Pilates - Advice please!

[sleepfinder]

I've been told Pilates is the best way of strengthening the abs after childbirth and my GP has recommended I go to a class to learn how to do it properly and then do it at home every day.

Has anyone tried this and does it work? I have done yoga before and aerobics but never pilates - and I am not sure what they entail, other than having some vague idea its like calenetics?

any advice greatly appreciated!!!

bump - anyone? please, I really need the advice...

I love it.

If you have done yoga it will sem familiar. There is a lot of focus on breathing and engaging the correct muscles. It works wonders for your core muscle group.

It is very gentle - nothing like aerobics - I didn't trust it did anything to begin with as I felt like I'd spent most of the half hour lying there pretending to blow out a candle. It kind of makes you aware of this muscle group and how you use them. Don't know if I am explaining well so ask me if I am not. Make sure you have a good instructor and tell them how long it was since you had your baby.

A new body pump style craze is body balance so this might suit you too. It uses yoga and pilates to music for a kind of stretching routine and sun salutation.

I have a dvd that is quite good too but I only really do it if I make myself go to a class.

Fantastic, thank you. I love the idea of "pretending to blow out a candle"

I would really recommend going to a class to start with. For Pilates there is quite a lot involved in getting it right and understanding how you do it rather than just copying. You really need a teacher to watch and correct you, especially if your aim is to strengthen specific muscles rather than just exercise generally, like you might with, say, aerobics.

Your GP is right, once you've learnt some techniques you can do them on your own easily. Also your teacher will be able to recommend groups of exercises that don't take too long, thereby helping you fit it into your day in the longer term.

Thanks Catilla. Good advice.

I would definitely recommend Pilates.

I started a class when my DS was about 9m old as I still had niggling pains from SPD and some lower back ache. It improved dramatically! It concentrares on strengthening the core muscles and makes you focus on your posture.

I go once a week (I had every intention of doing some at home too but I'm just too lazy ). The teacher is very good -she has a physio background so is experienced in dealing with specific problems and can advise accordingly. Ask around for recommendations for a good teacher.

Good luck

so many positive responses - thank you!

sleepfinder, ensure that it is a small group.

As pilates is such exact, precise, controlled movements, you really need alot of the teachers attention, the occassional tap on the shoulder, nudging your leg etc, makes a HUGE difference, to you getting your positioning correct.

I've done it for nearly a year now, and its great, very relaxing, but it works! You think it is so subtle, but oh boy you notice it the next day. I notice MAJOR improvements if I practice during the lessons. Just 15 mins before bedtime or something.

I prefer it to Yoga, definitely.

I have just had my hour long one on one pilates class and it was incredible.

. Lucky you.

that's great sleepfinder - was it like we described? I was going to go today but was too windy to bike. I should make more effort though - when is your next class? Are you going to do stuff at home as well? Let me know if you notice any difference.