Pilates

[JulieM]

I've just read "The Pilates Body" and was inspired by it, but the exercises look difficult, plus there's a lot to try to remember if you're doing it on your own. Are any of you interested in Pilates? And do you know of any videos for beginners that you'd recommend? I was also wondering if yoga might not be a better start for this type of exercise. Any thoughts? (Forgive me if this subject is an old thread.)

[beccathebaker]

I just bought the video- Target Specifics- which is a wonderful pilates tape. I love it! She takes you through lots of exercises for the stomach, the arms and the legs. They are all using pilates and ballet moves and focus on using your core strength. I am amazed at how strong I feel after I have done the tape. I bought it at the mall at the Discovery store but I have seen it lots of places.-Becca

[mightyh]

I have the Denise Austin pilates/yoga tape--two sessions, 20 minutes each and have realy enjoyed the first session (pilates). I think it's easy to follow and, if not easy at first, you catch onto the exercises quickly--and I saw a major improvement in my post-baby stomach after just 6 weeks (following 9 months of no improvment) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

The second session is yoga and I don't have any experience in the yoga positions, so I have a hard time following it effectively, but I think it's decent as well.

[MPHenderson]

There is a lot to think about when you're doing Pilates, but it's REALLY a worthwhile form of exercise IMHO. It's different from yoga, but I don't think that one is any easier than the other.

I do Pilates mat workouts a couple of times a week. I started out taking classes which I think was helpful. The instructor could regularly indicate breathing patterns and give tips on posture, etc. I think it would be hard to figure out on your own using a book...if you've never taken a class (either live or via video).

I currently use videos produced by Living Arts; there are separate videos of a beginning and an intermediate mat class. I also have a terrific new find...a pilates CD. It's produced by Tribeca Bodyworks/the Pilates Center of New York and it's WONDERFUL! It'll be great for travel. Plus, you don't have to crane your neck to look at the television screen!

IMHO, your best bet would be to get a video presenting a class offered by a certified Pilates instructor.

Hope you give it a try!

[Leslie w]

I think I'll try the Denise Austin tape since I'm a yoga fan and I always wanted to try pilates. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check it out at Amazon.

[JulieM]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback. I will check out the tapes and see what works best for me. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Kristine]

I have the Stott Conditioning tapes and really like them. They are a studio based out of Toronto and have a whole line of pilates tapes (mat classes, circle, reformer, etc). You can read about their products at their website which is http://www.stottconditioning.com

[m4star]

I second mightyh's recommendation for Denise Austin's Mat-Based Pilates video. It's GREAT! And it's not too "denise austin'ish" if you know what I mean.

[luv2cook]

I attempted pilates; and while I think it could be great for some people, it didn't work for me. It more difficult than it looks and the instructor we had was pushing us to do X exercises in X time and I also have a back problem that was exacerbated by the exercises but at least I am more aware of my posture now...