Anyone do Pilates?

[emily_in_nc]

I just started a Pilates class offered by our new fitness prime at work who has been teaching for ten years. I absolutely love it and can already feel increased strength/control in my core after only three classes. It's so nice to be able to do a "real" workout at lunchtime that doesn't require a shower afterwards, but leaves me feeling good for the rest of the day. I have a long way to go and am in awe of the instructor's strength and control, but I am so happy I tried this!

(Best of all, the class is free! )

[Miranda]

I used to do this class, but now I have some other med issues that I can't do all the class moves, so I don't go *sigh*. But, I still do one of the best ab exercises that I learned in that class that stays within my limitations... what a killer! The things I learned to do in that class certainly helped to strengthen my core for the bike. I don't know if your teacher does this, but... the last part of class was a relaxation technique that involved laying on the floor, lights out, and contracting and releasing each muscle group. Talk about feeling cleansed afterwards. Good for you being able to attend.

[redrhodie]

I take mat Pilates at the Y. I love it, but haven't been going as much as I'd like. You're very lucky to have this lunchtime option! I think it's the perfect partner to cycling.

[NbyNW]

I was doing pilates 2x a week when I was in grad school and now once a week now that I'm working. That mid-week session really gets me through the week and gets me unstuck from my chair! It was also a great compliment to PT when I was re-habbing an injury.

I'm normally very lazy about situps/core work so piltates has worked very well for me.

[tulip]

I started Pilates about 4 years ago on the advice of my chiropractor. I was having terrible hip and lower back problems. Pilates has helped tremendously, and has made me stronger and slimmer. I had a very good teacher in DC who was excellent at giving me modifications for my various aches and pains. I do Pilates on my own now, but when my stupid gym membership runs out in December, I'm going to take classes at a local Pilates studio.

[jobob]

I recently started taking mat classes at a studio near my workplace and I'm really enjoying it.

[Blueberry]

I've been working with a friend who has done Pilates for years. She's awesome - and I do love the exercises. I can tell a big difference in how well I can do the moves from week to week. Very cool.

I do have a questions - has anybody used the Pilates ring? Does it help? Just curious

CA

[tulip]

Ah, the Magic Circle. Yes it adds quite a workout. They come in different resistance levels. We don't use it all the time, just to mix things up once in a while and for an added challenge.

[OakLeaf]

You can use the ring a lot of different ways, to add resistance for the core; to work arms and legs; and as an aid to alignment.

[Zen]

We use a small ball, about the size of a large grapefruit.

[emily_in_nc]

I haven't used the ring (or even seen one), but am still doing the mat class religiously, and still love it!

I can really tell a difference in strength and flexibility since I started. I'm hooked! Also doing a yoga class one day a week and did my first backbend since high school yesterday! Woohoo...