Pilates

[scrub-jay]

I want to get my body back to status quo before baby 2.0, so I signed up for an intro package at a nearby (well-rated) Pilates gym (it involves 2 group classes and 4 private lessons). Anyone out there do this regularly? What is a good long-term goal for Pilates, should I do mat or reformer classes, what is the difference? Will this actually help me find my abdominal muscles again? (I miss them...)

Love any insights, I like to go into new things feeling somewhat prepared. I'm honestly a little afraid that I'll be laughed out of the building with my not-pilates or gymnast or dancer body. **eek**

[HouseofWool]

I love pilates and have always done floor classes. The instructors I used had the class moving fast enough that it was a cardio workout as well.

I love it & I give it 85% of the credit for my weight loss / shape gain. I do reformer. IMO, if you don't already have core strength, mat will be too hard & frustrating. Reformer does make some (a lot) of things harder, but it also allows you to do exercises that you wouldn't otherwise be able to do w/o the aid of the straps. YES, it will help you find your abs. I have muscles I never knew I had. I move differently now. I stand differently now. I call myself the pilates evangelist because I love it so.

FWIW, if you're able to convert your privates into groups and thereby get more (but still reformer) do that. Reformer is always done in small groups (no studio will have 20 reformers in one room). My classes are 5 max, so you still get a lot of personal attention.

[SoonerTexan]

I've done countless mat classes and a semester of reformer classes (4 people to a class, 3x week). I liked reformer WAY more--it's the only exercise I've every completely enjoyed. Bottom line, though...it's way to expensive for me at this stage of my life. Group classes in Dallas are $40-$60 a class. Mat classes are much cheaper.

Pilates really is awesome, though. Just the basic knowledge of how to align yourself, etc has been very useful and saved a lot of pain.

[Thirteen]

I've just done mat only. Great stuff, even if all you can get ahold of are DVDs, do it!
Also, Crystal --- say what now?
Baby 2.0?

[scrub-jay]

I've just done mat only. Great stuff, even if all you can get ahold of are DVDs, do it!
Also, Crystal --- say what now?
Baby 2.0?

I was waiting for the enabler... No, we are not pregnant, we are still enjoying dd immensely. We are beginning the weaning *sob* process and I'd like to drop the baby weight and get some strength before we start trying for 2.0. After some recent discussion, I told DH I'd really like to feel healthier and like "me" again before donating my body to "mom-duty" for another 2 years. We're still discussing the best age spread for our family.

I love Pilates. I think reformer (or other equipment) classes are much better for beginners, as the equipment will really guide movement and help you learn to do the exercise properly. Once you identify the muscles you should be using for each exercise, you can take it to the mat. The only drawback is that reformer classes are usually much more expensive since class size is necessarily limited by the number of pieces of equipment in the studio.

Starting with private lessons sounds fabulous, but it's not a big deal to be a beginner in a group class either. Everyone is on a separate reformer or mat, and the teacher should walk around to offer corrections/suggestions to everyone. You'll mostly be doing repetitions of various movements. The teacher should describe exactly how you position yourself for each exercise as you start, like in a yoga or dance class.

Most classes are not really cardio-intensive, so it is different from a traditional work-out in that respect. Some exercises (like reformer jumping, my fave!) will get your heart rate up, and you may perspire a bit from exertion, but the challenge of Pilates is more from muscles burning than exhaustion. Probably not the greatest exercise if you're looking to improve endurance, but I firmly believe that people should not run unless they are being chased by danger... so that's never really something I've tried to work on.

What it will do: tone and tighten, improve flexibility, perfect posture and alignment. You will re-discover your abs really quickly. It will make you feel sculpted and fabulous. Yay, you! Have fun!

[Pollyanna]

I liked reformer WAY more--it's the only exercise I've every completely enjoyed. Bottom line, though...it's way to expensive for me at this stage of my life. Group classes in Dallas are $40-$60 a class. Mat classes are much cheaper.

Yes, this. Price is what keeps it a regular exercise for me. Of the various types of pilates, Fletcher Pilates is my favorite for both mat and reformer. Here is a link to a list of instructors if you are interested: http://www.fletcherpilates.com/fletchteacher_2.php
Have fun!!!

[scrub-jay]

Thanks guys! It sounds like this is exactly what I need to be doing. ST - those prices are crazy high (is that per class?)! Here, group mat classes are roughly $15-20 and most of the reformer classes are $25. Since I showed an interest in reformer, most of the studios require at least 1-2 private lessons to learn how to not injure yourself during classes. Will this be extremely tight moneywise? Probably, but DH pointed out that I am really frugal and we are spending a ridiculous amount on him (out of state, mind you) so I should just try it out and we'd make it work if I loved it. The package was a really really good deal, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I can lose my weight with calorie reduction, but I want to use this to tone primarily. Selu - I agree with you on running, completely.

I love the feedback, I have my first session next Monday, so I'll let you know what I think.

Thanks guys! It sounds like this is exactly what I need to be doing. ST - those prices are crazy high (is that per class?)!

That's not crazy high at all. Pretty standard for reformer. I pay $25/class for group class (on top of my gym membership), and that is BY FAR the best price around. If you're able to get reformer for $25, it's a steal.

FWIW, pilates is known to be an excellent compliment to running as running tightens everything and pilates stretches everything back out.

[scrub-jay]

That's not crazy high at all. Pretty standard for reformer. I pay $25/class for group class (on top of my gym membership), and that is BY FAR the best price around. If you're able to get reformer for $25, it's a steal.

FWIW, pilates is known to be an excellent compliment to running as running tightens everything and pilates stretches everything back out.

That is really good to know. I have been looking at the standalone pilates studios, specifically one that is about 30 seconds from my work. (Lunchtime workout = no childcare needed!) For reference, my intro package was $250 for 4 privates, + 1 mat class + 1 reformer class. Then they have a bunch of different packages, I think 10 reformer (group) classes is $225 and if you buy more, it trims it down further. I think the studio also does unlimited mat classes for $69/month. This is not the cheapest in town (nor the most expensive), but it is the most convenient to my work.

[SoonerTexan]

ST - those prices are crazy high (is that per class?)!

Yep--per class. Those mat classes you posted actually seem very pricy. Most gyms offer mat classes free with a membership, so if you decide to go the mat route, you may want to look at that. Videos are great for mat classes too, once you have done enough "real live" classes to get the hand of it.

I didn't discover that I could take the pilates reformer class at OU multiple times until the last semester of my senior year...and then it was too late. $300 for a SEMESTER of classes. It was golden.

[houseelf]

I'm late to the convo, but two thumbs way up for pilates. My main love is and always has been running for its simplicity, effectiveness, and mental clarity. I've tried it all through the years: climbing, rowing, step, swimming, equipment, etcetera. Nonetheless, I can't believe how good my body feels immediately after pilates class. If you have ever had a massage, it is sort of that same stretched out, clear lungs feeling. I'm cheap and therefore opt for the floor pilates class at the community center with a punch card that costs about $5/class (plus the obnoxious property taxes we pay to live here). I might go all dawktor's wife in the fall and join the local JCC and try reformer pilates.

In my experience Pilates is a kind of combination of strength, stretching, yoga, and dance. It is so good for your frame, core, and back muscles. Love it, love it, love it.

. It is so good for your frame, core, and back muscles. Love it, love it, love it.

And arms. Don't forget arms. You can spot pilates arms from a mile away. Something about the resistance builds a longer muscle, instead of the traditional bulge.

[SuzySunshine]

Ok you guys have convinced me that my new gym in Portland has to be have good and hopefully cheap pilates classes