Best Fitness Blog

Do you want to get in shape, take care of your body and change your appearance? Pilates is the way to do it. Most people regardless of age or abilities can benefit from Pilates. Pilates strengthens the core of your body which includes the muscles in the back, tummy and rear. Through strengthening the core of the body, you can achieve tremendous physical results, as well as increased mental health.

The muscles in your core affect your entire body, so with each pilates exercise you are working the entire body, not just one muscle group. Because of the nature of pilates exercises, through these work outs you will lengthen and de-compress the spine which increases your stability, and elongates your core muscles giving your body a longer and leaner appearance.

Just in time for spring feel your self confidence boost as you posture improved, your belly firms and your body lengthens. Because Pilates is a low impact workout, anyone can participate. Contact Best Fitness in your are to see how Pilates can benefit you.

During this month of valentine hearts and sweets, remember it is also Heart Awareness month. There is no better time to care for your heart than now, and this month gives you the perfect excuse to start.

Did you know that diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, all risk factors for heart disease, can be completely controlled by exercise? By changing your lifestyle through diet and exercise you give yourself the opportunity for a healthy and heart fit life as you age.

A sedentary lifestyle is the main cause for heart disease and cardiac arrest. Fortunately, it is completely under your control. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits including strengthening your heart and cardiovascular system, strengthening your bones and lowering your blood pressure.

Exercise is the key to a healthy and happy life. But don’t be discouraged if you have never exercised regularly before. Small steps through walking, cycling, and fun group exercise classes are how you begin. But don’t put it off any longer, start now.

Is it time for you to start taking care of your heart? Don’t know where to start? Contact Best Fitness in your area to see how we can help.

...By Travis Webb

One of the most important areas of your body is the core. Over time the fitness community has changed their focus of ab workouts to core workouts. This is mainly due to our growing understanding in how the core works. As our knowledge has grown we have also developed equipment to activate and utilize the core more efficiently such as the stability ball.

Your core wraps around your torso and includes a variety of muscles in your hips. One of the ideas behind sitting on a unstable surface, like a stability ball, is more muscles will be recruited to stabilize as you move. If your form is correct you can help stabilize your core in this fashion. Some of the benefits include reduced lower back pain, improved balance, increases in strength throughout the body, improved coordination and decreased susceptibility to injury.

You can use a stability ball in sit ups, pushups, squats as well as hundreds of other exercises ranging from beginner to expert. I’m frequently asked what size stability ball should be used and the answer is in how tall you are and what exercise you are looking to do. The size and density of a stability ball can vary from large to small and high density to low density. I’ve found a method to be standing next to the stability ball, if it is as high as your knee you are good to go!