Pilates

[Wishimaywishimight]

I have just started doing Pilates, got a beginners DVD. It's a 30 day programme and I'm loving it so much. Usually I do Hiit, kettle bells etc (approx 30 - 40 min DVDs every morning then either 30 min walk, 30 mins on stationery bike in the evening) so not totally unfit but already I feel better, like my joints are free-er and more flexible if that's possible! Just wondering what the benefits of Pilates are? I'm 51 btw.

I'd say pure pilates is about strength and toning. It's small movements isolating muscle groups, it's a lot about control so being able to move one area without another moving too eg with toe taps your legs in table top and nothing in your trunk moves.

I think more pilates now incorporates some flexibility work aswell - it's good to have a balance.

I've been doing 1:1 pilates with a great teacher and my learning has been... Things can look very easy but if you're doing them right oh my god! So intense

Good luck with your dvd!

What DVD are you doing? I am
Missing my regular Pilates class so much!

Was going to ask the same- what DVD are you using? I'm thinking about getting into Pilates.

I've watched YouTube stuff but all the chat between exercises! I sort of need a 'how to' followed by a proper routine.

I'm doing pilates classes twice a week on Zoom. Have been doing classes since January and I've noticed that I am becoming stronger especially in my core. It doesn't seem to have a massive effect on my weight/fat but my body is feeling more comfortable.

For me it's about staying flexible as I get older and balancing myself out. I tend to favour one side due to old injuries so doing pilates helps strengthen my week side.

As well as benefits mentioned above it also helps a great deal with posture. Poor posture is something that makes people look much older than they need to.

I have had twice weekly Pilates sessions since last autumn, which have only just restarted.
It was to work on a sore knee which it has definitely helped with, my whole body was lopsided it turns out.
It is also slowly helping with a poor posture caused by decades of a large chest on a small ribcage.
Finally it is recreating core strength after a c section over a decade ago.
Gradually my body is gaining muscle definition and straightening out.
But it is hard work during the sessions and I often gently ache the day afterwards!

@ThePickleMan, the DVD is called Pilates: 30 days to flat abs with Caroline Sandry. Every day is a different programme so starts with 1 session per day and works up to 4. There are about 6/7 different segments, every day is a different combo so great variety, really enjoying it.

@Miljea, this DVD has a tutorial section which I found great as a beginner and there is absolutely no chat/time wasting!

Thanks x

Thank you, I’ll look for the DVD!

I have a subscription to Fiit and have started doing the Pilates classes on there. They’re harder than I thought, make my abs burn! Seeing results though so very pleased with that

Thanks for the recommendation OP. I bought the 30 days to total body tone dvd. I started yesterday and really like it - as you say, no chat or time wasting which is a plus. I’m not going to follow the 30 day plan as I won’t have time for up to 50 minutes at a time but I can definitely do two of the 10 minute sections a day which will be enough I think.

I’ve done a fair amount of Pilates over the years, lots of different dvds and I did proper studio Pilates with STOTT equipment (trapeze table, reformer, chair) for a few years in my 30s. It’s great for strengthening and toning and can be very challenging done properly with good form.

I have a couple of Gaiam Pilates dvds which give a classic Pilates mat workout (original exercises in the correct sequence) though they don’t seem to sell these any more.

I did an intermediate class via zoom yesterday, with the teacher who I’ve been with for nearly 8 years. I had DOMS so bad this morning!
But I did enjoy doing the boomerang for the first time!