Thoughts on Pilates

[CatelynL]

I've been doing the Pilates 25min. beginner mat workout 5 times a week for 2 weeks (no dieting involved, i start that tomorrow) and I cant really see a difference or feel a difference at all. ive also been walking a mile every day for 2 weeks, and doing crunches, and like 50 squats a day. I KNOW THE SQUATS ARE WORKING!!!!! i can so totally tell! everyone should do squats. there are 2 kinds, the ones where youre feet point forward, and where they point out and your legs are apart....whooo...my butt is lookin good.... by the way, does anyone know good at home workouts to do without weights etc...(stuff i ahve to buy)

[ttdriver]

WOOHOO YOU!! That's great! You're doing terrific! Keep it up!!

:joy

Betty

[Carotan]

i've been doing pilates for a couple of weeks or so and i'm not really sure if it's working, but i'll just wait and see the results. i've also been running, so hopefully that helps.

[v-sly]

If you can find a studio that has the reformers (machines) try it out. It makes a big difference. I am in Denver and there is a place here called Artistic Body Development that charges $12 for an instructed 90 minute class on the reformer. It makes a huge difference. I can see definition in my stomach that I never knew was possible. The classes are fun and you can't imaging the work out. Killer!

[MidnightJulliett]

My thoughts on Pilates

Hi there!
I've been doing pilates for a while now and have noticed a big difference in my overall appearance, especially my posture. There are several things to consider when doing pilates. You HAVE to do it correctly, otherwise you may only see very little or no results at all. I'm not saying your not doing it correctly, but you have to pay close attention to your form. Your form is what makes you or breaks you in this practice. I.E. when doing abdominal work on the floor for instance, with your upper body lifted, putting your chin on your chest will interfere with the engaging of the abdominal area and "the core". Also, 10 perfect reps is better then 25 sloppy ones. Finishing the postures completely is important. Sometimes 1/2 the work is in releasing from the postures (same is true in yoga), so flopping your arms or legs down when coming out of postures can take away from the benefit of these exersizes.

The main purpose of pilates is strengthening "the core", therefore it must be engaged during all positions. If your not properly engaging your core you may not be receiving full benefit of the postures. Pilates also takes time & concentration, as most people who first start doing Pilates have very weak abdominals and core strength. It will get easier as time goes on.

If your doing pilates in your home you may be missing the benefit of having your work-out supervised and critiqued. I know its not always feasable for people to enroll in classes that cost time and money, but if your serious about pilates you may want to purchase atleast an informational book or guide to the practice. I have an instructor who is relentless on form and concentration and I've learned a lot from her. Pilates and Yoga are mind and body exersizes and require concentration and focus along with the physical demand.

Pilates and Yoga are also practices that focus on strength, flexibility and improvement of the mind and the internal organ functions (along with many other benefits). They aren't neccesarily solely for weight loss, and if your looking for speedy results (which I understand completely) you may want to consider adding in some more high intense cardio. Keep in mind that these practices will help you build muscle, which is heavier then fat, and in my experience have caused me to lose more inches then pounds. I have been doing pilates and yoga for years and am willing to attempt and answer any other questions you may have! Hope this helps!