i've heard alot about this type of exercise and i was just wondering if anybody out there can enlighten me. what is it? how is it beneficial to a person because i've heard it's not cardio or weight based? can you recommend a tape for a beginner in that particular exercise? i'm not new to exercise itself, but to pilates i would be. any thoughts would be helpful! thank you!
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anybody do Pilates?
- Thread starter Lil
- Start date
kimroberts
Cathlete
I've been doing Pilates for a little while. It is primarily a "core strengthener" but there is some leg and arm work too. It tightens and tones you all over without adding bulk. Some of the exercises are odd (really odd!), but they work. I've been fighting a battle with a low back problem for 2 years, Pilates has helped it.
I only do the mat work and I suspect that's what your interested in if you want to do it at home. The best tape I've found for home use is by "Living Arts" and the instructor's name is Ana Caban. (I currently own 9 different Pilates tapes, but her's are the only ones I use! I'm a videotape addict.) They have a beginner and an intermediate mat work tape as well. Do not waste money on the body band nor the fitness ring workouts. They're not traditional Pilates, anyway.
One thing about Pilates, it can be really easy to cheat and do it with less than perfect form. You will not see many benefits from it if your form isn't good. I worked with videos at home before I ever went to a live class. When I worked with the videos, I was "appearing" to do the advanced version of most everything. When I had a trained instructor watching me, my form wasn't so great. When she corrected me and I did the exercises the way they were meant to be done, I found I was down to the most modified version of every exercise -- and I've been an aerobics instructor for 15 years -- boy was my face red.
I went through a course with the Physicalmind Institute to learn how to teach mat classes and I've been teaching Pilates mat classes since Labor Day. The people who have been to class either really, really love it or they really, really hate it. If you spend $20 on a tape and find that you're gonna like it, seek out a trained Pilates instructor and either attend a group mat class or get a few private sessions. You'll have a much more effective home workout after you've gotten a few pointers.
I only do the mat work and I suspect that's what your interested in if you want to do it at home. The best tape I've found for home use is by "Living Arts" and the instructor's name is Ana Caban. (I currently own 9 different Pilates tapes, but her's are the only ones I use! I'm a videotape addict.) They have a beginner and an intermediate mat work tape as well. Do not waste money on the body band nor the fitness ring workouts. They're not traditional Pilates, anyway.
One thing about Pilates, it can be really easy to cheat and do it with less than perfect form. You will not see many benefits from it if your form isn't good. I worked with videos at home before I ever went to a live class. When I worked with the videos, I was "appearing" to do the advanced version of most everything. When I had a trained instructor watching me, my form wasn't so great. When she corrected me and I did the exercises the way they were meant to be done, I found I was down to the most modified version of every exercise -- and I've been an aerobics instructor for 15 years -- boy was my face red.
I went through a course with the Physicalmind Institute to learn how to teach mat classes and I've been teaching Pilates mat classes since Labor Day. The people who have been to class either really, really love it or they really, really hate it. If you spend $20 on a tape and find that you're gonna like it, seek out a trained Pilates instructor and either attend a group mat class or get a few private sessions. You'll have a much more effective home workout after you've gotten a few pointers.
Murph - re: Jennifer Kries
Can you tell me why her earlier tapes are better? I only have the newer ones, 3Dimensional toning and Perfect Mix, and I find them...well, odd. I was hoping to use them to supplement live classes, but I wish they had more detailed instruction. Is it her instruction that's better in the earlier series, or the routine itself? Or the music and set? (just kidding)
Sophie
Can you tell me why her earlier tapes are better? I only have the newer ones, 3Dimensional toning and Perfect Mix, and I find them...well, odd. I was hoping to use them to supplement live classes, but I wish they had more detailed instruction. Is it her instruction that's better in the earlier series, or the routine itself? Or the music and set? (just kidding)
Sophie
kimroberts
Cathlete
RE: Murph - re: Jennifer Kries
The only Jennifer Kries tape I own is called Precision Pilates. There is virtually NO PILATES on it, it is 80% a yoga tape -- go figure. Ana Caban from Living Arts is a Stott trained instructor, but she does have some personality -- totally unlike Moiria Stott (I have 3 of her tapes, too, sooooo boring!)
The only Jennifer Kries tape I own is called Precision Pilates. There is virtually NO PILATES on it, it is 80% a yoga tape -- go figure. Ana Caban from Living Arts is a Stott trained instructor, but she does have some personality -- totally unlike Moiria Stott (I have 3 of her tapes, too, sooooo boring!)
yes, snowy owl
the instruction is COMPLETELY BETTER in the earlier series. On the earlier I have Precision Toning, Precision Yoga and Target Toning. (I like them all on an easy day.)Plus, the exercises are more challenging, flow better--the whole thing--I got Perfect Mix and Pilates toning on the newer series--and I wondered : what is this? First of all: the new series is priced at $12.95--that should be a flag in itself--Too cheap!! Maybe she changed producers, studios, agents--who knows??? But, over all: Jennifer Kries is too good to waste--and you go ahead and get the earlier series: you'll be happy with them.
the instruction is COMPLETELY BETTER in the earlier series. On the earlier I have Precision Toning, Precision Yoga and Target Toning. (I like them all on an easy day.)Plus, the exercises are more challenging, flow better--the whole thing--I got Perfect Mix and Pilates toning on the newer series--and I wondered : what is this? First of all: the new series is priced at $12.95--that should be a flag in itself--Too cheap!! Maybe she changed producers, studios, agents--who knows??? But, over all: Jennifer Kries is too good to waste--and you go ahead and get the earlier series: you'll be happy with them.