Pilates??

[Stevie]

started Pilates this week. Had my Physical Therapist talk to instructor BEFORE I started but the understanding a month ago was that I was going to start with mat classes.
Had first two classes this week.
She did not really give me a once over.. and she started me on machines. I told her the second time where the pain was.. it was uncomfortable and she said it would go away.. which it did
we did MORE on the machines and NOW the pain is still there and I am not happy. Which means she changed her mind about something. so I need to leave her a message about it and either get her to switch to mat classes or get my money back.

I am wondering if there are any pilates people out there who can answer some questions out there for me.
thanks
Stevie
ps I LOVE the basic idea and the workout. I just don't think my ab core was strong enough to support what she was having me do.

 

[KathyH]

Pilates

Oh Stevie I feel so bad for you. This was a terrible experience to have happen to you. I started a Pilates class (ONLY MAT WORK) by an instructor who took us step-by-step a little at a time. I had never had any prior experience in this or yoga for that matter and she was very good instructing us on what to do. However, she did not instruct us on the proper breathing techniques when executing the exercises. I've never done any of the machines nor have any desire to. You're going to have to see your physician now about this problem. I will tell you that you have to have very strong abs and back muscles to this. I do the Moira Stott Mat Conditioning advanced tape and she's absolutely top notch in every way from teaching you breathing to the exercises. I'm going to email her and ask her about your problem and will get back to you with her response but before I do where is the pain centered? What part of your back is bothering you? And please DO NOT DO ANY MORE PILATES UNTIL I SPEAK WITH MOIRA. Take care, Kathy

 

[cdmccoy]

ummmm...I know this is total newbie question....

But what is/are pilates?? How do you pronounce it? Also...unrelated question...I've seen posts mentioning "plyo" and don't know what the is either?? Silly but true Chris

 

[lynxeagle]

Pilates

Hi, please understand that I am not a Pilates expert so take my defintion with a grain of salt. Pilates was developed to help mostly dancers with physical therapy after injuries. There is a mat Pilates and various machines. I believe the exercises help strengthen the core portion of your body. The Method show on the health network does some Pilates work. I have a Pilates machine, but not the kind you get in a gym. I purchased mine from QVC. I have also seen it in the J.C.Penney catalog. The Pilated that I have been doing provides great stretching and core strengthening. I love it as part of my cross training. It is very relaxing for me.

 

[Suz]

Still confused

Is this a form of yoga???Can you describe in more detail or do you know of any websites I can research???Thanx!

 

[lynne]

just wanted to reply to this!!!

Hi, I have been doing pilates matwotk for sometime now following the Moira Stott approach. I cantell you that the machines can be very helpful as long as you start witht he basic exercises and build up. The same applies with matwotk, you have to get your "centre" before building on this and in fact alot of pilates instructors I know actually spend aroun 30 mins getting you to breath correctly as a lot of the movemnents happen during inhake and exhale. You have to learn to breath correctly as your ribs naturally roll forward when you breath and this helps to execute the move. There are three matowrk videos available from Stott, essential, intermediate and advanced, let me tell you you need to be strong to progress. The essential matwork is excellent as she goes through breathing into the sides and back and aslo how your body moves. When the legs are up in the air (which happens if you want to progress) she teaches you "spinal imprint" which is essential for your lowre back. This is one of the safest videos I have ever seen. I am surprised that you instructor go you on the reformer(machine) without teaching breathing skills and spinal imprint, and just expected you to do it. Please check to see if they are qualified!!!!! Sorry this is so long winded, but having seen the advanced matwork, it is easy to perhaps get the wrong side of pilates as you may think a lot of the exercises should be contraindicated, but if you are given the safety and breathing, there is not alternative but to achieve a really good strong back nad abs. Please stay safe.

 

[lynne]

ooops, terrible spelling!

just wanted to apologise for the terrible spelling on the last message. I am on my way to hospital to have my knee checked after surgery and I am in a little bit of a rush!!!!!! Sorry!

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Lynne!

How are you doing after your surgery? Hope you are doing well. Great to "see" you around!

Debbie

 

[Jane P]

Not quite like Yoga

Pilates borrows some moves from Yoga, but it is different. It concentrates making your torso strong, but in a unique way. It also has you stretching out the muscles while you work them. Try www.stottconditioning.com for more information. There are other sites as well, so use the term Pilates in your search engine and several should pop up.

A good video introduction is Method Precision Toning which is in most Target stores for $6.98.

 

[lynne]

Hi Debbie!

Just to say thanks for your little message. I had my checkup yesterday and my quads have suffered a little bit of paralysis, so improvments have not been made at the usual rate. I have also developed tendinitis in my right heel and an infection on my arm where the canula was put. But I am still smiling. Cheers!!!

 

[DebbieH]

Lynne!

What a positive attitude! Will be thinking of you & I'll say a prayer that you continue to recover a little quicker. Is the paralysis permanent? Glad you are able to "sit" & join us. Hang In There!