Questions about PILATES and exercise

[CheekyLady]

Hello,

Thank you for stopping by and reading this through.

Some background information: I've started to watch my diet a while ago more intently and started to go to 60 min aerobic classes about 5 times a week. I'm mostly aiming at getting into better shape and wanting to feel fitter and not to lose all my excess weight in an irrealistically and/or unhealthly short period of time. I've been doing well with about -2 pounds a week during the summer so far and feeling generally more energetic, getting the routine done with less effort, so I feel to be on a good track with focusing on long term goals.

However, I've noticed while I can keep up by now with the aerobic class program, some of the aerobic exercises are too much for my joints on a regular basis at my present weight. So I've been looking for alternative as well as more inexpensive exercise methods for home.

I've been recently thinking about buying a Winsor Pilates DVD colllection. The promises it makes seem great, but when don't they, right?

I'm looking for real life comments now, from people who haven't been payed to advertise it, either about pilates in general or in particular about said DVD collection.

Do you happen to have one at home?

Ever tried pilates?

What were your experiences and results?

Would you recommend it?

Would you recommend it to me, considering the above mentioned facts?

I'd be happy about any other exercise methods or suggestions you might have and are willing to share.

Please note: I'm particulary looking for tips on exercise here, not weight loss diet. Diet is something I know enough/ too much about and can handle well.

Your input is very much appreciated.


ChL

 

[Sarojaede]

Honestly, I think the best thing about pilates is that they are low impact while also being lengthening and stretching exercises. I think if you are having stress on your knees from the aerobics, pilates would be a good option to switch too.

I, personally, haven't purchased or used the Winsor Pilates DVD collection, but I do have several pilates DVDs produced by GAIAM. They are all pretty good and easily available at places like Target, Wal-Mart, or Meijer. My favorite of the GAIAM DVDs is the one focusing on using arm rings. I also have a set of Denise Austin's pilates DVDs that someone gave me. Overall the DVDs are good, but something about Denise Austin grates on my nerves occassionally.

You might also look into some yoga DVDs since yoga is relatively low impact and it's both strengthening and toning. GAIAM also produces some really good yoga videos. There is a great book by Megan Garcia called Mega Yoga ; the book focuses specifically on yoga for curvier women.

Finally, another area you might look into is Tai Chi, a low impact martial arts. My father-in law practices Tai Chi every day and teaches Tai Chi classes 4 days a week. He specifically chose Tai Chi after years of studying other martial arts because the stress wasn't as great on his body, specifically his knees and his back.

 

[DeviantMarine]

Daisy has a tape called Stripilates. Now thats entertainment.

 

[CheekyLady]

Daisy has a tape called Stripilates. Now thats entertainment.

I absolutely believe you, Marine. I'm sure you practice it often.


Sarojaede, thank you for the great ideas. I am not necessarily looking for a low input exercise program, but more something that helps to tone and increas endurance, without putting too much pressure on my knees.

I have tried yoga before, but I found it not active enough for my taste. I must admit I know very little about Tai Chi, but it sounds like something worth to investigate for later years. Thanks for the suggestions.

Still looking forward to learning about any pilates experiences.

ChL

 

[Saucyminx]

Hi CL,

I've been doing 2 pilates classes a week for about 2 years now, plus i do some on my own. I don't know anything about the the Windsor dvds. My suggestion is that before you make a big investment monetarily--go find a class somewhere and take one to see if you like it.

I love it. I had been doing aerobics, dance and step, for 8 years. Pilates is the first thing that made a difference so quickly. It also makes me feel better, looser, more relaxed. And it is a challenge, it isn't easy--it makes you sweat.

So i say go for it and good luck!

M

 

[Reba67]

I like pilates, although I haven't tried the specific one you mentioned. It took me a little bit to even get through all of the video(s) I have purchased, but what I would do is try to get a little bit farther each time through it. It's good strengthing and toning stuff, but if your body's not used to it, you will be sore.

My personal favourites right now are by Jennifer Kries. I never feel inadequate while I'm doing them where with some other videos, I feel like a schmuck because I can't keep up/reach far enough/bend far enough/do enough repetitions. Jennifer is often saying something like "if you can only go this far, that's okay" or "if you want to take this further, try this".

 

[CheekyLady]

Thank you

Thanks for the opinions. I will try some pilates classes first probably. it was very good idea.

 

[Cathleen]

I bought the Pilates platform years back thru QVC. It's big and clumsy and cost a lot, especially since the prices and mfg changed.

I love yoga because of the breath and it's calming effect while stretching and toning. I did try Tai Chi and didn't like it as much because it was constant movement. (I'll try it another time.) It might be perfect for you.

I have a few dvds for both Pilates and yoga and find myself using the one that incorporates both when practicing at home. I go to a yoga classe once a week and try for two.

I'd suggest trying things out before making a significant purchase.

 

[Noor]

I have a pilates performer, yes its big and clunky and I paid way more than they go for now. I go through perioids of using it. I actually enjoy doing it and it really does make a difference, it just takes up room and I sometimes use it as a hat stand.

My schedule is such that I can barely make it to a belly dance class once a week, so a pilates mat class is out of the question.

I also walk a fair bit every day, but if i could I would as add swimming. You might try walking, adding steps and hills after a bit to strengthen your knees.

I started using pilates in physical therapy and it really helped. They say 10 sessions makes a big difference.