Calling all pilates experts...I need info....

[wezee]

I am interested in a pilates (sp?) DVD, but don't know where to begin. I have been using the Walk Away the Pounds DVDs for the past 5 months and have made great toning progress, but I feel I'm getting bored and need to try something new.

I am pushing 50 yrs old, and not the most coordinated person...so I have a few questions.

1. Can I do this? ( Or better yet...will I be able to walk the next day?)
2. Is there a good beginners DVD you would suggest.
3. What kind of results could I possibly obtain?

I welcome any input or suggestions.

Terri

[windwalker]

:hippie: I am interested in a pilates (sp?) DVD, but don't know where to begin. I have been using the Walk Away the Pounds DVDs for the past 5 months and have made great toning progress, but I feel I'm getting bored and need to try something new.

I am pushing 50 yrs old, and not the most coordinated person...so I have a few questions.

1. Can I do this? ( Or better yet...will I be able to walk the next day?)
2. Is there a good beginners DVD you would suggest.
3. What kind of results could I possibly obtain?

I welcome any input or suggestions.

Terri


Terri we have a pilates instructor over on the events and competition side, her name is AmyBeth and she teaches classes in NYC. Her recommendation to us was "Pilates for Dummies".

Yes dear you can do anything you believe you can do. When I turned 50, 7 years ago, I would get winded just washing my car windshield at the gas station. I was 50lbs overweight and a smoker for 35 years. Now I'm a national classed senior racewalker.

For a daily shot of positive motiovation visit my blog.

Walking Panda:hippie:

[wezee]

Thanks for your speedy reply. I think I have done well over the past few years and am proud that I have started working out 5 days a week. I have lost 62lbs. and am a solid size 4-6.

DH and I have just returned from our yearly trip to WDW, where I gained a few pounds, since DH insisted on doing the DxDpp this time around. I think I am having the post-WDW blues and seem to be having some trouble getting motivated the last few weeks. I am still doing my workouts, but need to start watching my food intake a bit closer.

I am hoping that incorporating a new type of exercise will give me the shot in the arm I need.

Thanks again....I'm heading over to your blog right now!:thumbsup2

[mytwoboys]

I'm not an expert, but there is a DVD called Pick Your Level Weight Loss Pilates (http://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Level-Weight-Pilates/dp/B000GEIRBO), it is literally that, each movement has three variations so you can choose your best fit. I liked it, as a beginner :)

[mytwoboys]

Sorry double post

[Tiger Lily 03]

Here is the previous discussion from the events thread about core strengthening (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1789373) if you have lots of time to read.

Bottom line was Pilates for Dummies was recommended as has already been said.

[wezee]

Thanks all....I guess I better go shopping and give it a try. Wish me luck!!

[AmyBeth68]

YES...as a Pilates Instructor I can happily say you can definitely do Pilates. I have an 80 year old gentleman who is a regular in my class. 50 is YOUNG and the beautiful thing about Pilates is that you absolutely do NOT need to be coordinated to get results. Pilates is a wonderful way to strengthen your core muscle group (hips, back, abdominals, shoulders). By doing so you will help to protect yourself from back injuries while also building flexibility in the back which is one of the most beneficial things as we age. In addition, Pilates is a form of strength training utilizing your own body weight which is wonderful for our bones and prevention of osteoporosis.

I usually recommend Pilates for Dummies or most any of the beginner level Pilates DVDs by Stott Pilates. If you can attend a class locally, even just one, it will help you immensely to understand the movements. Having an instructor give you personal advice and explanations of the exercises is a huge benefit. Most Pilates studios offer single classes at a reasonable price.

If you have a neck injury or back injury, speak to your doctor before doing pilates. Any questions, post them here or feel free to PM me.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.