Pilates .. give me your success stories

[Jacksback]

Just that really , I am interested in starting and I know it’s good for core ( and other places) but I would like to hear how you all got on

[BoxFox]

I’ve been very impressed, and I hate exercise.

There’s loads of classes around, but you’ve got to be picky.

Teacher recommended by my physio is ex NHS professional, max 14 in class, demonstrates then constantly walks round checking and tweaking.

It’s helped a lot with core strength (years of back pain gone), also keeps joints mobile. If I miss a couple of weeks I can feel my hip stiffening and my limp returning. I daren’t stop now!

[damekindness]

Have to say that I've done a couple of classes now and get complete back pain relief for at least that day. Ive been mixing it up with yoga and seems to be doing the trick.

[dameofdilemma]

It's a great form of exercise for recovery from injuries and preventing injuries (by building core strength and focusing on posture, protecting the back etc).

Its not a substitute in my view for cardio exercise so best mixed up with cardio and resistance training.
Running + pilates can be the ideal combination.

[Jacksback]

Thanks for your comments , I do have a darcy dvd .. so will try that first and then go to a class

[MsMartini]

I started Pilates in January to help rehab a shoulder injury and to my great surprise I love it! I do lots of strength training and some cardio, and think it complements those brilliantly. Once a week, I really stretch everything out, and focus on slow controlled movements and good form. My core is definitely stronger too.

[WrongKindOfFace]

I go because it’s good for my back, but I can’t day I enjoy it. However, my stomach looks slightly flatter so I’ll suck it up.

[Freefalling123]

I started about 3 months ago, and it definitely has improved my core. I started yoga first but all the trying to stand on one leg whilst contorting into weird shapes isn’t for me.
I have had two knee surgeries, and can manage pretty much all the exercises, if I can’t my instructor knows my history, and comes and gives me something else to try, usually on my back vs kneeling.

[ThursdayLastWeek]

I have been attending a mat class for over 6 years and I love it. In my 20s I had constant lower back pain that doesn’t flare up anything like as much and my stomach is stronger after two c sections than it ever has been!

Agree with a PP to look into and be picky about your instructor. And you have to be prepared for the long haul to affect change - it’s not immediate.
IME gym based classes have very little in common with classical pilates and I get nothing from them.

It’s a really good way to get to know your body and a practical form of exercise to help you into middle/older age.

[chatwoo]

I do reformer pilates and actually quite enjoy it I am not a big fan of exercise, but I'm slowly changing that.

Haven't been doing it frequently / long enough to notice big changes, but posture definitely improved.

[Jacksback]

I feel I want to do reformer , I have a belly that makes me look pregnant, ( too old for that ) no waist to speak of ) and back pain on occasion . When I pull in all my stomach muscles really hard it looks so much better , but would like to look more like that witjout the bug pull in ifswim

[Jacksback]

Big pull in

[Redcrayons]

I did it a few years ago for about 18 months and it was fab for my lower back pain. Don’t remember my stomach being particularly flat but I’ve always had a pot belly.
Unfortunately the teacher went on mat leave and never came back. I’d love to start it again, but I can’t find a class to fit in with DCs stuff.
Give it a go.

[unwravellingagain]

Yes, it has helped with my belly, but as everyone else has said, this takes time - I didn't notice any change for 9 months or so, doing one class a week, and only after a year did it really start to make a difference.

I do reformer and I do think it is better at isolating muscles and working on your weakest areas.

[madaboutrunning]

I've been doing Pilates on and off for years, and I love it. It keeps me strong and mobile and flexible for my running, and I also enjoy the headspace time. TBH I don't consciously notice the differences any more when I go, but if I miss a week or two, I can really tell that I haven't been.

I'd strongly suggest you go to a class as it's really important to learn to do it properly. If you can, find one led by a specialist Pilates teacher. Some of the classes in big gyms can be run by the general fitness staff of the gym and whilst some of them can be OK, others are not. If you want to do reformer, you'll have to find a specialist.

[fedup21]

Can anyone recommend any You Tube type Pilates videos to watch?

[Snog]

My 80 year old mother has done for Pilates once a week for about 3 years now, it has hugely improved her posture and also really helped her with her hip replacement op.

[Supersimkin2]

Pilates fixed my back, previously A Hopeless Case. I'm one of the only 50-somethings I know who doesn't get back pain.

Took 3 min to learn how to do pelvic tuck, just do it a bit on the bus daily and while slobbing on sofa.

Pilates is a century old and just brilliant.

[Yolande7]

I really like this instructor:

[funmummy48]

Another 50+ person who's solved her sore back problems with Pilates. I find it mind numbingly boring but stick at it as I was prone to sciatica before I started Pilates 3 years ago. It's wonderful not waking up aching any more.

[singymummy]

I haven't done it for year but really should get back into it.

I used to do the Pilates dvd, loved it so much did it around 5 days a week at one point, my back problems (from large breasts & office job) seriously decreased, I started to get abs and my body was toned and slim but still shaped!
I loved Pilates!

[ByeByeMissAmericanPie]

Not the most exciting hour of my week, but it’s worth it to keep everything flexible.