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Walking as a form of exercise is easy to do. It requires no equipment except a good pair of walking or running shoes, it can be done anywhere and offers tremendous health benefits.

Pilates is a burgeoning workout trend that delivers results through brief, intense exercises. The movements and holds associated with Pilates can strengthen, tone and sculpt the body without creating bulk. Susan Sarandon and Madonna are among the celebrities who swear by the physical and mental benefits of Pilates. Beginners should consult videos or photographs of the proper positioning for doing Pilates. As a precaution for any kind of exercise, always check with your physician before beginning a new program. And, remember to protect the neck and lower back while doing abdominal work.

The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), a not-for-profit professional organization for Pilates, points out that more Americans are practicing Pilates as a way to condition their bodies and improve their physiques. Pilates, a low-impact exercise program appropriate for women of all ages and fitness levels, involves a succession of smooth movements, which integrate both stretching and breathing exercises. Developing a pattern of slow, deliberate movements along with controlled breathing increases blood flow to the muscles providing a number of fitness benefits.