Pilates?

[SmallVoice]

I just started Pilates using a DVD. The firstday, I thought "That's it?" but then later on, my tummy muscles told me what they thought.

Anyone else try Pilates? Any tips or pointers?

[ShanaMaidela]

Ah, yes. You know you did it right if you can feel your tummy muscles. :happy: The only advice I have is to stick with it. I did it for about 5 months a couple of years ago and I felt so good. It almost completely negated my period cramps. I have gone back to it a few times but I have a hard time sticking with anything. What DVD are you using? Winsor? I have that one and I also had Denise Austin's.

[LisaJaney]

The few times we've been doing exercises (class at a local gym) and they've said "This is a Pilates move", my low-back muscles crab at me all the next day. There are some I can do, and some I just plain CAN'T do, or I pay for it with low-back pain. I am not sure why that is (either I'm not doing it right because I'm a moron, or I'm not doing it right because it's not demonstrated properly. I tend to go with the "moron" theory, actually... :) )

I do know that I have a wretched time of just going by myself and exercising (a DVD at home would NEVER work for me; I'd neglect it quite soon) but if you offer me a CLASS (social interaction) then I'm all over it! I love my classes at the gym, and go several times a week (2 - 5 times per week).

I hear good things about Winsor Pilates, though. One of my friends LOVED that series of videos and did really well with it. I have a "Pilates for Dummies" video that sits beautifully on the shelf. Has a layer of DUST on it. (I TOLD you that I'm horrible at self-motivating when it comes to workouts!) I did it ONCE. It was fine.

[wonderlywroughte]

Sometimes I do the Pilates workouts offered on On Demand from comcast. I tend to get quite frustrated because a few of the moves involve having one leg straight up while the other one is flat on the ground, and I CAN'T DO IT! :sweatdrop: And no matter how much I seem to stretch, it doesn't help. Boooo. There are a few moves that I really like though.

[Meezer]

Pilates is tough... but so great for your body. I took classes from October through the end of December last year and I certainly noticed changes in my body. My muscles looked leaner and I loved the wonderful stretched-out feel that I had after a class. The only reason that I stopped going was that the classes were so expensive. The only pointer that I could give is that if you can find a master instructor near you, it would greatly benefit you to take a class or two with him/her. The instruction that you would receive on proper breathing and muscle isolation would greatly enhance the results of your DVD workouts. :D

Enjoy!

[enitsirk]

I really want to do Pilates (and yoga) to tone my muscles and add flexibility.

People seem to assume that skinny=flexible and that is so not true. I used to be flexible but now I'm just a lazy butt and don't do anything..must get flexible again!!

...

now I want to know what DVDs you guys are using? I've only ever really seen the infomercial for Winsor Pilates and it looks good..does anybody have anything bad to say about it?

[ShanaMaidela]

now I want to know what DVDs you guys are using? I've only ever really seen the infomercial for Winsor Pilates and it looks good..does anybody have anything bad to say about it?

The only bad thing I have to say about it, is that if you order the program and get the circle Dvd, it puts you on a plan that will send you two new dvds about every other month. I found those to be repetitive and I sent them back. (I obviously still had to pay the shipping.) I liked the first one a lot, and it had a 10 minute extra toning one that I liked. So, if you order the Circle one (You know what I am talking about?) I would just cancel after you get that one. When I got it there was a special and you got the 1 Dvd and the circle for $10 plus shipping. The additional DVDs were $20 each plus shipping.

HTH!

[SunCat]

I have the JP Pilates Performer machine and I love it. Never done the floor version.

[Pilgrim]

I have an Ana Caban Pilates DVD that I like a lot. When I do Pilates, it really does help tone and strengthen and everything it purports to do! I noticed it helped my poor posture considerably. The first week or so is the most difficult and then as you get in shape it becomes more enjoyable and rewarding; at least I thought so. Now, though, I'm out of the habit (and out of shape :sweatdrop:) and need to get back into it!

I've never used the machines or taken a Pilates class, but I would like to try both someday. I've thought about getting the Total Trainer (which is like the Total Gym); one of the models is supposed to allow for Pilates moves.

[Elerxia]

I've been wanting to try a video, but my usual routine is to do it 3-5 times before my self motivation flies out the window. =(((

[Steficurls]

I have been doing Pilates 4-6 times a week since August. I love it! I am hooked..

I am using two Kathy Smith DVDs (Abs and Lower Body), and a Beverly Hills Pilates DVD. I rotate them.

My mid-section, legs, and arms are really firm now...I noticed a major transformation after only 1 month! Pilates definately gives results. :whoohoo:

[Artenystea]

I love pilates! :soppy: I am actually taking a class in school right now, so I do it twice a week. I am going to be so sad when I can no longer take advantage of taking these classes for free! (Well, I guess they're not technically free - and I'm being graded... :whyme:) Anyway, I can't wait to check out some of the DVDs that everyone is recommending. I don't ever want to stop doing pilates, even when I am an out-of-work college grad! :happy:

[vidgrl007]

i love pilaties.the very first time i thought the lady on the dvd was going to kill me:happy: .

[BeeLady]

I have been doing Pilates now regularly (a class each week and sometimes at home as well) for about three years. It keeps my back strong and prevents reocurrence of my lumbar problems. I started it before I lost a lot of weight and it toned and strengthened my body and it was the only time in the week where I felt every single pound I lost.

When I started to go to my current class I realised the difference between a good teacher and a bad one. There are ALWAYS build up moves and levels of an exercise in Pilates and if you are not being taught how to build up to them you will find it much harder to manage. I was not taught that by my first teacher and I hurt myself in her class. My current teacher (who I love, can you tell?!) teaches everything in all the levels as much as you can. She does most of her weekly work with seniors too and so is full of adaptions for less strong participants or for those building up strength. And if you've been away, you can always work at a lower level for a while until you feel ready. When she teaches us a new move she shows us both the levels and the whole move at the start so we can see where we're aiming at, and then over weeks she builds us up by teaching us the parts so we can put them together.

I don't know the Windsor tapes but the Body Control ones (Lynne Robinson etc) should be taught in stages/levels (I believe they are anyway!!). If you want a mixed approach I have found Yogalates very good too, and on the newer versions of the tapes they have a beginner in the group on the tape. These are what I use at home.

Anod now I have to go because it's almost 5pm here and I have to go eat something before I go to my Pilates class (seriously!!)

[Islandgrrl]

I'm all for Pilates, too! I teach a class with some basic Pilates exercises in it, but I take a pure Pilates class whenever I have the opportunity, or at least sneak in a DVD!

[Coppercurls]

I just purchased two videos, "Pilates workout for Dummies" with Michelle Dozois & "Pliates for every body" with Denise Austin. I can't wait to try them. I have heard so many good things about pilates.

[CaityBear]

My mom got Windsor Pilates tapes a few years back. I didn't find it that bad. They did have variations in there, so if you couldn't get your leg straight out on the floor, you could bend your leg and whatnot.

With pilates a big this is also to remember to breath and breath correctly.