Pilates....is it any good? - Wedding Forum

cathgamble · #1 (**permalink**) 14-04-2002, 06:46 AM

Hi all!
My Mum just sent me a Pilates DVD. I just finished it, and although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I feel more relaxed than anything else. Nothing hurts!! I have done yoga for about 5 years, so I think that might be why.
Has anyone else tried Pilates? Was it any good? I thought the tummy excersises might help, but don't really want to waste loads of time on it if it is not going to bring results.
Thanks!
Cath

Lynne · #2 (**permalink**) 14-04-2002, 08:04 AM

never tried it, but those i know that have said it was really good

nikki · #3 (**permalink**) 14-04-2002, 10:56 AM

I've tried it - I'm not so keen on it for me personally because I prefer the 'I feel like a limp rag' style of exercise.

But it is VERY effective - very much like yoga is. You should try it again. It's relaxing and very good for you - but I could never get the hang of it cos I'm a bit crap!!

Nikki xxxx

Taz · #4 (**permalink**) 14-04-2002, 03:12 PM

it is meant to be very good for your core stability - tummy i think!
i have a video of pilates though i have never actually used it!

cathgamble · #5 (**permalink**) 15-04-2002, 04:03 AM

Thanks girls. I will give it a try for a couple of weeks then and see how I go. I think I will have to do it in conjunction with something else though, because like nikki I need to feel like I have actually done some hard work!

mella · #6 (**permalink**) 15-04-2002, 05:44 AM

If you're breathing properly, it shouldn't hurt. That's what my yoga instructor told me because I was in constant pain, but noone else in the class was suffering.

I started concentrating on breathing and it worked!! No pain!

Mel
xxx

mistleuk · #7 (**permalink**) 15-04-2002, 10:27 PM

my new gym does a beginners course in pilates me and my cb are thinking of having a go

Sheryl B · #8 (**permalink**) 25-04-2002, 05:41 AM

Hi
I started a Pilates course 5 weeks ago. Although I can't see a huge difference in what I look like, I feel a lot stronger. My posture has always been pretty poor, and that was my primary objective - to straighten up. Hunchback of Notredame was not the look I wanted on the big day. I really like the classes and the instructor explains the breathing and "zipping" required really well. They concentrate a lot on abdominals and pelvic floor muscles - ladies I promise you they get a LOT stronger and H2B has a noce grin on his gob!

Since then I bought a DVD of Pilates and actually did the first part last night. It was a lot more gentle than the class I take, but you can add more repetitions when you've mastered the technique. You won't be sweating like the proverbial pig, but the next day you will feel the deep muscles you've worked.

I don't think it's the perfect workout for people with a lot of weight to lose as there is no cardiovascular exercise, but perfect for toning up. I'm running as well to try and keep the Mars Bars from sitting on my thighs.

So stand up tall and proud and get to that Pilates class!

Sheryl