Pilates - loving it / want to do more at home

[GetItRight321]

At the ripe old age of 57, I've finally got around to trying Pilates. My god I LOVE it. Although I'm reasonably active (walk 15k steps at day, like the outdoors etc) I have never been sporty. Always had issues with my weight and self-esteem. PE was torture at school. Dread the gym etc etc

But, pilates. Wow. Something I'm not terrible at. The first few lessons had me in tears as I was so relieved and surprised to find something I like.

I've tried mat and reformer and think I actually like mat the most, and will concentrate on that. I can only afford / fit in one class per week so I want to get some kit and do some at home in between lessons. I might even be able to fit in a 1 to 1 occasionally.

So, questions:

• the best kit
• the best videos or apps?
• how long / how many times a week at home?

Instagram is currently bombarding me with adverts - so many, that I don't know how to choose and so would rather reach out to Mumsnet to hear people's own thoughts and experience.

Decathlon do nice thick Pilates mats. When starting out you will only really need a long, medium resistance band and a 9 inch soft ball in the way of equipment. A copy of the Pilates Bible would also be a good addition.

As you advance, you can get yourself a Pilates ring, 90 cm foam roller, and two small blue balls.

This book is excellent https://amzn.eu/d/0689XPXt

I did mat work Pilates for years, and am about to start again as I've found a class round the corner from me. We only ever used a soft ball and bands in class.

Darcy bussell has a Pilates class on video / cd
im not sure about utube
her Class is calm and instructive, easy to follow , but you know the following day you have been working hard

I too have come to Pilates later in life and also found it just clicked for me! I really like Jessica valant who has loads of great video workouts on YouTube, plus I think her own app if you want that sort of thing. She’s incredibly encouraging and positive with lots of variations if you’re finding things too hard. Plus she also has lots of 10-20 minute sessions which I can fit into my day nicely. I tend to do a couple of those on days when I don’t get out of the house for a jog.

I started doing live classes in my 60s with Kath Nisbet some years ago and have continued since she wants online during COVID. Its made a huge difference to my physical health. I pay for one live class on Zoom a week and then she sends the recording so you can do the class again if you want: https://headingleypilates.co.uk/.

Thank you for the BOOK recommendations. Proper old school. I do get a bit tired of app for this, app for that etc!

Pilates is great and it’s good to find something you love so it’s easier to keep the consistency! I highly recommend Hollie Grant’s online Pilates? I have joined a gym now so I can’t justify the £18 a month to access her recordings, which I regularly did at home. But it’s well worth the cost, you can easily do them at home with just a mat and a little space, whenever you want. She explains everything very well. It’s fun, low impact but challenging on the muscles. It’s nice not to have the faff of th reformer bed!!

I used to go to Gila Archer's Pilates classes in person, but moved away. Have found lots of pilates classes over the years, but hers were the best by far. She started doing online classes so I'm now able to carry on:

https://www.gilaarcherpilates.com/

She's responsive online, so will offer alternatives if you've an injury or heath condition (I've a long term injury). I'd really recommend her.

I like The Girl With The Pilates Mat on YouTube. She has lots and lots of free content.

Does your local class offer online content? I go to a local class and the instructor (a physiotherapist) also records an online session for people who can't come in person. It's useful to be able to do that in between. Plus, as it's her, I know I can trust it for correct form etc. A lot of the online Pilates stuff is influencer content and their form is dreadful.

Sometimes, I don't bother with the videos though and just repeat the in person class I did, from memory. Or make one up, but obviously that gets easier once you've been doing it a while and know the individual exercises and transitions.

I've been doing katybathpilates for 7 years now, she's really good and had a messive range of classes in her studio. I pay a monthly subscription, but she has videos on YouTube as well to try out and on her Instagram.

I second Gila Archer Pilates. A ‘normal’ woman offering online and weekly online ‘live’ classes through her CORE programme. 100% recommend. She provides constant support and offers incredible programmes to suit your needs, style, level. She’s fun and engaging. Been a life saver for me in my early fifties.

I tend to do reformer pilates with a trainer, but when I'm away, I do her videos. I like that she's a physio and how open and positive she is about her own health issues.

And she looks amazing!

I use the Down Dog app. I got it for £24.99 for a year. It has all sorts including yoga, Pilates, stretching, guided meditation.

I only ever do mat work and don't use any equipment at all.

I have a BetterMe subscription and bought the essential kit. I’m sure the same result can be achieved more cheaply than this route, but I’m really enjoying it. I do it 4-5 times a week.

Another shout for Jessica Valant.

Same here, OP - I have discovered pilates in my 50s and it's given me the improved strength and stability to start running again (after years of failed re-starts, plagued with niggles and injuries). I do a pilates class once a week and tend to do yoga at home, because I know the movements well. I've been wanting to do pilates at home though.

Does anyone have recommendations for particular brands of kit? At my class we use 3 types of band (a small, quite tough circular one, a long easy one and a long tougher one), plus a smallish squishy ball. We also use some sliding disc thingies, but they are the absolute work of the devil, so I don't want to buy any of them .

i love Lottie Murphy’s videos on YouTube. She’s very calm and gentle but still gives you a decent workout.