??Pilates??

[Bichon Barb]

I keep reading about people here doing Pilates. Is it like yoga? Or is it more like calisthenics?

Please--inquiring minds what to know??

Then if it sounds like something I'd like, I'm gonna bug ya for names of good beginners videos or CD's .

I like yoga, but it's a bit slow. My tape is an hour long, and I often don't have that much time.

 

[TigH]

Hi, Barb!

These are the pilates tapes I have:

http://www.winsorpilates.com/hom.php?PHPSESSID=003656129e3e48347e5175184a5ca0d6

It reminds me of yoga because it's doesn't get your heart rate soaring like an aerobic workout (at least not me!) I do the 20 minute tape several times a week and just added the 50 minute tape once a week until I can build up to more. When I first started, I could just go through the motions and try to get familiar with the moves. Then as I logged more time with the tapes, I started being more conscious about keeping my butt clenched, keeping my belly button pulled in, etc. It really makes a difference in how much benefit I get from the specific moves, but it's something I had to work up to.

There are other forms of pilates. Some people have a trainer (I'm thinking of hiring a trainer in the future to make sure I am using the proper form). There are also pilates machines that look like torture devices.

SideShowBob posted about his experience w/ pilates to help him recover from a bad back. He has strengthened his ab (core) very much and the pilates exercises have done wonders to help him recover from his back injury.

Ever see those exercise balls that look like beach balls? Those are used in some forms of pilates too (and one day I might own one!)

Here's a link to the torture device, I mean, pilates machine examples:

http://www.pilates.com/cgi-bin/webicart/webicart.cgi?page=pages/index.html&cart_id=

Here is a link to a FAQ about a specific type of pilates (didn't take a good look at it, but it might give you some good background information):
http://www.stottpilates.com/faq.html

All I know is that I am slowly becoming addicted to this workout. I am feeling it more and more every time I do it, and every time I do it I challenge myself more. And it gets easier to complete the moves! I really love it and feel it is making a big difference in my middle!

 

[Bichon Barb]

Cool TigH! Will it make my butt defy gravity after a couple of weeks? Tee-hee. I need a forklift for that to happen.

Seriously, I bet I could rent a tape from the library to see if I like it.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

I used to do anusara yoga once a week for over a year and while I liked it I didn't get into it like I do Pilates. I have the Winsor Pilates set and do the 20 minute tape and advanced tape about 3 times each a week. It is amazing the difference that you will feel and see after a few weeks. I'm always surprised when I pull on a pair of pants and the waist is so much roomier than before. It really does strengthen your abs and legs. I highly suggest the Winsor system - I have another DVD that has target specific training but it is more yoga than pilates and just not for me. I also just got another kind from Target with stretch bands so we'll see what happens. I only wish I had taken before and after measurements but I'm so pleased with the results.

Good luck!

 

[TigH]

Hey, CrzyforPiglet! Did you have strong abs to begin with when you started the Winsor Pilates? How soon did you notice a difference? I would say I've done the 20 minute tape under a dozen times and I've only done the 50 minute tape twice, but I SWEAR I can see a change in my bottom and I know I can see a change in my abs (what little of them I can see!) Have you felt like it's getting easier to do the exercises? I just got through with my 20 minute workout and I am really able to keep my torso still now while I'm doing the leg work (was wobbling considerably when I first started). I would love to hear more about your experience! Thanks!!!

 

[The Bloat Fairy]

I use paper pilates when I cook on the grill.

Other than that, it's styrofoam all the way

 

[loisg1]

I would appreciate hearing any personal experiences as well. Purchased the Winsor tapes and have tried them a few times. I have had sciatica which has damaged the nerves in my right side, especially the knee. Also, some of my vertabrae are fused together.

The exercise that concerns me is rolling up in a ball and pulling up and rolling back. Getting a personal trainer is not in the cards for me.

Thanks for your help-
Lois

 

[geetey]

Another Winsor Pilates fan here!! I tried Denise Austin's pilates/yoga tape and didn't like it at all. I have passed that one on.... I have seen the Winsor tapes at Target, and online.

Lois,
My DH has had 3 back surgeries (L4/L5 and L5/S1 laminectomies) and is now taking religious care of his back. He spent over 6 months with a physical therapist that specializes in the spine. I can ask him to view the 20 minute tape and pass on his opinion. He is extremely conscious of what is appropriate for his back. He suffers from nerve damage as well - especially his left foot. Just let me know.

 

[kdibattista]

I just got them in the mail today.... can't wait to try them!!!! I was a sucker and got all the tapes... all 6 of them.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

Hello again!!

I did not have strong abs before starting pilates - I've always kept my legs pretty well conditioned but before starting pilates I couldn't remember the last time I'd done a crunch I too was really wobbly on all the leg work at first I doubted I'd ever be able to get it right. I'd say I've been doing the tapes for about 6 weeks now and i can tell that not only am I much stronger and my clothes fit better but the exercises are getting easier so that I can focus on my breathing more and really suck my belly button in. There are still some advanced exercises that I can barely do or haven't attempted yet - can you say hip circles? I probably saw a difference after about 4 weeks and have taken some of the advanced exercises and incorporated them into the basic work out. Have you tried the jack-knife? When I first started I couldn't even use my hands to get my lower half off the floor - now I love them!! I have noticed though that I can only do the advanced tape after work and not first thing in the morning when my muscles haven't woken up!! Good luck everyone!

 

[TigH]

Lois, I think skipping the roll like a ball exercise is fine! I was skeptical about it at first and I don't have any back problems. I am not sure how it's working my abs as I don't feel it there (I think I'm using momentum to roll back up instead of using my muscles!)

There are SIX tapes? Waaah! I only got three! I have to go back to the site to see what I am missing!!!

CrzyforPiglet, I don't know what the jackknife is. I think I am missing something! And hip circles - not sure what those are either. Thanks for answering my questions! I really appreciate all the information you provide! It's nice to hear it from a real person instead of relying on the testimonials from the site! Glad you are enjoying the tapes and that you are having such fantastic results! I am really happy with the tapes so far and I love how much stronger my abs feel already!

 

[geetey]

Lois,
I had DH try the roll. He said no way. Going back isn't the problem. It is the coming back up part. He could feel the pull on the back immediately ( he is extremely conscious of how his back muscles are used). Even with a lot of momentum, he could feel it, so he recommends skipping it. Personally I didn't notice anything with the ball, but I am not as in tune with my body and muscles as he is.

I hope that helps you and anyone else with back concerns!