Pilates

[2muchmess]

Could anyone recommend a good Pilates DVD? I normally cycle and do 1 hour of weight training a week but have never done Pilates and fancy giving it a try. I'm not sure if I should get one for beginners or not.
Any advice appreciated, thank you

[JennyOnTheBlocks]

all the advice i've ever been given is to try to get to a class when first starting out

to do the moves properly is harder than you think, a full length mirror is useful at home, but sometimes it's best to have the personal guidance of a proper teacher

[lurkingfromhome]

I agree that you really need a class when starting out. Even after doing classes for months I still find it hard to know when I'm in the correct position with everything aligned correctly (the slightest bit of you that isn't at the right angle or in the correct position will have a massive effect on how effective the exercise is).

I often feel I'm doing things absolutely properly only for the teacher to come round and move a part of my body a few millimetres and then it suddenly feels completely different and I start to feel my muscles actually working. Something as minor as moving your shoulders two inches away from your ears or pressing your lower back a fraction into the floor can be crucial in Pilates and I don't think you can judge if you're doing it properly unless you're pretty experienced.

[2muchmess]

Thanks that's really helpful. I'll check out some classes