What Do You Think About Pilates?

[Madonna]

A friend of mine let me borrow a Pilates tape the other day. After watching the tape and doing Cathe, it seems rather lightweight. However, there does seem to be a lot of core work and flexibility exercises. But it just doesn't seem to have the physical aspect that cardio has. What do you guys think about Pilates and would it give results? Is it worth the time to do the tape or should I do a Cathe tape instead?



Madonna

 

[CathydsRNA]

I think its good for exactly the reasons you noticed: core work and flexibility. I think its a good supplement to an exercise regime that has cardio and weight work but I don't think it is good as a stand alone regime. Pilates or stretching also helps me get rid of tension headaches and so If I've got one and am not up to vigorous exercise..I do some pilates or stretching instead.

 

[icklemoley]

I'm not sure why, but i just find pilates soooooo boring. The hundred...it feels more like the five thousand to me!

Wayne.

 

[AllisonT]

Compared with a Cathe strength tape, Pilates is lightweight - you're working against your body weight with most exercises, or with tension/springs if you do studio Pilates and use the Cadillac, Reformer, Chair or other equipment.

Pilates has been a great supplement to regular cardio and weights for me. It's helped my lower-back disk problem, strengthened my core and made me more aware of my posture. I take individual instruction, though, instead of doing video workouts. Personally, I think a Pilates newbie might find it helpful to take a couple of live classes before buying tapes/DVDs. I find it hard to self-correct my alignment and breathing in Pilates, plus focus on the correct muscles, and think it would be difficult to do this with a tape unless you're already aware of some Pilates fundamentals.

Just my $0.02.


Allison

 

[fab40]

I agree with Wayne, I can't get into Pilates. I've tried to like it. Cathe's Pilates is more my style; quicker, tough and effective. I keep thinking I should try other videos out, but than why bother when I got what I enjoy most! It's too slow. I find myself shouting at the tv, "get on with it already!"x(

 

[debra123]

I love Pilates, I have been doing it for about 6 months 6 days a week now after each cathe work out. I have noticed how strong my core is and I am more flexable, my back feels great. I started getting wonderful comments from my co workers just after 3 weeks. I haven't measured religiously, but I have definately notice inch loss and my abs are looking great, my thighs have really leaned out. I have a good variety. I have been buying all kinds of pilate work outs.

Some of my favorites are the classical pilates, winsor, crunch, the method ,quick fix. I don't think they are boring, for me they are just as important as my cardio and weights. We are all different and have different tastes. Have a great day.

Deb

 

[elsie3]

I think Pilates is great because it is totally different. I used to think the same thing--that it didn't feel like I was working hard--like I'm used to with cardio and strength workouts. BUT the next day I can feel it in places that the other workouts don't get, so I've added it to my rotation.

Carol F

 

[rmrmr]

Hi Madonna,

You should definitely continue with pilates, or yoga to gain flexibility and core strength. Pilates works the body totally different than wt. training. One thing my instructor said a long time ago that has stuck with me is that "Weight training works the muscles that are already strong, pilates works the core and other supporting muscles." Of course there's nothing like MIS or S&H, or PP for a great weight w/o. Cathe has many more to choose from. I only do pilates your yoga once a week or sometimes everyother week. Like you, I want to sweat!

Diana

 

[debra123]

Hi Diana,

you said it well. I agree there is nothing like cathe's weight work outs, but pilates works different muscles. It has done wonders for me.
Have a great day

Deb

 

[Soosan]

Weight training and cardio are the mainstays of my workout regimen, but since my core is a weak area, I started to dabble in Pilates because I kept reading how great the results were for some people. I started out doing it sporatically and, at first I didn't understand what I was doing and didn't feel it too much. While on vacation this summer, I didn't have access to weights, so I alternated yoga and Pilates for a month and began to see quite a bit of definition in my abs, as well as improvement in my form. Since then, I have been doing Pilates regularly, adding 10 min 2-3x/wk to my Cathe workouts and doing one entire video (usually Ana Caban or Hillary Burnett) once a week. I have seen definite changes in my abs and have reached my birthday goal of being able to do a teaser (a TOUGH move for this ab wimp!). I've also noticed my form has improved when doing Cathe ab workouts.

Pilates really works if you give yourself time to learn it. It's very form specific. I would never permanently substitute it for weight training or cardio but it makes a good addition to my routine (along with yoga). Here's a rotation I've been doing for the past few weeks that allows me to "fit it all in."

SUN: PUB + Short Cardio
MON: PLB + 10 min Pilates
TUE: Imax2 + Yoga Stretch
WED: Power Yoga
THU: "Full" Pilates + Short Intense Cardio (usually some form of kickboxing)
FRI: Total Body Weights (usually ME) + Yoga Stretch
SAT: Rest
SUN: Cardio or Circuit + 10 min Pilates
MON: Power Yoga

I have gained strength, improved my cardio capacity and, best of all, have seen big changes in my abs. Who said a week had to be seven days?

 

[Madonna]

Thanks for all of the great replies. I have decided to give the tape a try AFTER I have sweated it all out with Cathe! I understand what you are all saying about working the small muscles in your core that dont usually get worked. It is these small muscles that work together to give you more definition and good posture.

I think I might have a little trouble with it at first because it does seem awfully slow and possibly boring. But based on the majority of the replies, I will give it a try.


Madonna