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Introduction to Stamina Pilates

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I first heard and experienced Pilates through my wife, Babs King, and didn’t really pay much attention to this type of work out.  I grew up playing football and running track in highschool and played football competitively in college.  My workout routines have always consisted of lifting weights, speed training on the track and even dabbled in Olympic lifting my senior year at the Air Force Academy.  I’ve fought numerous injuries over the years to include two ACL and meniscus reconstructive surgeries on my right knee, a torn rotators cuff,  and a shattered finger that now has three screws in it.   My body has taken a beating over the past decade of competitive contact sports.  I’m always searching for new ways to build muscle, increase my stamina, and keep my body guessing – which everyone should know is the key to maintaining fitness and promoting lean muscle growth.  Anyway, back to Pilates!

My wife and I moved to Cambridge in the United Kingdom this fall and have recently opened a new Pilates studio.  To support her, I first started practicing on the mat and have recently gone through a few sessions on the Reformer.  My first impressions were, “This is for women!” and “I’d rather lift weights!”  However, any educated Pilates instructor (which my wife is) will know they can alter a workout to meet client needs.  Pilates is just a type of workout and stamina Pilates is merely a type of Pilates workout.   Now, my wife and all the other Pilates instructors out there will certainly argue with me that Pilates is much more than that!  I’m just giving my opinion on this type of workout and sharing how it has benefited me.

I first started altering The Pilates 100 (video link) to focus more on weight and stamina training. I would hold a medicine ball either in my hands or between my feet while doing variations of The Pilates 100 – boy did that get my heart rate up. Another option is to add ankle weights on both legs while performing an entire Mat Pilates routine. The key is still trying to maintain your form when your muscles really start to burn.

As for the Reformer, there couldn’t be a better piece of equipment for Stamina Pilates. My personal favorite addition is a trampoline spring board like the one shown below.
Aero Stamina Pilates Spring Board
You can modify almost any Reformer to accommodate a piece of equipment like this.

If you are tired of the same old work out routine or are just getting started with fitness and exercise, I highly recommend you go out and take a Pilates lesson geared towards Stamina and Aerobics. Athletes will not be disappointed!



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