Pilates

I’m thinking of going to a pilates class at my gym, but I don’t want to waste my time. Anyone know if its all hype or does doing pilates really help to tone you up?

Depending on your instructor and what you do in the class it can REALLY help.

I took a course for several months called Power Yogalates which was a really intense yoga/pilates class that lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes. Rather than focusing on meditation, it was really just an exercise class.

I would be exhausted 15 minutes into it and feel like jello the next day. I really recommend pilates based on that.

Thanks a lot! Did you see any difference in your body?

Yes. I am somewhat toned anyways, but I could tell.

Pilates is also one of the exercises that is easy to do at home. Get a good video and a stability ball and mat, and you’re good to go while the little one is napping!

Great for the core, will keep you away from back pain forever.

Totally!. Fix the core and fix the whole. Pilates is sweeping right across the nation to every gym.. Everyone is talking about it that I know. It has taken off where yoga finished.

BodyBalance is a good yoga/pilates class. It got my heart racing while standing still, and I could feel my stomach muscles hurt for a day or two!

What is BodyBalance? Is it a video or just a program.

It all depends on what you are expecting your class to do. pilates does tone the muscles which is great. If you are looking for it to tone, then it is a good strength training tool. If you are looking for it to also get rid of some body fat, that is less likely to happen. For the fat you need to do more aerobic type exercises that helps get your heart rate going to burn more calories. I love pilates, but it is not my only thing I do to exercise. Make sure you balance it with aerobic and you can reap maximal benefits.

Yeah I was just going to take a class maybe once or twice a week. I do my cardio EVERYDAY along with strength training. I just have a problem w not having only one cheat day, but a few so my weight goes all over the place. I exercise everyday and don’t lose weight really, but it falls off when I start eating right consistently. I have really got to become more disciplined when it comes to my nutrition!!!!!!!!!!

Pilates is great for changing a routine up a bit. There is a hell of alot more strength involved that people might think.

Hey Melissa,
Let me know how you like your class. I’ve got Pilates on my list of things to do, too. I have friends and co-workers who swear by it and yoga. It does seem to be a great way to strengthen your core, and a strong core has many benefits besides looking more toned …

I love Pilates! I especially loved it when I was dancing because it kept me strong and limber. It takes a lot of core strength. And it has helped me with some of my back problems. It’s worth a shot!

Yes it really does work! At my gym they have this class called fitness pilates so it is just as good as a daily workout. It really helps work on your core and help tone your muscles. I am always extremely tired after the class and really feel like I did a good workout. I also feel like a did a better workout in pilates then I do by myself when I do cardio because you have the instructor there helping to push you and motivate you. I definitely feel pilates really helps you to gain muscle tone and help strengthen your core.

First I think I should give you a little background on Pilates. The Pilates training system was developed in the 1920s by a German physical trainer named Joseph Pilates. He designed the program to help strengthen the body’s core and it does work. Pilates training will help in developing pelvic stability and abdominal control and controlled breathing patterns. If performed properly the exercises require intense concentration and can either be performed on a mat on the floor or on specialized equipment. The exercises are performed in a slow, controlled manner while using proper body mechanics and focusing on stability . The intent of this system is to improve muscle tone and lengthen the muscles to have a more lean and limber body. If performed correctly you will see improvements in flexibility, muscle tone, posture, spinal support, body balance, lower back health and awareness of mind and body. So I wouldn’t think it would be a waste of time. It may be a fine addition to your routine. So I would recommend trying out the class and seeing what you think.

@Keith BodyBalance is the Les Mills version of Pilates/Yoga. Les Mills develops group fitness lessons which you can follow at Fitness centers all over the world. Check LesMills.com.

If you just want to see if you like it before signing up, try checking out a video from the library or on YouTube.