Anyone here done Pilates?

[pln]

Hi there,

It seems weekends on TV are full of nothing but infomercials
about Pilates videos.

I had my ds in September and am already at pre-preg weight,
but still have many inches to go before getting back to a pre-
preg belly. I am wondering if Pilates could help?

Any mamas with personal experiences to share?

Thanks,

Priya

[Teensy]

I take a Pilates mat class which I really like. I am definitely firmer than I was when I began. I haven't done any of the videos though I hear the Windsor ones are good.

I would recommend doing Pilates - I think I am stronger than I have ever been.

[brandywine]

Pilates can be nearly impossible for a truly heavy person-there's just too much girth in the way for me to get into the positions required. I know some smaller people who have had great results, though. I do better with more standard stuff like pushups, situps, hand weights.

[Worldshakerz]

I would have to agree with brandywine. It would definitely depend on what size you are and how fit you are. Right now I'm at 221lbs on a 5'10" frame and there are a lot of the exercises I can't do at all. I have the Winsor Pilates DVD's and I've tried them a couple of times but I just got really discouraged. I'm do plan on trying again once I've lost some weight...today I just started a basic weight training work with free weights and that works a lot better for me right now.

[chevy974]

I am 5'9 and 190 and i enjoy pilates. But i also love Walk away the pounds especially if you are a bit heaviier. its easy and not to rough on your joints.

Amy

[Levi's Mom]

I bought the Winsor Pilates DVD and really enjoy it. For "Maximum Weightloss" she recommends the 50 min Advanced pilates workout 5 days a week. HA! I do the first 20 mins of that, 5 x's a week. There is a 20 min workout in the set, but the first 20 mins of the "Advanced" version have the same exercises as the 20 min, but more rigorous and more reps. I can't do some of the positions, like the rollover, hurts my back. But other than that I love it! I ache on the weekends, my time "off."




Sarah

[Melissa S]

I do Winsor Pilates as well. I do the 20min one 3x per week in addition to a low impact aerobic tape I have on video 3x per week. I do it all in one sitting. When I started I was 2 mo. postpartum, 190lbs and 5'3. There were a few exercises I couldn't do for awhile. The reasons were; I was too heavy and wide to get into some of the positions, I was not very strong, I was not very flexible, I was not very co-ordinated. However, I did the modified versions they demonstrate until I lost about 15lbs and worked my way up in streng and flexibility to the more difficult ones. I can tell you that I'm glad I stuck with it. I'm feeling so limber and strong that I would continue for the sense of empowerment and mastery of my body, even if I did not lose anymore weight. BTW, total loss has been 25 lbs. This week I actually plan on beginning the 50min work out. I'm feeling like I have a firm enough grasp on the 20 min one to begin something more challenging. I've come a long way since not even being able to grab my ankles for the "roll up", lol.

I wish you the best in your quest for an appropriate workout regime for your needs.

God bless,
Melissa

[Levi's Mom]

Congrats on the weightloss, Melissa! I hope I can lose that much too.

Do you find the "rollover" relaxing? Mari says it's supposed to be, but I find it to be work.

Sarah

[Melissa S]

Sarah wrote:
Do you find the "rollover" relaxing? Mari says it's supposed to be, but I find it to be work.


Yes, I do now. I did the modified version for quite some time. This was one that I couldn't pull my weight up until I got to about 180lbs. It was like magic! One day I couldn't do it and I had been in the middle of moving to a new house and lost an extra 5lbs. When I tried that exercise again I could do it properly and keep my legs on the floor. It's been alot of work but in the last few weeks it's really become easy to do. So I guess when there's very little effort required anymore it is relaxing. At the end of the set I still start to feel it so if I did more reps it would be more work It's been really good to help my little pouch start to dissappear.

Melissa

[KiwiZ]

I had a c-section and a VBAC and regular crunches didn't work (to get rid of that part that sticks out just below the belly button). But Pilates did! I didn't know you could get a flat tummy after 2 babies, but I am living proof! And if I can do it, so can you! I used Denise Austin videos (but there are tons of others too) for the Pilates. I also alternated days of cardio, weights and yoga to keep it interesting and to make my whole body healthy

[Melissa S]

KiwiZ:

It's good to know there's hope for the tummy pouch! LOL.

M

[chevy974]

i do windsor and i have to say I can NOT do the seal. My dh walkede in seeing me do it and asked if i was ok lol:
But i do feel refreshed after wards.

Amy

[Melissa S]

What is your problem with the seal? When I started I just couldn't keep rolled back long enough to beat my heals three times so I'd be like, beating and rolling back already. Now that my tummy is stronger I can do it.

Those DH's! Mine has watched me and critiqued my form through the whole thing! Talk about intimidating! "You're not supposed to bend your knees" and "tuck your head under more", blah, blah, blah....

Melissa

[chevy974]

i am not sure what my problem is with the seal I am guessing my center is not strong enough yet. Plus i have a very weak back and neck so i am hoping to strenghten them both.

amy

[pln]

Thanks so much for the feedback! That tummy pouch
is EXACTLY what I need help with, not so much pounds.


Does the 20 min. alone 5X per week seem to help with
the tummy pouch or do you REALLY have to do the
50 min? (For those of you who liked Pilates...)

Priya

[Violeta]

Pilates is great!!!

[Melissa S]

20min 3x per week has helped! Along with the low impact aerobic 30min 3x per week.

Melissa