for those who have done pilates

[jcm]

Hi there! I'm expecting my third child in the spring and decided a while ago I'd like to do pilates for a while next summer to get my abs and back strong again. There is a studio in town and they offer group and individual classes both in mat work and w/ equipment. I need to start saving $$ now to be able to do this. Right now I think I'd like to do private or "duet" training to get the most out of it - maybe mostly on equipment. What brought you the most results and how many days a week and and how long did it take before you started seeing/feeling changes? Any input would be great!

 

[twosquared]

Firstly, congratulations!!!!

I have been doing pilates now for about 4 - 6 months. I take mat classes and though I did not love it at first - really do now. I found that going at least twice a week is best.

I have not done the equipment yet, but would eventually like to, so I hope this helps. From what I've been told, a lot of what you do on the equipment is similar to what is done in mat classes, just more resistance. I would recommend taking classes first to build up some strength in your core area, and to get familiar with what pilates is about. Then do the equipment - I really think you will get more out of it that way.

I also found that I learned a lot from the "more experienced" students in class, by watching their form.

Hope this helps and again Congrats.

 

[newswoman13]

I'll chime in, too!

I love your intention to save money and go to a studio. Most likely the studio will cater to all levels with experienced and thoroughly trained instructors.

I take Pilates and also have just begun teaching Pilates. The major flaw for students (at any level) is doing too much with poor form. So, I really focus on form, breath and alignment when teaching. Unfortunately, when I take at larger gyms v. Pilates studios, most instructors fly through class with poor coaching cues.

So, find an instructor or two who you love, stick with them, and after you "get it" and become fluid with the movement mentally and physically, you can do it at home or pop in a video for part of your regular home practice, too!

You'll also tune up the mind-body connection, which is always a plus. Overall, Pilates is a wonderful piece to any exercise regime, however I still love my weights and various forms of cardio!




Take care!



;-)

 

[jcm]

thanks for the info! that pretty much confirms what i thought. i've done a little pilates through tapes and found, like yoga, you really need one on one instruction in the beginning to do it right. my cousin is a PT and pilates instructor and she just loves it. i did take a mat class a couple years ago but it was a waste of time. it was a lot of older, not physically fit women (nothing against them) but it didn't really help ME. time to start saving that $$$!

 

[EVCT]

I took a Pilates on a recent cruise to Bermuda and I enjoyed it. I did think the instructor had too many difficult exercises. i would ask her how to modify. I found it great for my core. I have a reformer that I haven't used in a while.
Ellen