionals, we have to keep in mind that we tend to be too focused on muscles sometimes.  Often, a tight muscle will tighten because of a fascial restriction!  Everything is connected to everything through the fascial network.  Just keep this in mind when you are problem solving and studying.

As you advance, more time should be spent on learning more advanced anatomy like fascial anatomy, and the anatomy of the tendons, ligaments, and how they attach to bony surfaces.

Practice Makes Perfect

There are a lot of great tools out there to learn anatomy.  Use these tools, the first one is free, and practice with other trainers.  Make cards, quiz each other, and try to link the specific names to your own exercise routine when you workout.

http://www.getbodysmart.com – This website is AWESOME!  It is a digital animation of the muscular system. Click and drag a little slider under each joint, and it will build the muscular support system around it from the most deep to the most superficial.  Very cool and definitely worth checking out, you can also click to see each muscles action, which is good but very simplified. (Be sure to read “Most Common Anatomy Mistakes” below). And it’s free!  Also, you can take a quiz on the site.  Every new fitness professional should know about this site and spend time on it, it is great.

Atlas of Human Anatomy DVD Set -This dvd set is AMAZING!  I have watched all but one of the dvds (the 6th one is about the organs). While it is on the pricey side to get all 6 at once, it is a great reference for anyone who wants to take their anatomy to the next level.  They basically build a fresh cadaver in front of you, with precise animation to show each origin and insertion.  They start with the bony anatomy, and then build the muscles from deep to superficial on top, show the tissues from 360 views.  Then they show the vascular and neural anatomy, and have quizzes between each section.  You can also start with just one DVD at a time, and watch just 10 minutes a day.  It is fascinating!  All these intricate structures are the bodies evolutionary reaction to FORCE! DVD 1, 2, and 3 are most important for newer trainers, as they are upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk/core.

Strength Training Anatomy Book – This is a great book. Detailed, colorful, and just plain fun to look at.  The muscles illustrations are very much of a jacked body builder, it is not what you will normally find in a general population client, but it is a cool guide to basic anatomy.  There is not as much attention to anatomy of the “passive structures” (bones, ligaments, tendons) and spinal anatomy.

Cadaver Course – One of the best ways to learn is to get your hands dirty!   I went to this class and it was AWESOME! We are so used to thinking of these tissues as separate, as they appear in books, but they are all intertwined together!  It was eye opening to see the fibers of the rhomboid fan into the fibers of the Serratus!  It looked like one muscle!  This is a link to the RTS website.  They have a cadaver class in Pittsburgh and in Connecticut.  If you are in another part of the world, you should be able to find a cadaver class at any university with related courses. The cool thing about the RTS anatomy elective is you can get continuing education credits, and it is a requirement for your Resistance Training Specialist certification. But don’t let it stop you if you are not in CT or Pittsburgh, find a class and get your hands dirty!

Most Common Anatomy Mistakes!

These are the BIGGEST mistakes that fitness professionals AND BOOKS make about anatomy:

1. The action of the muscle tissue is entirely dependent on its position! Yes, your hip adductors move your legs inward toward each other if they are abducted, BUT they will extend the hip if you are in the hip is fully flexed, or extend the hip if it is fully flexed.  If you are just starting out, don’t get confused, just focus on the most obvious muscular action, but keep in mind that each muscles function is positional, and will change based on the position of the joints.

2. Each muscle has some kind of function in every plane, and it has an eccentric action, concentric action, and isometric action.  Oh, and by every plane, I don’t mean all 3 planes because there is an INFINITE # of planes (another major yet common anatomy mistake.)  What plane is cutting a diagonal with your arm? If this blows your mind, I recommend taking the RTS certification ASAP!

3. We tend to focus on superficial muscles and anterior muscles because they are easier to see and appease our vanity!  Do not make this mistake with your own body or your clients; without balance, symmetry, and the deeper/smaller stabilizers, you WILL become a cripple sooner or later!

4. Do NOT try to impress your clients with your knowledge of anatomy!  Naming the deep 6 hip rotators will not impress your prospect!  Unless they are a doctor, they will only be confused and maybe intimidated!  ALWAYS talk to your client in a language they understand; this is better for communication and sales. Yes, as you build a relationship, you should expand your client’s knowledge so they take control of their fitness, but even then, focus giving them practical knowledge and not Latin names.  In the beginning, if they say “I want smaller arms, they look like old lady arms”, you say “Well this program will specifically target those granny arms.”  You will sell more packages guaranteed.

5. One other quick note on language.  At all costs, avoid using the word “Functional” where ever you want just to sound knowledgeable.  Yes people like it, and it is a buzz word, but buzz words are often very ineffective at communication.  Instead of “functional” say “exercise or program xyz will help you function better at ABC or perform better at ABC or transfer over to activity ABC”. Major pet peeve of mine! Don’t just sound smart when you can be smart!

I sure hope this is helpful!  Please leave me some questions in the comments and I will get right back to you.  SHOW ME YOU ARE ALIVE!

• How did you learn anatomy? • What is the hardest part? • What mistakes have you made?

Leave me some comments and let me know.

Until next time, keep your business fit.

Johnny Fitness

There are many fitness programs available these days all promising to be one of the best available & the ideal one for you. There is no fitness program available that is the best for all. You are an individual with different needs, wants & lifestyle so there cannot be a fitness program that is ideal for all.

Every fitness program has its pro’s & con’s & it’s up to you to decide which one is best for you, after all you need a fitness program that you know you are going to enjoy, that way you will stick to it & reap the full benefits.

So which fitness program is for you ? Will you choose one of the well known ones such as Pilates, Step, or Aerobics (in one form or another) or will you go for one of the many celebrity fitness programs. The choice of fitness program is yours & yours alone make sure you pick the one for you. To help you here is a quick overview of some of the fitness programs available.

Pilates Fitness Program
Developed by Joseph Hubertis Pilates as far back as the early 1900′s, Pilates is based upon developing & improving body posture & flexibility of movement originally using the resistance of springs. Pilates can be practised using specially designed equipment or performing exercises based on the Pilates system simply on a mat. Pilates has spawned many different versions which are available today. Pilates fitness programs are available on video or DVD to use with or without equipment, for you to follow at home or you could try your local gym to see if they run classes there.

Step Fitness Program
Step is basically a form of aerobic exercise involving stepping on & off a step quite often to music. You can follow this fitness program from a video or DVD at home using a simple piece of equipment or in a group at your local gym or recreation centre.

Aerobics Fitness Program
Aerobics is a fitness program in numerous different formats but basically involves lots of movement such as arm raises, leg raises, kicks, stretching, lunging, bending etc to music. The type & frequency of movements should depend upon your current level of fitness. The fitness program can again be followed at home using a video or DVD or at classes in your local gym or recreation centre.

Copyright (c) 2008 Harper DTP Co.Developed from rehabilitation techniques; Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system. By emphasizing proper breathing, it gets your mind and body in tune with one another.The originator, Joseph Pilates, was the son of a prize winning gymnast in Germany; were Joseph was born. A sickly child, Joseph began his life’s journey to fitness and health at an early age. By the time he was 14 he was modeling for anatomy charts.In 1912 Joe went to England where he worked as a self defense instructor for Scotland Yard. At the beginning of WWI he was interned with other German nationals. During his internment, Joe refined his idea and trained other internees. In 1918 an influenza epidemic struck England killing thousands. Not one of Joe’s trainees died. He claimed this to be a testament to the effectiveness of his system.In 1926 Joseph Pilates emigrated to the U.S. and opened his first studio in New York City sharing an address with the New York City Ballet. Along the way he met Clara whom he later married. By 1960 many New York dancers were their clients; including George Balanchine, who later invited Joe to instruct his young ballerinas at the New York City Ballet.When Joe passed away in 1967 only two of his students were known to have opened their own studios. Carola Trier, a close friend and Bob Seed, who tried to take clients from Joe.More than 80 years later Pilates has become one of the hottest and most accessible workouts around. It’s no wonder as Pilates not only tones and tightens your body, but protects it too.There are two basic types of Pilates. The most common type (which you can do almost anywhere) consists of a series of floor exercises preformed on a mat. These use the body’s own weight as resistance, but can also involve resistance bands or the Pilates Magic Circle (a flexible circle made of rubber or thin metal). The second type relies on two machines called the Cadillac and the Reformer which use a system of springs, levers and pulleys to strengthen and condition. Both types work on the “core” or transverse muscle deep in the abdomen that forms the girdle inside the body. A strong transverse muscle gives you better endurance in every other physical activity. It also protects the lower back and improves posture.Pilates exercises do produce long lean muscles like a dancer’s, but Pilates isn’t just for girls. Pro football players use Pilates to strengthen their bodies and cores; which helps them absorb the impact of full body tackles without blowing out their knees. During World War I, Joseph Pilates also used his exercises to help wounded soldiers become mobile again.Today there are Pilates studios all over the world. Mari Winsor has gained much notoriety with her Windsor Pilates fitness program.The Winsor Pilates program is one of the top selling fitness programs in the world, and is transforming the bodies of men and women all over the globe.

So many people are much engaged in looking for better solutions for their fitness dilemmas and with that it is explanatory that much information about Winsor Pilates and its wonder are even searched in most web sites. With that, Winsor Pilates downloads emerged as resources for much reliable information about the Winsor Pilates fitness program.
In this article, I will pay much attention to the various benefits of Pilates. Note that in the, you will be exploring the more difficult exercises of the Pilates Method. Many people even consider this Pilates as the ultimate challenge.
Given that fact, the Pilates is no doubt perfect for the experienced movers. However, before you can perform the most intricate movements of Pilates, you must have enough understanding of the basics of Pilates, including its principles and safety precautions. Knowledge of the basics is highly needed as the advanced level is prone to imbalances and injuries if not performed properly. In some instances, the Pilates advanced level needs the approval of the instructor.
There are several sessions maintained under Joseph Pilates Method of training. Basically, you will be asked to start a one-on-one session with a certified teacher of Joseph Pilates Method of training. Sometimes, this is done in close and well-supervised small groups. Also, the sessions are fitted perfectly for your specific needs.
Another worth noting fact about Joseph Pilates Method of training is that it can also be the dominant mode of body conditioning as well as injury prevention. It is now even highly integrated into the rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs that are designed to a speed recovery of soft tissue injuries. Aside from that, Joseph Pilates Method of training can be used by pregnant women in order for them to learn the proper breathing and body alignment. Experts even reported that Joseph Pilates Method of training can improve concentration among pregnant women and recovers the body shape and tone of women after pregnancy.
With all those benefits, its no wonder that Joseph Pilates Method of training is now acclaimed by millions of people around the world as the best fitness trend ever developed.

It’s the number one paradox. Everyone wants a sexy body but no one wants to suffer through boring workouts to achieve their goal. Core Rhythms presents a weight loss program with a revolutionary design. Instead of repeating tedious exercises Core Rhythms utilizes sexy Latin moves so you can dance your way to a better body and a new you.Core Rhythms was developed by Jaana Kunitz and Julia Powers, world champion Latin dancers and fitness experts, and many women have benefited from it. This one of a kind program will help you dance your way to a nicer body avoiding the dread of the typical core workout and still receive the benefits. Core Rhythms will elevate your heart rate in order to burn the most calories, while also tightening your core. Every muscle is included. The upbeat music and attractive steps will distract your from the work involved exercising your upper abs, lower abs, obliques and back.The starter package of the Core Rhythms includes a very good selection of DVDs to fit individual styles and mood of the day. The Latin Dance Made Easy DVD is an instructional video featuring Jaana’s and Julia’s husband to teach three popular Latin dances that you can use as a daily workout and then take to the club for a night of dancing. For those needing to cram 20 minutes into high-demand day, the Core Rhythms Quick Workout DVD is the answer. The third DVD, Core Rhythms Full Workout, develops essential Latin dancing skills that incorporate drills to exercise your core. Not only does this include the energizing dance DVDs, the package also contains a “Great Eating Guide” with tips on nutritious ways to slim down.After you have mastered the DVDs included in the starter package, five other DVDs are available. For people who want to progress in their Latin dancing skills or have a better workout think about Kick Start, Lower Body Sculpt, Latin Cardio, Secret to Sexy Abs, and Dancer Diet Guide DVDs.Basically, the exercise and fitness business has been looking for that magic bullet and the Core Rhythms method is IT! Upbeat music, enthusiastic instructors, and enjoyable dance moves make this program a diamond in the rough. And you won’t need to spend extra money on fancy workout equipment either. Get some water, turn on the DVD, and begin dancing; it is as easy as that.

Unlike many Caribbean destinations that are known primarily for shopping and entertainment, Curacao is recognized as one of the world’s top fitness and recreation destinations. As home to some of the world’s best dive sites and ecotourism sites, Curacao has long attracted fitness-conscious travelers from around the globe. This year, during the first weekend of October, Curacao will play host to an exciting gathering for one of top new trends in fitness, Zumba. As this unique low-impact workout is known for its Latin rhythms, easy-to-learn choreography and incredible fat-burning power, it has inspired everyone from fitness experts to novice exercisers. Just 10 years after its serendipitous creation, Zumba has already reached 75 countries, being taught in more than 40,000 gym and spa destinations. Whether visiting for the Zumba Weekend in Curacao or simply checking out the classes in between enjoying the island’s numerous sights, visitors in Curacao this October will find that Zumba is a perfect match for the island’s upbeat, yet refined atmosphere.
Zumba was created almost entirely by chance when fitness trainer Beto Perez misplaced his aerobics music during a training session in his native Colombia. Without the traditional upbeat dance music on hand, Perez chose to play a selection of his favorite songs – including traditional Latin American genres such as salsa and merengue – and improvise a fitness routine to match the music. The result was an easy-to-follow, but incredibly effective fitness routine. After perfecting the workout in his own gym, the fitness trend – bolstered by popular traditional music and beginner-friendly moves – began attracting plenty of attention throughout Colombia. Inspired by the success of Zumba in Colombia, Perez visited the United States in 1999 hoping to hook both those new to fitness classes and more dedicated exercisers in search of new workout options. With the support of investors, Perez found plenty of interest in the United States with both fitness professionals that added the workout to their class schedules and those interested in simple home workouts, as evidenced by the program’s extensive DVD sales. Throughout the early 2000s, Zumba expanded to several additional Latin American and Caribbean nations, quickly becoming one of the hottest workout trends and fitness travel opportunities.
As Zumba was created as a fun and effective alternative to more grueling fitness classes, those that have traditionally shied away from such fitness programs are finding Zumba to be an excellent place to begin a healthy and active lifestyle. Zumba relies on simple Latin dance moves and basic choreography to get participants moving. The workout then alternates between intervals of fast-paced movement and more relaxed gestures to promote resistance training and consistent fat and calorie burning. The result is a fun, low-impact workout that is capable of burning up to 1,000 calories each hour.
The popularity of Zumba and the growing interest in fitness travel have created events such as the Zumba Weekend in Curacao. Unlike common Zumba classes that are staged in fitness rooms throughout the world, the Zumba Weekend in Curacao takes advantage of the island’s incredible beach scenery to stage an event that is one part calorie-burning workout, one part social dance party. Over the course of the weekend, participants engage in Zumba workouts with up to 200 enthusiasts from throughout the world, while live DJs provide the program’s signature upbeat Latin backdrop. Expert instructors from throughout the world will be on hand to lead the beach workout sessions and train new instructors hoping to take Zumba back to their own gyms. Participants in the Zumba Weekend in Curacao will also find special social events, both on the beaches and in some of the island’s sponsoring gyms and spas.
Though Zumba can be experienced and enjoyed in fitness centers throughout the world – and even in the comfort of home – the Zumba Weekend in Curacao is destined to be one of the most exciting fitness events this year.

Caveat emptor is Latin for “let the buyer beware”. Nowhere is this phrase more applicable than in the weight loss industry of today.

It seems that every time we turn around we are blasted and bombarded with the latest, greatest, new and improved treatment for obesity. From miracle pills to the latest fad diet, the gimmicks just keep coming. The sad truth is that few of these products work. Even fewer will result in real, permanent and lasting fat loss. A very few of the weight loss gimmicks on the market today are not only a consumer rip-off, but they are also quite dangerous…..even deadly. Caveat emptor indeed!

* A PRIME SUSPECT?

As an example, consider the prescription diet drug Meridia. Does it help you lose weight? For some people, the answer is yes. For others, the answer is no. Can it kill you? The answer to this question seems to be a nervous ‘maybe’. “The consumer group Public Citizen had petitioned the Food and Drug Administration for a ban, citing Meridia users who died of heart problems as young as their 20s and 30s. Even before Meridia was approved for sale, the FDA knew it could increase users’ blood pressure, the group contended.” (Source: cnn.com)

This week the FDA again refused to ban Meridia, even though whistleblower David Graham (an FDA drug safety officer) testified to Congress last fall that his agency was allowing five unsafe medicines to stay on the market, including Meridia.

* ANOTHER PRIME SUSPECT?

Ephedra was banned in the United States last year, in part due to numerous deaths attributed to this popular weight loss supplement. On April 14, a federal Judge in Utah reversed the short-lived ban on ephedra. Within minutes, spammers were filling our email boxes with messages to BUY BUY BUY before ephedra was banned again.

One of these spammers, on their website, states that “Finally, the forbidden fat-burning herb banned for being ‘too effective’ – Ephedra – is available to the public again”.

Yes, ephedra will help some people lose weight. Yes, ephedra is safe for some people in low doses. But there is that little nagging fact that people have DIED and that their deaths have been attributed to ephedra use…..

* MORE EXAMPLES:

“The Advertising Standards Authority in Great Britian has ordered L’Oreal to pull ads for an anti-cellulite cream. The board found that claims as to the effects and timeliness of the skin treatment were misleading and could not be backed up by any research. The ads featured Claudia Schiffer and L’Oreal has agreed to make changes to the advertisements.” (Source: adjab.com)

For whatever reason, some people have decided that anabolic steroids are the best way to lose weight. Despite the well-documented and serious side-effects of steroid use, the lure of easy weight loss has caused many to throw caution to the wind. Perhaps the most concerning trend is steroid use among our teenage population: “Teens also listed steroids, growth hormone, amino acids and other potentially unhealthful products among those they’d tried in the previous year.” (Source: cnn.com)

* THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE:

Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) is indeed the rule when it comes to many weight loss gimmicks. However, there is one weight loss method that has never been banned, has never led to an investigation, and has never been been listed on a ‘whistleblower’ fraud report: EXERCISE.

Exercise is the only path to health and fitness that virtually every doctor in the world agrees upon. Exercise is safe, effective, and brings many more benefits to our lives than diets or drugs ever will. Exercise is fun, invigorating, motivating and the single most powerful way to improve our life and well-being!

Instead of looking for another short-cut to weight loss success, choose the proven method that gets results. Choose exercise.

Whilst Pilates is becoming more popular as a proven technique to assist in greater muscle strenghten and flexibilty, there are still many who would not consider it techniques due to some myths that they may have picked up. Pilates offers far more than many expect and is not what many think.
Firstly, there is a common misconception that Pilates and Yoga are the same. You have to understand that it is not a derivative of yoga, although the founder, Joseph Pilates did in fact study yoga together with many other fitness and body/mind disciplines. While Pilates and yoga are very complimentary practices, they are also very different in their techniques and outcomes.
Secondly, there is a misunderstanding that Pilates is only a quick fix for out of shape abdominal muscles. It is used as a fix for abs. And it is well-known for flattening stomachs. The reason that Pilates does focus on working from the core, especially the deeper abdominal muscles, is that toning the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles provides stability and freedom of motion throughout the body. This is one of the reasons that it has been so successful for people who have back pain. However, the methods do not stop at abdominal work at all. Structural integration and learning to create a flexible, strong body that can move freely and efficiently are important goals of Pilates fitness. To this end, the methods work all body parts in a very balanced way, not just the abs.
The Pilates method is also a practice of mind/body fitness. Developing a body that works as a harmonious whole requires much more than a calisthenic or a spot reduction approach to fitness. The overall principles – control, centering, concentration, breathing, flow, and precision all support an integrative mind/body experience through such exercise.
Thirdly, some consider that Pilates is for wimps. Pilates is very adaptable. The techniques can vary from easily undertaken to advanced forms of exercise according to the requirements of the individual. The ability to modify exercises for different populations is actually one of the its greatest strengths. In addition, its soaring popularity has meant that there are many beginner classes in practically every gym and studio around the country. This is a good thing, but it also means that people are not necessarily exposed to the intermediate and advanced levels of Pilates. Lastly, the exercises are often done slowly. There is an emphasis on the concepts of awareness and body control that can make the techniques look very simple to perform to the casual onlooker.
It can also be a popular form of exercise for pregnant women, it can be used for rehabilitation from injury, in fact anyone of any age and fitness level can participate in some technique. Nevertheless, the method presents ongoing challenges for even the fittest athletes who use it as a means of not just optimising the performance of their body’s but also to reduce the occurrence of injury.
Fourthly, some are misguided in thinking that Pilates is only for women. It has never been “just for women” and its benefits are certainly not gender biased. After all, it was developed by a man, Joseph Pilates, who is said to have been a rather macho man at that. He was a gymnast, a boxer, and a military trainer in his early years, and pictures of him even into his eighties, reveal a very strong, fit physique. Men have always played an important role in maintaining the methods and shaping its evolution and there are particular techniques designed for the male physique.
It is true that Pilates is very popular with women, but there is nothing about it that makes it more for women than for men. The adaptability of the Pilates method to different levels of fitness and body types has made it an accessible and effective fitness choice for women. Also, Pilates has attracted a large number of dancers, especially women, and many of them have chosen it as a next career. More women teachers have made Pilates more attractive to women students. Both of these factors may have contributed to a somewhat feminised perception.

Children from all around the country are working out to new ‘DanceX for Kids’, a fun dance exercise video for Kids with fun workout moves.

Dance Exercise For Kids Video – The kids absolutely love the video and it’s a great workout when they cannot go outside for recess

During a rainy day in Carey North Carolina, you will catch the kindergarten students in Mrs. Summer’s class doing the ‘washing machine’ or the ‘light bulb’, These are a few of the fun and creative dance moves in the children’s exercise video ‘DanceX for Kids’. “The kids absolutely love the video and it’s a great workout when they cannot go outside for recess”, says Mrs. Summers.

Kids from Evergreen Elementary, who were Washington State Champions for the Governors Challenge for fitness and mileage, have greatly benefited from the ‘DanceX For Kids’ workout DVD. Tom Davis, a physical education coordinator, tested grades K – 6th grades and he affirms that the test results are astounding. Davis states that after practicing with the fun dance and fitness moves from the kids DanceX DVD, the students are performing much better and blowing away the test standards.

This children’s exercise DVD is the creation of Washington, D.C.-based fitness expert, Kenn Kihiu. His new fitness DVD for kids is fun for of all ages and features some of the best music tracks from around the world (Disco, Latin, 50′s, Bhangra, Africa, Brazilian Samba, Irish Dance, Classical and Soul) and has dance fitness moves kids will enjoy such as the Hand Jive, Cowboy, John Travolta Point, Disco Rolls, Hug Me/Hold Me, Irish Kicks, the Twist and many others.

According to the enthusiastic and motivating Kenn Kihiu, this kid’s exercise DVD is about simple but ‘slamming’ athletic dance moves accompanied by some of the hottest music from around the world! Kenn is well known for his high energy, sense of humor and passion for health and says that his kid’s video is such a great exercise routine that kids have so much fun they want to do it over and over! “I have gotten emails from Mothers who tell me that they have organized their kids ‘fitness sleepovers’ that revolve around working out to the DanceX 4 Kids fitness video”, says Kenn.