Pilates

[Ducati]

I took my first Pilates class today. WOW, what a workout. I took one a long time ago, but it wasn't as nearly as tough as this class. I can barley move right now. There is a yoga class tonight at 6:30 and I might have to go back to stretch out this lactic acid. I will be back though. I think it might be the fastest and best way to get into shape.

Anyone else take Pilates?

[Tesseract]

I take it every Monday. Also yoga every Thursday. I didn't think it was that hard, but then I'm taking a beginner class. A lot of the exercises we do are ones that I've been doing on my living room floor for years, which I think gives me an advantage. I just need the structure of a class to make me do it.

PS: I've heard several other people say it's really hard and I really wonder if I'm just in an extra-easy class. I found myself wondering after class yesterday if this is really "enough" exercise to help me get in shape.

[Ducati]

The one I took before was more Yoga like with mild static poises. The one today have me breathing hard and sweating pretty good.

[karenlovessnow]

I have a 30-minute Windsor Pilate tape that I have been doing for a while now. I like it. Not sure if I'm getting as much out of it as you are, but I feel good after each workout.

[Tesseract]

Well we don't do yoga-like static poses. We do a lot of reps of dynamic exercises, using a variety of tools, including sometimes balls, small weights, and resistance bands and hoops.

[Lumos]

I have a 30-minute Windsor Pilate tape that I have been doing for a while now. I like it. Not sure if I'm getting as much out of it as you are, but I feel good after each workout.

Windsor Pilates videos are alright as far as exercise tapes go, but PIlates is one of those things where you're really going to get the most benefit from being in a class with a good teacher. Pilates transformed the shape of my body into even more of a ballet shape even after dancing all of my life. It also helped me gain more control and strength in ballet (which is marvelous when it comes to partnering). I'm working on getting my certification so I can teach. :)

[chiaraluna]

I took my first class last week, as well! I didn't think that it was too difficult while I was actually in the class (save maybe one or two poses), but the next day I was sorer than I've been in years. It was a lot of fun and I'm planning to take at school this semester :)

[Morrigann]

I found it useful to *really* mentally and physically focus on my core while doing Pilates... otherwise it is really too easy. When you give it all you have in that one little area, the muscles will fatigue and you'll get a deeper workout. Just be really mindful =)

Yay for Pilates!

[Yell]

I bought a pilates kit at Target for $30. It includes the balance ball and dumbells and a dvd and pamphlet to follow. The dvd worked me out better than anything I've done lately (and I work out in a gym on a daily basis!).

[Tesseract]

I found it useful to *really* mentally and physically focus on my core while doing Pilates... otherwise it is really too easy. When you give it all you have in that one little area, the muscles will fatigue and you'll get a deeper workout. Just be really mindful =)
I've been thinking lately that may be why I'm not getting the most out of it. Every time the instructor reminds us to use the "powerhouse" and focus on the "core," I realize I'm not doing that. The jargon kind of makes me laugh, though.

[Tesseract]

OK, so pilates is starting to get noticeably harder the last few sessions. Our instructor seems to be slowly ramping us up to harder versions of the different exercises.