Anyone here do PILATES?

[Ladycole]

I've noticed (before I took time off) I had the most ripped abs ever with pilates. Any of you notice dramatic results too?

Do you go to mat classes or use DVDS? Any recommendations?

The only downfall to pilates for me is 1.) being patient (v. slow pace--kinda boring) and 2.) not crying (it's sooo hard!)

[trish123]

When it comes to core strength and group fitness I'm in love with a class that some gyms offer called "Bodyflow". You'll find it if you go to http://www.lesmills.com/midwest/en/m...s-program.aspx

Around here the YMCA offers it; not sure who else. But yeah, ripped abs rock (wouldn't I love to have them!?). Maybe a hard-core pilates person would say there's no substitute for true pilates.

[bull.dogz]

I took pilates and yoga for 2 years and got really lean and toned without doing any weights. I loved it. I took a class offered at my gym but sometimes I do the videos. Since I know the form the videos are great now that I don't have the classes anymore. I can definately feel the difference in my core with pilates and just weight training.

[gynoid]

I used to do classes and I would recommend doing them in person.

Some of the positions need to be done properly and it's good having someone there to guide you into the right position and push you a bit harder.

The day after pilates, it would hurt to laugh or cough because my abs would be in agony. I have never been able to replicate the same amount of DOMS in my abs by doing crunches.

Oh, and some classes are better than others.
Some pilates classes are nothing but glorified floor exercises / cardio with little attention to breathing and form, and those classes are basically worthless.

A good pilates class will spend a LOT of time teaching you to identify and use your core. Exercises are done slowly and with precision.

I've never done pilates with machines either, the only prop we used was a little ball. I imagine using the machines would be interesting

[Dangerousd37]

I've noticed (before I took time off) I had the most ripped abs ever with pilates. Any of you notice dramatic results too?

Do you go to mat classes or use DVDS? Any recommendations?

The only downfall to pilates for me is 1.) being patient (v. slow pace--kinda boring) and 2.) not crying (it's sooo hard!)

WINSOR PILATES DVDs. I got a set at a discount store and totally fell in love with it! The one I have she uses bands and it goes by pretty quick.

[asheee]

WINSOR PILATES DVDs. I got a set at a discount store and totally fell in love with it! The one I have she uses bands and it goes by pretty quick.

YES. Winsor Pilates are the best! I actually just downloaded a bunch of videos off of Limewire... Ha, I'm so cheap.

[justagirl]

winsor pilates accellerated/advanced dvd is amazing. i still use a lot of the ab moves during every single ab workout, i find it very challenging years later

[LinzersMH]

I took Pilates through my school. I recommend (highly!) taking classes through a community college because the teachers know so much more info than just the movements. Plus, you get one on one time with the instructor and you get semester of keeping track of your body.
Also, it's a LOT cheaper than going through a gym or a studio, but equal, if not better instruction, too.

[Stormiorsini]

I've done some pilates and a lot of yoga! I love both! And as a trainer will reccomend them both to clients depending on their goals!! Both seem to really help with the long lean muscle...versus the shorter, denser muscle of most body builders. A look many women like and are comfortable with.

AND if any man thinks that yoga or pilates is 'easy' I would challenge them to try it! There is nothing easy about either!! BOTH are fantastic for flexibility...and lets face it...we can never be 'too flexible'!

[Collette]

I take pilates 2x a week with a private instructor. I have been doing it for around 3 months now and have progressed to the advanced level. The thing that is cool with pilates is it keeps getting harder and harder! And more moves are introduced as you progress! I highly recommend it! I notice it helps my sports training a great deal

[Ladycole]

Thanks for the DVD recommendations~and I'm relieved you all find it challenging as well...ohh, the burn!!

[purpleklipse]

I teach pilates once a week and did winsor as part of my losing 44 lbs (along with clean eating and a lot of cardio and lifting).

You can go to YouTube or other sites like FitTV for free resources/videos.

Of course using the reformer is best and doing it with a trainer in pilates is better, but at-home is better than nothing.

24HourFitness (where I teach) has specifically choreographed routines to maximize results and we just launched a new set of routines.

[franniecd]

I love the winsor pilates. It helps with my back pain, and I love how strong my core feels. I'd love to use the pilates machines but there isn't a studio locally that offers them.

[Collette]

Try Power Pilates. Honestly, I've tried all different types with instructors and Power Pilates is in my opinion hands down the best. Especially for those of us who love their strength (everyone here!). I never thought I could get stronger without weights, but Power Pilates has proved me wrong!

[thediabolical]

When it comes to core strength and group fitness I'm in love with a class that some gyms offer called "Bodyflow". You'll find it if you go to http://www.lesmills.com/midwest/en/m...s-program.aspx

Around here the YMCA offers it; not sure who else. But yeah, ripped abs rock (wouldn't I love to have them!?). Maybe a hard-core pilates person would say there's no substitute for true pilates.

There is no substitute for TRUE pilates!!! Pilates is an excellent tool for all, especially bodybuilders...if they would just give it a try. And it is sad to see a science that was created by a man (former weight-lifter, & boxer) for men is more practiced by women.

To truly lean down there is no substitute.

But that Bodyflow is a complete marketing tool to mix all three sciences together which should not be done AT ALL!!! The three have different philosophies to them. But of course leave it to America to market whatever it can as NEW!!

[Tiffany_P]

I took a pilates class once and it was so difficult that I never went back

[simplypriceless]

How long did it take you to see results? Did you also lift and do cardio? I burned my leg so i can't do cardio. I can lift and i'm thinking i can do pilates. I have the mari windsor abs sculpting and a full body work one too.

[Ladycole]

With pilates twice a week, 30 minute sessions, in only about TWO WEEKS! I had some definition showing through nicely. Seriously good stuff!

Nicole, you teach pilates--WOWSER~! How much does the Reformer change the experience...I hear those private sessions are like $50 bucks!!

And Power Pilates, I'll look into it...thanks for the suggestion!

[hipilates]

I can tell you that Pilates can be an effective way to improve your core strength and tone your abdominal muscles. Many people who practice Pilates regularly report seeing improvements in their muscle tone and overall fitness level, including more defined abs.

Pilates exercises are designed to target the deep muscles of the core, including the abdominals, back muscles, and pelvic floor. By focusing on these muscles, Pilates can help improve your posture, balance, and stability, which can lead to better overall fitness and a more toned appearance. Visit hipilates.com.au to learn more

[nkypkjf]

Plank
The plank (also called a front hold, hover, or abdominal bridge) is an isometric core strength exercise that involves maintaining a position similar to a push-up for the maximum possible time .

The plank strengthens your spine, your rhomboids and trapezius, and your abdominal muscles, which naturally result in a strong posture as they grow in strength. Developing your posture can improve on a number of ailments, and prevent the onset of other ones. Good posture means you're keeping your bones aligned.


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[fhiehuwhu]

Pilates is so pointless omg. Imagine actually using your legs. And even worse, imagine doing the stretching bs yall do. My proposition for the pilates guys
is to man the frick up and start going to an actual gym. My professional advice is to maybe try the bench to grow some actual boobs and stop being a flatchested loser.