exercise :- pilates

[cazboldy]

I am thinking of starting to go to a local pilates class, and don't really know what you need, what you have to do etc
any advice?
TIA

doesn't anybody do pilates????

obviously not

I did until recently. It's great - they will provide everything. Wear socks to keep your feet warm and clothes you can move in. Most people use joggers or tracksuit bottoms, a vest or t shirt and something over it. You may not want to take the top layer off for a long time if at all, as you don't work up much of a sweat in Pilates.

Thank you elasticwoman......great name - is it a reflection on the pilates?

can I ask what you think the main benefit of it is?

Pilates is a great form of exercise that works on all groups of muscles in your whole body. It is great for muscle tone, posture and balance.
I used to work for one of the first women to start teaching it in the States. She was slim and had amazing muscle tone, and had never lifted a weight in her life.
If you have not done anything like it before I would start with a beginner class to see how you get along

thanks BandofMothers - it is a beginners class.

I've lifted weights in a Pilates class. But in a different one I used a Stability Ball, so not all Pilates classes are the same. It's good to start in a beginner's class. I found it had a good effect on my abdominal muscles. The class consisted of women of every age from 20s to 60s. I'm sure if you go along the teacher will extol every virtue of the regime.

And btw Caz, my name refers to giving birth (in water) to huge baby without needing any stitches afterwards. Long before I discovered Pilates.

I need a yoga mat for my class (in a very rustic village hall) and have just invested in a small exercise ball (size of small cushion) as have progressed to doing the exercises whilst desperately wobbling on said ball.

lol elasticwoman well done
am hoping to tighten my tummy - if that is at all possible after 5 dc!
Also heard it's very good for core muscle strength and balance, which should help with breaking in my young horse!
think i will give the lady a ring and see about starting in jan