Thread: Any Pilates addicts out here?

I have a question about the program for anyone who can answer it for me.

(I talked into buying the windsor pilates tapes, I'll admit I hate exercising and wanted to do something fun.

But this is too easy. So I'm starting to wonder, am I doing it correctly?

I'm on my second day of doing it, I can really feel the nice burning sensation in my abs.

How do I know if I'm targetting my "power house" propperly?

For anyone who are doing Pilates, is it suppose to be so much fun?

Anik

Stats

188/127/110

i am on my first day but yes alot of people say it is fun....and i felt my abs today!!

take your measurments as I know people say you will loose inches from toning.

i only did the first 5-6 exercises because I want to do them right.

I am doing Windsor Pilates. Not so easy
for me! But I do feel great once I finish
the 20 minute workout. Especially great for
abs, hips and thights! I alternate between
walking and Pilates for my exercise program.
Would like to talk to more Pilates addicts, too!

Elizabeth

I, too started a Pilates tape. I find that if I don't have the right "pilates stance" - that corkscrew thing with the legs - that it makes a huge difference in how hard it is. Before starting this, I have been swimming on a regular basis, so I was surprised on how hard this is. Most exercises I have to do the easier version.

At the beginning of the tape, the instructor says that if it is too easy, you probably do it wrong.
I can't think of the exact name of the tape, though.

Hope you'll be able to figure it out!

Never give up! Never surrender!

Katrin

Pilates IS fun! Deceptively simple-looking movements that make a HUGE impact in very little time. Great stuff!!

Pilates for Dummies is the DVD I got (on Amazon.com) for around $10. Great price and easy/advanced sections on the DVD. LOVE it!

Bon (AKA Hopeful in Hollywood)
210/181/165
Atkins since 12/15/02

I have the Windsor Pilates tapes too!

I agree that the Basic one is quite basic, but I've been doing yoga for 5 years, so that may be my problem. However, I can say that I do feel my abs with the basic tape.

I like to do my basic taebo tape before I do the basic pilates tape...its a decent workout.

I have not yet dared try the 60 minute tape!


-Vye

It is funny you should ask this because the girls from work just starte pilates and were trying to get me to do it. I can't stay after work with them, so I dug out good old Denise austin from a box under my bed and plan to start.
I'm sure I will be a bit sore tomarrow!

Good luck all!!
Seesko

starting date 1/5/04

242/236/135

Smile...it makes people wonder what you are up to!

As hard as some of the Pilates movements are,
I've never felt much soreness afterwards. On
the contrary, it makes me feel very energized
and as Mari Windsor says, "Taller, stronger.."
etc.! Definitely great for the abs and buns
which are two areas of mine that needs lots
of work!

Elizabeth

I'm interested in this b/c I saw a pilates dvd with the power bands on sale at TJMaxx for like $10 or so....was wondering if it works...I definately need to tone and right now, my knees don't need high impact anything...

do the power or resistance bands help? is it really fairly easy? I'm remarkably flexible for someone my size...was just wondering.

I've never used any bands or anything, just what is called "mat Pilates" (done without machines or bands--just a mat--mostly floor work). I love it! I'd say for $10, it's a good investment to see whether you like it. Give it a few tries to see if it's your cup of tea. I REALLY love Pilates. Feel so long and lean!

Bon (AKA Hopeful in Hollywood)
210/181/165
Atkins since 12/15/02

I agree, Bon! They make me feel great...
stronger, more flexible (getting up from
the floor is so much easier than it was -LOL)
and energized. I also do the mat exercises
which means it's very inexpensive compared to
some of the other exercise programs. And
what's even better, it's only 20 minutes!

Elizabeth

I use the Denise Austin Pilates For Every Body DVD. It makes me feel leaner right after doing it! She does incorporate the use of a resistance band, though she says you can use free weights instead. I use 5 lb free weights, since I do not have the resistance band.
It is the only workout that I feel immediately leaner, especially around my waist and abs.
I was wondering, for maximum results, if I should be dong this every day, instead of the every other day, that I started.
How often do you do your pilates?

Crys
(188)158/142/140
Atkins since 5/31/03

Ideally, I shoot for five days a week, but I really don't attain that goal every week. But... that's what I shoot for. I guess it works out to about every other day, most weeks.

Good luck! Lean is FUN!

Bon (AKA Hopeful in Hollywood)
210/181/165
Atkins since 12/15/02

Bon,

Great goal to shoot for! I think I will adapt that goal too. I've been laid off of my job, so I have plenty of timeto do my pilates. No excuses! hahahaha

Have fun!

& oh yes - lean feels INCREDIBLE!

Crystal
158/142/135-140
Atkins since 5/31/03

Just started with Pilates today. Is there a best time to do them, a.m or p.m.? Empty stomach or full? I just practiced the positions but I already feel the tightening in my abs. Do you alternate any cardio exercise or strenght training with them?

181/171/135
Re-started Atkins 12/29/03