I’m always getting requests for workouts, exercises to help this or that…and the one I get a lot of is: “What simple pilates moves can give me more energy?”

Trick Question.  They all do.  The breathing, the focus, the centering and the control you put into your pilates work returns the favor and you feel invigorated after most pilates workouts.

I went on a search to find some of the better pilates video workouts you can find online.  Some you will need to purchase, others you can watch streaming, and still others come in the form of Iphone Apps.  Take your pick; they all do the trick.

Ultimate Pilates Workouts is a fabulous site for all types of pilates workouts.  Sign up for the free membership and you can watch several mat workouts without downloading them.  If you have a home reformer, then you’ll be able to download reformer workouts for a nominal fee.  I never thought I’d purchase the workouts, but after seeing the quality of the mat routines, getting on their mailing list for the frequent video podcasts, I knew I could do no wrong with the reformer download purchase.  And I was right! Challenging, easy to following, and just the right length.  Check them out!

Erin Huggins is an energetic, inspire pilates instructor based in Los Angeles.  I discovered her on YouTube and now love to visit her blog.  Check out her reformer & mat video workouts here!  After checking out the videos, make sure to spend some time on her blog.  She has a complete approach to health and offers coaching for nutrition, mental wellness, as well as pilates and personal training.  You can find her blog at:  ErinHuggins.com.

Video Jug also has some short mat pilates videos worth checking out.  I find them a bit slower paced, so if you are just starting out, comb through their collection and see what others are saying!  Each video breaks the movements down methodically — detailing the breath, the starting point, the movement and how to finish.  Pilates beginners will love the pace and descriptions.  Make sure to start with their Pilates Essentials video.

About.com’s Pilates site is a superior site that brings a lot of resources together for all pilates lovers.  Marguerite Ogle
is an amazing resource for beginners and teachers as well.  Definitely check out the videos and workout explanations on this site.

Sarah of Diet.com also has a great YouTube channel worth checking out. There is a series of pilates videos that most will really enjoy–she breaks them out into different areas of the body–Core, Sexy Legs routine, Butt & Thighs, Toning Arms.  Sarah’s down to earth style and approach to fitness will connect with people used to traditional gym workouts as well as anyone interested in pilates.

Do a simple search for Pilates Iphone Apps and you are going to get many to choose from.  Everything from Pilates on the Go to Pilates for Pregnancy to Pilates for Beginners.

The one I’ve been looking at recently is a free lite app that goes with a posture device.  It’s called IPosture.

Iposture is a full application that comes with a monitor that you wear.  It tells you when you posture is less than ideal.  Not sure I could deal with that, but hey, maybe you can!

The free version of the application is great! It includes:

1. Full List of Exercises – Grouped by Exercise Type
2. Learn Section – with a bunch of great posture-related articles.
3. 3 Routines – Beginners, Advanced, 10 minute Power Core

If anyone has the actual device, I’d love to know more and might pick it up myself..since it is related to teaching pilates!

Now that you have a few video sources for pilates workouts online, get to it.

And if you want to increase your energy – focus on your breathing, your controlled movement and the slow engagement of your muscles as you move through the exercises.