Guide to Body Control Pilates

All our teachers on our Pilates holidays in Italy are “Body Control Pilates” qualified – but have you ever wondered what this means? If so, read our short guide including all important facts about the Body Control Pilates method here https://www.flavoursholidays.co.uk/blog/what-is-body-control-pilates/

Andy Murray and Pilates

Did you know Pilates can be used to treat back pain? -Andy Murray certainly does!

We're wishing him all the best once Wimbledon starts next week, read why Pilates might be the key to his success on our blog https://www.flav

oursholidays.co.uk/blog/pilates-andy-murray/ 

Pilates holiday in Italy for body and mind

Stress is a reality of a busy lifestyle; rushing around, being distracted by thoughts, feeling exhausted and stressed. This can have drastic consequences on your mental and physical health. Whilst many of us already know the positive impact Pilates can have on the body – many aren’t aware of the astonishing effects it has on our minds, too. So, why is a Pilates holiday such a perfect opportunity to balance body and mind? Find out more here: https://www.flavoursholidays.co.uk/blog/balance-mind-body-with-pilates/ 

Flavours Italian Easter menu: Pastiera Napoletana recipe

Traditional desserts are some of the most usual reasons to fall in love with Italian cuisine, as they combine what Italian food is all about – tasty flavours with simple ingredients.

Well, it has been almost a year since last Easter when I was spending an amazing week of Pilates holidays in Tuscany and where I first tasted this delicious dessert that I will share with you today. 

PASTIERA NAPOLETANA

Ingredients for the filling

• 350 gr ricotta cheese (both from cow and sheep, if possible) 
• 350 gr sugar 
• 2 entire eggs 
• 2 egg yolks 
• 50gr candied citrons 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 grated lemon zest 
• 50 gr candied oranges 
• 200 ml milk 
• 1 vanilla bean 
• 250 gr cooked wheat  
• 30 gr butter 
• 25 ml orange tree blossom water

Ingredients for the short crust pastry 

• 250 gr flour 
• 125 gr butter 
• 100 gr sugar 
• 1 vanilla bean 
• 1 entire egg 
• 1 egg yolk

To brush
1 egg 

Directions

Start with preparing the short crust pastry: in a mixer, put in the flour, the cold butter and the sugar. Once you’ve got the mixture, put it on the pastry board and make a well in the middle, adding the vanilla bean seeds, the egg and the egg yolk; work the dough quickly, make a block, wrap it in cellophane and put in the fridge for about 1 hour. 

Meanwhile, prepare the wheat cream: pour the milk in a pot, add the cooked wheat, the lemon zest and the butter, stir to boiling point to obtain a thick cream. Let it cool in a bowl. In your mixer, mix the eggs with the sugar, the ricotta cheese, the orange tree blossoms, the vanilla bean seeds and the cinnamon - the cream should be pretty liquid. Add the wheat cream, blend and put the candied oranges and citrons. T

Take the pastry block from the fridge, put a little part aside, and roll out the rest – 1/2 cm thick. Spread some butter in a spring form baking pan and cover the bottom with the short crust pastry (cut the edges in excess). Pour the wheat cream inside until it reaches the borders, knead the part put aside with the leftover dough, roll it out and cut in stripes 1,5-2cm thick. Put them on the cake in a grill shape and brush with the beaten egg.

Bake in pre-heated oven at 200º for 50-60 minutes. Let it cool in the same baking pan. Sprinkle some confectioner’s sugar and serve!

So, what do you think about this scrumptious dessert? Why not add it on your Easter menu and bring some Italian flavours for your family and guests this year? They may even ask you for the recipe to make it as a usual cake – at least this is what happened to me when I came back refreshed and with lots of Italian inspiration from my amazing Pilates holidays last Easter but this is something we can discuss in another post..

Best spring escapes: discover Tuscany's great outdoors with pilates holidays

Everyone knows that there’s nothing better than exercising in open air to keep fit and refresh your mind! Spring is here, and it’s definitely time to plan a retreat like Flavours pilates holidays that will give you the chance to practice pilates and fitness lessons outdoors. Where? Let’s discover the beautiful parks and gardens in Tuscany! Villas, gardens and historical buildings surrounded by green are ideal destinations to make your pilates exercises and release from daily routine.

If you are in Florence, begin with a walk in the beautiful Boboli Garden, a 45,000 meters² (11 acres) outdoor museum just behind Pitti Palace, lay out by Medici’s family in 16th century. Enjoy the view of a typical Italian style garden, as well as the collection of sculptures.

Not far from there, you can find the Giardino Bardini, wonderful example of Renaissance garden where you can take advantage of quietness to concentrate more on your exercises. Don’t miss the Rose Garden as well, a place of extraordinary beauty, where there are many types of roses and other plants. Finish your training in Villa Peyron Garden, composed parks, olive groves and terraces descending the hillside with a wide view of Florence. In the north of Tuscany, you should stop in Villa reale di Marlia, a baroque garden designed for Napoleon’s sister, which include a pool, a Grotto of Pan, a park, a nymphaeum and an amphitheatre where Paganini used play….can you hear the sound of a violin?  

And moving to the Lunigiana area, just relax in Villa Pescigola, the beautiful Italian style garden which hosts in this period the famous festival of daffodils and tulips. Around Siena, in the suggestive Val d’Orcia scenario Villa la Foce worth a visit: located near an Etruscan settlement, the garden is divided into three distinct sections on different levels, and was created between 1927 and 1939 in several stages, without any loss of compositional unity. 

If you are more interested in being fully immersed in nature, Tuscany counts numerous National and Regional parks and protected areas, such as the Parco Foreste Casentinesi, between Florence and Arezzo;
The Tuscan Archipelago and the Maremma area near Grosseto; the park of Apuane Alps around Lucca; and many others reserves by Tuscan lakes and mountains.

...a little curiosity: if you still have some energy, have fun in the Parco Collodi, in Pistoia. As the name says, the park is dedicated to the author of Pinocchio, and it’s actually a thematic area with sculptures and reproduction of the famous tale; thanks to the perfect mix between art and nature, you will see that it’s not just a place for children.

Now concentrate, take a deep breath and start your lessons in our pilates holidays!

photo credit: Flip Florence via photopin cc

The Incredible Benefits of Pilates: why Pilates is so different and so effective

You’re about to discover why Pilates is the most popular exercise method in the world, why elite athletes use it, and why physical therapists prescribe it. No other exercise technique delivers more benefits which is why I call the man who created it, Joseph Pilates, the Einstein of fitness. Let’s look at why Pilates is so different and so effective.

Core Strength

Joseph Pilates first coined the phrase ‘core strength’ to describe all the muscle groups in our mid section – inner and outer abs, inner and outer obliques, lower back muscles, glutes, and the iliopsoas. He discovered that 3 of these muscle groups are virtually ignored by every exercise method – the inner (transverse) abdominals, inner obliques, and iliopsoas. When these muscles are strengthened everything changes from athletic performance to the movements of everyday life. We are stronger, leaner, lighter, and more balanced. Best of all, most back problems disappear!

Eccentric Contraction

‘Eccentric contraction’ is one of several ways that the body builds muscle. Pilates is unique in its emphasis on ‘eccentric contraction.’ It creates long and lean muscle tissue which is equally as strong but with less risk of injury. This is why professional athletes include Pilates in their training programs. And for the non-athlete, everyday movement becomes easier, such as walking, standing, lifting, and sitting.

Joint Health



So many exercise programs involve wear and tear on our joints such as hiking and jogging to name a few. Pilates is different! Controlled and fluid movement is a hallmark of this method. This kind of movement protect our joints. There is no wear and tear. Best of all, there is no better antidote to joint stiffness and pain than exercise, even for arthritis sufferers. Research shows that strength training such as Pilates is as effective as medication for most joint pain. I’m now 60 and with just a couple minutes of Pilates exercise in the morning, my stiffness and joint pain disappear!

Increased Energy

You’ll be surprised and delighted by increased energy and vitality following a Pilates workout. No more exhaustion so typical of a rigorous workout. This energy is the result of an unusual emphasis on breathing. Joseph Pilates seemed to know, long before science confirmed it, that breathing is key to the health of every cell and function of the body.

Complete Workout

Research has found that the body needs three different kinds of exercise: strength training, stretching, and cardiovascular conditioning, popularly known as aerobics or cardio. The most surprising finding of all is that any one of these alone will not keep you healthy. For instance, aerobics is essential for heart health, but it does not build muscle. By age 30 men and women alike begin to lose muscle all over the body. Only strength training restores muscle. And muscle protects all of our joints. Pilates is one of the few exercise techniques that combines all three into one quick workout.

No Equipment or a Gym

All you need is a bit of space the length of your body, a soft surface, and 30 minutes! You’re not restricted by gym hours, class schedules, or expensive fees. Best of all, no equipment is needed. You join the latest fitness trend by using your own body for resistance.


A Quick Workout

Pilates emphasizes only a few repetitions for each exercise – generally 3-5. You move from one exercise to another – more than 50 – without stopping, for a complete and rigorous workout in only 30 minutes.

Mind/Body Integration

This is another unique feature of Pilates – connecting body and mind. We slow down movement and coordinate it with breathing. We move precisely and fluidly. We even shut off the music and take off the earphones, at least in the beginning, to pay more attention to body sensations. This attention reduces the risk of injury and creates a new relationship with our body. Instead of the typical exercise attitude of ignoring or fighting the body, we engage in a partnership of listening to the body and respecting it. We’re greatly rewarded with new strength, flexibility, vitality, and balance.

Relief for Most Back Problems

Joseph Pilates discovered that most back problems are the result of weak abs rather than a weak back. His recommendation, which is now standard practice among physical therapists, is core strengthening exercises. Research shows that exercise is the best medicine for most back problems.

A Safe Workout

I wasn’t sure Pilates would work for my back problem, but I gave it a try. Soon I discovered the genius of Pilates. I strengthened muscles I never knew I had. Tight areas of my body became flexible. I felt new levels of balance and poise so striking that others noticed it as well. Most importantly, I began to move in new ways that no longer aggravated my back.

Dynamic Stretching

Pilates involves a particular kind of stretching known as 'dynamic stretch.' It is stretching while you move in contrast to ‘static stretch’ achieved by holding a position as we do in yoga. A third kind of stretching known as 'ballistic stretch' or bouncing is universally discouraged due to the high risk of injury. Research shows that dynamic stretch achieves greater range of motion with less discomfort in a shorter period of time.

So sign up for more information on the many Flavours tours today and discover the incredible wonders of Pilates in pilates holidays.

Author bio: 

Bob Hannum is an Advanced Certified Pilates instructor specializing in the original mat method for over 35 years. His teacher is the Pilates ‘Elder’ Mary Bowen. He is the author of numerous Pilates instructional books and videos available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and his popular website PilatesLessons.org. He provides free daily Pilates news and inspiration on Facebook. You can also visit him at Pinterest and Youtube.

Pilates explained: what is and why it is good for you

Jyoti Sigouin is a Body Control Pilates instructor with 14 years of experience of the method and has recently joined Flavours Holidays as an instructor in our pilates holidays in Italy.

Here's some of the reasons why she is so passionate about it and the benefits it can bring to people.

WHAT IS PILATES?

Pilates is a form of movement, using exercises to dramatically improve strength, flexibility, balance and co-ordination, allowing the body to move as nature intended.

It is not a "quick fix" but a long term approach.  One of the wonderful things about Pilates is that it aims to re-educate you about your body and how it moves.  With this knowledge, you gain the confidence and awareness to take charge, know which exercises work best for you, and most importantly begin to bring functional movement patterns into your everyday life,  allowing you to perform your daily routines with minimum strain, and maximum grace and efficiency.

It gently corrects common muscle imbalances and brings the body into correct alignment, creating beautiful posture. It reshapes your body, allowing it to become longer, leaner and more toned. It does this by targeting the deep postural muscles, building a girdle of strength from the inside out, like a natural corset (which gives the added benefit of a flat stomach!). It is a great way to relieve stress and tension, focusing on the mind-body connection. 

WHO IS PILATES FOR?

The great thing about Pilates is that it is suitable for absolutely anyone, and I firmly believe that everyone would benefit hugely from joining a class! Its beauty is that it works for any age or fitness level, and it can adapt to suit your needs on that particular day. No other system is so gentle to your body whilst giving it a challenging workout!

It is frequently the next stage of referral by physiotherapists and GPs for patients after injury to continue their rehabilitation programmes, and is particularly helpful for those with back pain, whilst at the other end of the spectrum it is used by elite athletes to help guard against injury and improve their performance. It is also a great complement to cardio forms of exercise. 

WHY IS IT GOOD FOR YOU?

It is the ideal antidote to todays stressful, hectic and  sedentary lives. All too often, our default position is hunched forward over our laptops, tablets and smartphones, and this poor posture results in many people experiencing neck, shoulder, and back pain, and weak abdominal strength. Many of the movements in Pilates specifically help to counteract this, and alleviate those niggling aches and pains before they develop into more chronic conditions. 

WHAT BENEFITS COULD I EXPECT TO SEE FROM DOING PILATES?

·        Increased muscle strength and tone in weak areas

·        Release of tension in tight muscles that have become over dominant

·        Increased Core Strength

·        Increased Flexibility

·        Improved Posture and Alignment

·        Improved Stability, Balance and Co-ordination

·        Improved joint mobility.

·        Stress relief, relaxation and improved mood

·        Improved and more efficient performance in sport

·        Clients often report they have a fantastic nights sleep after their class.

And last but not least, because it makes you feel great and inches taller as you leave your session!

For more information on Pilates holidays and how you can tone your body and feel rejuvenated in an amazing holiday in Italy check here  .

A Chianti love story to share!

Valentine’s Day is here. Love is in the air. And American writer Karen Ross have a Chianti love story to share.

It was in 1999 when I was struck by Cupid. Yes, it was the year I married my husband, but I’m not talking about him. I’m talking about my first trip to Italy, where I fell in loved with a country and a way of life.

In May of that magical year we visited Italy for our honeymoon and rented an apartment in Chianti—in the heart of Tuscany—for one week. I thought I’d found heaven. Wait, I did find heaven!

 

This rose is as much a part of the Tuscan farmhouse as its foundation

We intentionally didn’t have a tight schedule because our plan was to explore. Each morning after a small pastry and caffé, we would look at our map to decide where to go and some of the destinations we found were San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, Siena, Monteriggioni, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, the Cinque Terre, and of course, opulent Florence. We experienced golden sunsets, crumbling castles, wood-fired pizza, earthy wine, brilliant art, homemade pasta, and kind, hard-working people.

  

One of our most memorable days was a visit to a winery that was then open to the public called Castello di Uzzano. They still sell wine today, but the castle is now a private residence. (If we had only known it was for sale!) 

Castello gardens

Their wine was wonderful and when it was suggested that we purchase a picnic basket to have lunch on the grounds we thought, “Why not?” We ate lunch of fresh meats and cheeses, drank Chianti under majestic cypress trees, and explored the historic property discovering enchantment: large terra cotta urns aged with chips and cracks, eroded statues of gods and goddesses tucked in random places, an overgrown labyrinth, mossy stones and crumbling staircases to places otherwise inaccessible. Beautiful and timeless, it seemed built for eternity.

Elegant decay

Romantic Italy etched itself into my soul so deeply that I’ve returned numerous times, parlo l’italiano un po’, and it inspired me to write a novel, an Italian love story called “Chianti Souls.” Had I written anything before this? Not really, except for some journals and fun children’s books for my stepdaughters. But Italy had touched the core of me and I had to share my love. At the time, I was working full-time in medical device marketing and traveling often. As I sat in airports and had quiet nights in hotels, I began to write. And write. And write. Words poured out like Chianti from a barrel.  

Wine aging in a cool cellar

It took me a long time to finish writing the novel, but I persisted in sharing my passion, and here I’d like to share a novel snippet when the main character Mary Sarto describes her love of Italy. (Yes, it is true that we write about what we know.)

Scene: Mary Sarto a graphic designer from Philadelphia is sitting in a rustric trattoria in a Chianti village (amongst gossiping older ladies of the town) drinking Chianti and sharing dinner—ribollita and bistecca fiorentina—with a charming Italian friend named Luca Rusconi. She’s already fallen for Italy at this point, and is beginning to fall for him too. (Yes, she already has a boyfriend in the US, but this is what Italy does to people!) Luca asks her to tell him what she loves about Tuscany and she says: “The geography is a perfect palette. Everywhere I look, I feel like I’m seeing a painting, or like I’m in one. It’s so natural and there is harmony between the architecture and the land. The houses ramble and flow in sync with the geography.”

Luca replied. “Yes, you are right. And think about this, most homes were built hundreds of years ago when people didn’t travel, have televisions and magazines, or exposure to outside influences. They created these houses based on their instinct and sensibility; it is natural art.”

“I never thought of that.” She was intrigued with that concept.

“Homes had to be functional, yet they managed to be beautiful, too,” he added.

“So harmonious, and it’s obvious they were built with time and care, not erected hastily.”

Luca smiled. “What else do you love?”

She held up her glass of wine. “I love this. I love the orderly rows of vineyards, and I love strolling through them and thinking about how long grapes have been a part of man’s life.” Luca beamed at her and she continued. “When I watch the farmer prune the vines, I understand how much work it takes to produce a bottle of wine and I realize it’s a passion, a labor of love. People’s lives are attached to the land, and they work so hard.”

“Very hard. My brother and his wife can tell you about it.”

“I feel like I’ve stepped back in time in the vineyards. When I close my eyes, I hear ancient music and laughter. It’s magical.”

“It is, I agree. Dare I ask if there’s anything else you love?”

“Yes, the food. It’s so fresh and tasty, and such an important part of life. At the supermarket, I have seen couples heartily discussing what to prepare for dinner and selecting the ingredients together. I’ve never seen anything like that at home, and it amazes me; I love that the meals are long and never rushed; and I like the habit of late dinners.”

“You sound like you’ve found a new home,” he said with a wink. “Chianti is suiting you well.” He lifted his glass. “Salute!”

“Salute!” toasted Mary. “Do you mind if I continue?”

“Please do.”

“I love that you keep things forever, and they are not so disposable. The furniture is made to last and it’s taken care of. Doors and shutters are solid wood and not hollow or synthetic. Flowers are in real terracotta pots, not plastic ones made to look like clay. And they are everywhere, filled with gorgeous flowers, trees, spices, and herbs.” She took another sip of wine. “I feel like I’m in a scene in a romance movie everywhere I go.”

More castello gardens amidst Chianti hills

Yes, I felt like I was in a romance movie everywhere I went, too, and now I sit at my desk with a calendar of Italy on the wall in front of me, dreaming of my next trip to the land I love. Until then, I will keep writing the sequel to my first novel and read other works on Italy, with a glass of Chianti in my hand. Salute to Italy and to love!

PS My husband and I are still together. I did not run off with a “Luca” of my own!

Thanks very much Karen for sharing this wonderful romance story in Italy! If you also love Italy why not try a cooking holiday in Tuscany or indulge in Flavours Pilates holidays

and you never know if it might be sharing a romance story with us! 

BIO

Karen Ross lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and yellow dog Gus. She still works in medical device marketing, but part-time, and the rest her days are filled with writing a sequel, promoting “Chianti Souls”, exploring the Gulf coast of Florida, taking art classes, spending time with parents and her stepdaughters, and you guessed it, dreaming of Italy. 

Contact the author

FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/chiantisouls

GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18468325-chianti-souls

TWITTER: @chiantisoul

PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/chiantigirl/

EMAIL:  chianti.souls@yahoo.com

WEBSITE:  http://chiantisouls.wordpress.com

   

Putting the fun into making New Year’s resolutions

How is your New Year going so far? Have you stuck to your New Year's resolutions? Whether you have promised yourself to become healthier and try something extraordinary like Pilates holidays   or indulge on singles holidays and become a solo traveller for the first time - you need to learn how to put the fun into making it happen! Today's blog will teach you how:     

Let’s face it we’ve all been there - the tradition of New Year’s resolutions and the determination that this year will be different. We’ll stick to what we’ve set out to achieve. So why is it that we start off full of enthusiasm but after days or literally weeks we end up feeling miserable and demotivated?

We set resolutions like losing weight, stopping smoking or spending less money. All good on the surface but there are a few things to keep in mind when formulating a great resolution – and one that you’re likely to follow through on.  

Firstly, it’s important to be very careful about what you focus on because that makes a big difference to whether the resolutions will stand the test of time. The key is to turn your attention to improving your life rather than denying yourself of something. 

Understand your focus 

You may want to formulate a resolution to make new friends or find a partner. However, when setting a resolution, focus your attention on what is within your control rather than looking to another person to give you what you want. Think about what brings you joy in life, your dreams and passions. This is particularly important if you have a goal like ‘losing weight’. It should never be for anyone else except you. As mentioned earlier, instead of focusing on losing weight focus instead on the positive improvements like looking slim and feeling healthy, with lots of energy. Know exactly why you want to achieve this and the joy and benefits it will bring to you personally. 

In fact, a better place to start would be to love who you are now, regardless of size, shape, creative skill or anything else. It might sound crass but self-care is really underrated – however, if you take good care of yourself first you will find you have so much more to give to others and it will invariably attract likeminded individuals to you.

Creating a resolution

When formulating a resolution that you will follow through on, write down all the benefits of gaining that goal – and then also write down all the negatives. Really think about each of these very carefully, in particular the negatives as these are most likely to knock you off course or lead you to give up on your resolution. This is because with every resolution you take on you will ‘lose’ something and it’s this loss that can cause a problem because it means there is often a void of some kind. Maybe you want to give up smoking, yet you smoke when you’re bored or you might comfort eat when you’re sad or stressed and this causes you frustration because it’s taking you off course, away from what you set out to achieve. 

That’s why it’s so important to be honest with yourself before you start your New Year’s resolution. What void is the resolution likely to leave and how can you fill it, both mentally and physically? Decide what you will do instead in those moments when you are bored, stressed, sad or too tired. Know how you will keep yourself motivated, including keeping in mind your vision of what your world will look like when you achieve your goal.

Learn from the past

Many people find it hard to develop new friendships or skills later in life. Often, there can be a great deal of emotional baggage to bear. And this is a real shame because it is a great time to extend your social circle or creative and intellectual endeavours.

When making resolutions it’s important to learn from the past - but don’t let it hold you back. Large wholesale changes can be difficult so it is often best to make small incremental steps rather than trying to do too much at once. It’s about making these changes a habit, until you get to the point where it’s totally ingrained into your way of life. And if you make just one small change each day, week or month that can add up to huge progress over the course of a year. Choose the methods that work best for you to follow through on the action you need to take. 

  

Dream big

When formulating a resolution remember to include your big dreams as it’s these that really add a sense of excitement and adventure in life. It’s often important with these types of goal in particular to break them down into manageable chunks. If you’re not sure what to do, then ask someone who has already attained this achievement if possible. It’s surprising how many people will help you if you only ask. 

So whether your ambition is to start a new business, learn how to paint, meet new people, find a new partner, take time out for yourself to have a regular massage or enlist the help of a personal fitness coach - make sure you pick a resolution that will make you feel great and have a positive impact on your life. Always keep the end goal in sight and understand clearly why this resolution is a must for you, but most of all enjoy the process. 

A New Year means a new beginning, a new start. That’s 12 months of endless possibilities and opportunities to get what you want from life and make 2014 the best year yet.

Author biography

Mature Hearts helps mature singles over 50 find friendship and romance online.

The Reasons Why You Should Take Up Pilates In 2014

For many of us a new year means a new start and of course, New Year's Resolutions.  The resolutions we make vary from person to person, but one of the most popular resolutions to make is one regarding our health. This is also one of the most notoriously difficult resolutions to keep, with many of us falling off the band wagon just 6 weeks in.

This is usually because the goals we set are unattainable and unrealistic, so we become demotivated as we struggle and don't see the results we expected. A fantastic way to improve your over all health and well being to to take up Pilates. It's relaxing, therapeutic and offers brilliant health benefits to help you achieve your goals in the new year.

What Exactly Is Pilates?

Pilates is thought of as a more difficult form of yoga. Whilst yoga primarily focuses on stretching the body and your breathing, Pilates also works to strengthen your body whilst maintaining all the benefits from yoga.

Over all Pilates focusses on stretching and strengthening the body from top to toe as well as improving balance, posture and flexibility. No matter your age or fitness level you will be able to take up Pilates as the exercises span from easy to intermediate and advanced.

What Are The Health Benefits?

Pilates boasts a lot of health benefits. It's well known that yoga is great for your health, but Pilates pushes the benefits that one step further. Through Pilates you can:

·  Improve your posture

·  Improve your strength

·  Improve muscle tone

·  Improve flexibility

·  Improve joint mobility

·  Strengthen your back

·  Strengthen your core

·  Relive stress

·  Relive tension

Through carrying out this one exercise you can increase your over all health and strength, not to mention benefiting from feel good endorphins that are released when you exercise.

One of the best elements of Pilates is that it doesn't feel like vigorous exercise that leaves you out of breath, exhausted and aching. Pilates takes the relaxing and therapeutic elements from yoga but aims to push your body that little bit further to also increase general health and fitness.

It's this relaxing element to the exercise that makes it easy to stick to as it doesn't feel like a real struggle and most people who do Pilates find it really enjoyable. So many of us go wrong when it comes to fitness goals by pushing ourselves too hard too fast and then find we are unable to keep this high level up. Pilates holidays offer a great way to improve your over all fitness, tone up and reduce body fat with achievable exercises that leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated.

Pilates can also work for the individual, allowing you to exercise at a level at which you feel comfortable. As you improve you are then able to increase the level at which you are exercising, meaning you can constantly move forwards, ever improving your health and fitness to reach your goals.

Pilates is a great exercise to add to your lifestyle, whether you practice it every day, or once a week, Pilates can help you reach your goals and stick to your New Year's Resolution in 2014.

So now you know the health benefits of Pilates holidays, why not give it a go?