Stronger, More Defined Core, Accountability Needed???

[AmyBeth68]

Lynn: Great job with the DVD. And yes...20 minutes is definitely great when you are short on time. Your core must be very strong b/c I definitely feel that it provides you with a really solid, traditional mat work. Stott is great though, and I'm taking some of their workshops at my upcoming conference. I highly recommend any of their DVDs. I'm glad you find it a challenge! GREAT to hear that you can feel the difference in your walking!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I was wondering about something like this http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...=1&whse=BC&topnav=&prodid=11277384&lang=en-US I saw at Costco.com? I was looking for something at home since don't belong to gym.

Thanks!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Robert...wow, that reformer machine actually looks quite like what we have at one of the studios. I don't know about the quality, but I'd imagine for the use of one person it would do the trick. If you purchase it let me know and I'll give you some basic ideas of some exercises...and there are lots of DVDs out there as well!

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Amy, I have to thank you. I read through this whole thread a few weeks ago, and continue to keep up. It inspired me to get Pilates for Dummies. I have been faithfully doing it for two weeks now, on my running off days, and I am noticing a difference. Many of the exercises are still challenging, but I can tell I am getting better at them. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Johanna I'm so glad you are enjoying Pilates. It was such a help for me both during and after an injury that sidelined me for over a month before my first marathon. I just love to introduce people to the benefits of pilates, or any core work for that matter. It truly does make a difference. I'm so happy to hear you are having success with it!!!

 

[windwalker]

Hi AmyBeth, I'm still around and keeping up with the core training. I'm also still improving by leaps and bounds. Ever since Oct last year I've had something hurting, but I've gone a couple of weeks now with nothing hurting or sore.

Another thing I noticed is my legs don't begin to hurt on long drives any more either. I'm more of a believer everyday.

Thanks

Limber Panda

 

[MouseDogMom]

I just got back from a 3 mile run. I know you're supposed to aim for negative splits, but I went all out during the first mile (or so I thought) and was really struggling during the 2nd mile. Figured the 3rd mile would be a total loss. As I started the 3rd mile I heard a voice (probably Amy's, maybe the Chi Running guy?) telling me to focus on my core and pull in my belly button, and suddenly I didn't feel so tired any more. I just checked my Garmin, and my splits were 11:17, 11:26, and 11:03! I'm totally amazed at the difference it made!

Jackie

 

[Duanerice]

OK, did the Pilates for Dummies for the first time this morning. Overall pretty good, but I realized that I really need to stretch more. I can't straighten out my legs and some of those exercises when you put your legs out in front of you then have to bend over... forget about it! I have to bend my legs to get any action at all.

Can't wait to start using it a couple of times a week then moving on to the intermediate. Thanks for the recommendations.
enjoy,
Duane

 

[windwalker]

I have been slack for a few days and just doing some good walking, since the weather has finally turned nice.

But I was back on the wagon this morning, I'm feeling so much better and stronger that I'm not letting this go.

This morning was a good 4 mile walk on the hills and then a good calisteics, pilates and stretching routine.

Limber Panda

 

[Lynn G]

I did my Stott Pilates tape yesterday, I find it very challenging, someday, I will graduate from the intermediate to the advances tape, which I have, but have never even watched! One day, when I can make it all the way thru all the exercises in the intermediate, then I may preview the advanced!

As today is really ugly again, rain, fog, wind, etc., I may do one of the shorter tapes I have, Dummies for example, just to get in some exercise. If not, I will be sure to do "Amy's short list" of exercises with my stretching routine.

Have a great day!

 

[MouseDogMom]

I just did Amy's list of exercises for the first time - didn't have time this morning for the whole Dummies DVD, so tried the abbreviated workout. I think I was sweating more with Amy's list! (I had to wait till I had the DVD to see pictures to do everything right, which is why I'm just now trying it)

Jackie

 

[AmyBeth68]

Jackie...So glad to see you find the exercises challenging! WTG!!!

Checking in on you guys, the Core Warriors...how is everyone doing? Are you keeping up with your core workouts? Still seeing improvements or are you plateauing? Here's a new exercise to add to the list I gave you....kick it up a notch and try this one . Enjoy!!!

The Pilates Roll-UP: http://www.videojug.com/film/pilates-roll-up

Add this exercise (watch the link for a great description of proper form!)

Try the different versions offered on the video to see which one works for you. If you find it too challenging, post here and let me know as I can offer you some suggestions. I would do this exercise BEFORE the abdominal series that I showed you early on in this thread. Plank (both regular and side) can be done after. You're building towards a great routine that can be done quickly but will offer great results. Have fun!

 

[Lynn G]

Thanks Amy, will add this to the "Amy's short list".

I did about half of a Stott Pilates tape on Tues, and Pilates is back on the schedule for today - will see if I can get more than half the tape in. (I am currently waiting for the carpet installer to show up to put carpet in one of the basement rooms).

 

[windwalker]

I'm still being true to the stretching and core building after my walking. Today was a no walking day but still did my core training. I had a solid hour of calistetics, stretching and some of AmyBeth's reccommended pilaties. I'm getting faster and walking smoother then ever and I don't feel "lead legged" after a hard workout anymore. Might just be something to this.

Limber Panda

 

[twoWDWfools]

Hi all!

Can finally do almost the entire Pilates routine again! Side plank and one other still hurt my back so just putting those on the back burner for now. Starting tonight it goes back into my standard routine.

Everyone is doing so great! Keep up the good work!

 

[dsnyfan21]

Hi Amy: Haven't being doing my core work lately because I am exhausted from work and am having a hard time just getting in my miles for training for the DL 1/2. I do do one or two of the 5 that you showed us early on when I think about it. I liked the voice of the narrator on the most recent video about the roll up.

Thanks AMY!!

 

[windwalker]

Hi Amy: Haven't being doing my core work lately because I am exhausted from work and am having a hard time just getting in my miles for training for the DL 1/2. I do do one or two of the 5 that you showed us early on when I think about it. I liked the voice of the narrator on the most recent video about the roll up.

Thanks AMY!!

Tracy, I'm jealous about the DL half. Have extra fun for me will ya. Say hi to Robert and Linda for me to.

Amy, Have you been to that training conferrence yet?

Limber Panda

 

[bubba73]

First time poster here on the "core" thread but I have visited here several times. I try to do some form of core work every day and I am starting to see some results in the abs but would like to see a lot more. Here are some of my problems or trouble areas.
1) Doing leg raises hurt due to the pressure it puts on my knees. I have tried to do hanging leg raises but that hurts too because of the bending. (Had my left knee scoped last year and still having issues.)
2)Love Handles and Lower back "looseness" - I have been incorporating more oblique work and it is starting to payoff but I want to change it up some. The love handles are getting tighter (some) but the lower back just won't go away.
3) Very tight hamstrings - I have never been able to bend down and touch my toes. No matter what I try to do to stretch them, it doesn't work. They are always tight and feel knotted. I would just really like a little more flexibility.

Any advice in these areas would be most greatly appreciated. I do look forward to being able to stop by more often with updated, postive results soon.

Thanks everyone!
Bryan

 

[princessrunner]

Here I am again core warriors!! I tried the new move AmyBeth and ouch!! Actually, it felt pretty good. I have had to narrow down some of the exercises that you gave me as I am crunched (ha ha) into 15-20 minutes of core time a day with the hectic end of school, softball, baseball scheduling. I am still doing them though.

Bubba, you are in the right place. AmyBeth will help you out with the questions I am sure. She is the best!!

Great job on your core work everyone. Keep it up, it really pays off with your workout times and your recovery time. A stronger core is a stronger you!!!

 

[windwalker]

I'm doing great on the obliques exercises cause they are fun, the front of the abs are the exercises that suffer when I'm pressed for time. Wish I could find an exercise for the front of the abs that was as fun as twists and side bends, those I can just do while I zone to the tunes on the iPod.

I did up the number of oblique work so maybe I'll get some residual effect.

Limber Panda