{mosimage}Kathy Smith: Pilates for the Lower Body
(Sony)
2001
What is it?
A half-hour Pilates workout from Kathy Smith, which focuses on toning the lower body.
Who is it for?
Anyone who wants long, lean leg muscles and a strong midsection. Pilates beginners are welcome.
What to expect:
Although fitness expert Kathy Smith is not a Pilates instructor per se, she clearly understands the elements that make Pilates such a unique exercise style. In her introduction to this workout, she emphasizes form and she sticks to low reps for the moves, with the focus on quality over quantity. She also discusses essentials, such as breathing, before starting the workout. The moves here primarily focus on strengthening the hips, glutes and leg muscles, and while this might be considered a gentle workout (there are no heavy weights or sudden moves involved), it is certainly not easy! To do these exercises as precisely — and as effectively — as possible will take some work and practice. Along with many traditional Pilates lower body moves — leg circles, lifts, etc. — Smith also throws in a couple of exercises not normally seen in a Pilates studio. In addition to being a very good lower body workout, your midsection will also benefit (no matter what else you’re doing, Pilates always requires core strength and stability). Both beginning and more advanced versions of the moves are shown. Those who work at making these moves the absolute best they can should see great results from this workout.
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