Pilates without a class?

[Penguin13]

I want to start doing pilates but have a 9 month old DD and a husband who gets in from work no earlier around 7.30- 8pm most evenings so it's difficult for me to get to a class. I have tried a couple of different books and dvds but find it difficult to know whether I'm doing the exercises correctly. It seems to be one of those exercise types where form is particular crucial. Do you think it's possible to learn pilates by yourself or do I realistically need to resign myself to somehow trying to get to a class?

[Penguin13]

Bump.

[Boomeranging]

Ime pirates is completely different to other exercise classes. Even in a class, you leave confused for the first few weeks. Once you've got the idea, you can practise on your own but I do think you need a teacher to begin with.

Depending on what you're prepared to spend, some teachers will run 121 sessions at a time and place to suit you. With 121 tuition youll probably find you don't need many sessions

[BackInBusiness]

I do all my exercises via YouTube videos, usually squeeze in a 30 minute one most days whilst dinner's cooking. Am sure there'll be some Pilate's ones on there.

[Jenijena]

I have from time to time followed Blogilatea on YouTube. You'll feel you have a work out and she tells you how to do it 'right'

[AsTimeGoesBy]

I'd recommend a class too, the tiniest adjustment to position makes a big difference, but failing that the Body Control pilates DVDs and App are good. If you've got any pre-existing conditions at all it's safer to go to a class and also be aware of your pelvic floor which may be weak after childbirth, pilates can put a lot of pressure on it if you don't build up gradually to the stronger moves. Google Michelle Kenway, she blogs on pelvic floors and has some good advice about exercise including pilates.

[chutneypig]

I'd agree that pilates is different from other classes and if you could get to classes, at least for a while, that would be very beneficial. I also do a yoga class and get more from my class than I do at home, but don't feel it's as central to getting it right as I do for pilates. I've got some very good yoga DVDs but none of my pilates ones really work for me.

[patterkiller]

A local studio ran a master class afternoon where technique was taught, it's soooo important with Pilates or you could hurt yourself or just be ineffective.

Most Pilates instructors will do a 121 session which would be worth doing a few times before you try home alone.

My recollection of technique is you need a wee, you need a poo and your about to be punched in the tummy, but relax to 30%. Keep that core tight.

[lavendersun]

Stott Pilates DVDs are very good, yes a class is better but Stott is good, if you go for a DVD start at the most basic level offered, read a basic book a few times before you attempt anything, have a go at breathing, you need to learn how to breathe and when to breath.

I think it can be done if you go very slowly and equip yourself with a basic technique book and a decent beginner dvd.

[Penguin13]

Thanks all for your replies. I did manage to go to a few mumilates classes so I have some idea but I stopped going as I felt guilty that DD was basically plonked on a mat beside me and not involved at all.

I think having reflected on the advice that I probably do need a class at least initially to get a solid basis to work from. Hopefully once I have grasped the basics I can start doing some more self study/practice.

I