Hi everyone!
We all have problem areas I am sure and mine has to be the rear upper thigh/saddlebag/ lower glute area (don't know if it has a name). I do 30 mins pilates every other day and sometimes supplement with extra clamshells, fire hydrants and donkey kicks. I've even bought ankle weights to see if it helps with those exercises.
What I am aiming for is long, slim and lean rather than muscle-y, akin to what 'typical' yoga and pilates silhouette achieves. I watched endless youtube videos on muscle activation and am not getting anywhere.
I seem to have bulked up my hamstrings and upper inner thigh somehow and my jeans now look tighter and more uncomfortable which is so disheartening as I am working hard on myself. In addition to that, my glutes, upper thigh area and saddlebags are not going anywhere.
I am very hesitant using weights because in my mind, weight=bulk and bulk is what I definitely do not want :)
Not sure if the following helps:
I'm 5"5 , a size 8-10 and have started pilates every other day since end of Feb this year.
I have done pilates once a week before for about 4 years and I thoroughly enjoy it. I have had to stop due family circumstances and life to in the way. But 2020 is supposed to be the year I go back to prioritising my health and fitness and so here I am.
I am worried my form is wrong or that I am missing a trick here.
Does anyone here have any advice?