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Safety first:
- If at anytime, you feel faint or lightheaded stop exercising immediately.
- If you experience undue stress, pressure or pain at anytime stop and consult your doctor before continuing.
- Keep children and pets away during use
- Wear proper workout clothing. It should allow free movement and fit correctly.
- Choose the level that fits best your strength and flexibility abilities.
- Know your limits and train within them using common sense.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations when developing your personal fitness program.
Warning:
- Please read all instruction fully and carefully.
- Preview the video in its entirety before attempting to follow the program.
- Before you begin this or any exercise program, consult your personal physician.
- This is especially important if you have any limitations such as: pregnancy, suffer from any illness, over the age of 35 etc that would prevent you from safely using the equipment or perform the exercises.
Starting with Pilates
- Prepare your space - You should have a large area to move freely. Generally, it will be circle with a perimeter equal to your height. You should have space to extend both arms and legs comfortably. Choose quiet surroundings.
- Prepare your body - The clothing should be comfortable and not restrictive or oversized. Your feet can be bare. Hair should be out of your way. Move around a bit to warm your body. Eat lightly before hand. You need energy without indigestion.
- Prepare your mind - Take a few deep-cleansing breaths. Breathe in and out through your nose. Start slowly. Begin by using the lightest tension band. Consider each movement to initiate from your core. Stretches can only be effective if the muscle is able to relax into it. When you feel the first signs of tension in the muscles hold it there. As your strength and flexibility improve you will achieve the exercises properly.
Using the video and chart:
- View the video in its entirety before attempting any of the exercises.
- Watch the general routine.
- Listen carefully for cue words to ensure that your form and movement patterns are correct.
- Once you have tried it several times and you are comfortable with the exercises, challenge yourself in the privacy of your own home. Take the chart and kit along with you when you are away from the video.
Care and maintenance:
- Damp sponge soiled areas.
- If necessary, cleanse the tools with warm soapy water and rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Avoid direct prolonged exposure to sun and water.
- Do not use small sharp objects on or around the kit.
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