Pilates

Does anyone do pilates? Where do you go? Tell me about your results...Thanks!!

Re: Pilates

I never got into them but I hear they are great way to "lengthen and lean" your muscles. I am not sure if it is considered cardio but probably more of a strength training.

Re: Pilates

I did it for about a year, and it worked wonders. I didn't have weight to lose, I just wanted to shape up. I bought a bunch of tapes and books (Kathy Smith tapes, a Denise Austin book, and a bunch more I forget right now) and did it all at home. My weight stayed the same, but I became more flexible, coordinated & balanced, my posture improved, and my stomach got flat for the first time ever (crunches never worked for me).

Pilates really makes you aware of your body, kind of like yoga. So you carry yourself differently throughout the day, and your movements become more graceful over time, leading people to think you look "longer and leaner".

If you want to throw some aerobics into the mix, I really really like Crunch Fitness's "Fat Burning Pilates" tape. You don't break a heavy sweat, but you get your body moving for 30 minutes doing Pilates-inspired moves (lots of squats, lifting up on one leg, etc.) and then have a 10 minute Pilates floor session for your core (abs & back). You can probably find the VHS of this on ebay or half.com for like $4. It's great!

Re: Pilates