Anyone do Pilates?

[emily_in_nc]

I LOVE Pilates. I try to do a Stott Pilates DVD at least once a week, and/or whenever I just can't motivate to do an intense workout.

Oakleaf, what DVD would you recommend for a beginner? I'd like to get one to complement the once-a-week class I'm taking.

As for my instructor, she's the head of our fitness center at work (recently hired) and has been teaching Pilates for 10 years. I don't know if that makes her qualified enough, but she is good at explaining modifications to the movements for people with back issues, shoulder issues, and so forth. Before the first class she gave a presentation on the method and talked a lot about Joseph Pilates and the principles of the form. She seemed to know her stuff, so I have been very comfortable with her as an instructor.

[Urlea]

My husband and I went for our second Stott Pilates session yesterday.

I'm not sure if I will enjoy it yet. I'm used to being covered in sweat and worn out after exercise so this is a change. It's definitely work though.

Right now the part that deters me from it is the bad headache I get afterward. Do any of you experience this?

I can't figure out why it's happening. Perhaps I'm forgetting to breathe? Hopefully it will stop happening.

When I was a teen I did the Windsor Pilates videos. I recommend them. After about 10yrs. of not being able to touch my toes and a few months of doing the videos I was able to.

[jobob]

Right now the part that deters me from it is the bad headache I get afterward. Do any of you experience this?

Could you be straining your neck? Make sure to focus on your navel when you raise up your head. Sounds silly, but it works.

I can't figure out why it's happening. Perhaps I'm forgetting to breathe? Hopefully it will stop happening.

That's possible as well. Make sure to talk to your instructor about it.

[jobob]

I was so jazzed at mat class last night. My hamstrings have been really tight but after a month or so of mat classes I can touch my palms to the floor again.

The studio I go to teaches "classic" pilates. I'm not sure what the major differences are between that & Stott & Windsor, etc. But I'm enjoying it and seeing results.

[F8th637]

I just went to a class on Saturday after not having been in QUITE a while and I fatigued my core fairly easily. Yesterday I was REALLY sore but I'm finally recovered.

I get the headaches too but didn't this time around. I think it's because of all the blood rushing in and out of my head from the different exercises. I did also make sure that this time I paid attention to not straining my neck. Maybe that did the trick.

[OakLeaf]

Oakleaf, what DVD would you recommend for a beginner? I'd like to get one to complement the once-a-week class I'm taking.

In the Stott Pilates line, probably "The Secret to Flat Abs" or (a bit more advanced) "Firm & Fit." What I really like about the Stott Pilates DVDs is the warmup section that reinforces the basic principles every workout. What I don't like about them is that they move pretty fast with a lot of the movements. Someone who doesn't have pretty phenomenal control is going to wind up flailing their pelvis quite a bit if they try to keep up with the instructors' pace on some of the exercises (leg circles, both the single leg circles and the side kick leg circles, are the ones that stand out in my mind). My unqualified self would say to do them at your own pace, pause the DVD or just do fewer reps, do them at whatever pace lets you keep the connection between your ribcage, spine and pelvis, and work up to doing them at the DVD's pace.

I also like the Gaiam/Living Arts DVD. That one goes straight into The Hundred without any other warmup, so just be advised if you prefer more of a warmup.

Urlea, yeah, definitely tell your instructor about your headaches. Make sure you're not jamming your chin into your chest, just elongating the back of your neck. A trick that helps me relax my neck - and I have no idea why - is to touch the tip of my tongue to the roof of my mouth while doing the five abdominal series.

[OakLeaf]

also - I was just reviewing one of my DVDs, and she talks about people getting a lot of neck tension because they're not isolating their scapulae and keeping them neutral. If you're not already doing scapula protraction/retraction and elevation/depression in your warmups, you might try that.

[Urlea]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'll make sure to check and see if I'm doing some of the causes you brought up.

It would probably be smart to talk with the instructor too. We are planning to try it again Wed. or Friday so I'll keep you posted.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks, Oakleaf, for the DVD recommendations! Will check them out.

As for headaches, I have also experienced brief headaches and lightheadedness towards the end of class and immediately afterwards, but they pass quickly. I was wondering if they were from the downward dog position since we do that frequently towards the end of the routine. I also have problems relaxing my neck when doing the ab work. It tends to want to take on the work my abs should be doing.

[tulip]

Thanks, Oakleaf, for the DVD recommendations! Will check them out.

As for headaches, I have also experienced brief headaches and lightheadedness towards the end of class and immediately afterwards, but they pass quickly. I was wondering if they were from the downward dog position since we do that frequently towards the end of the routine. I also have problems relaxing my neck when doing the ab work. It tends to want to take on the work my abs should be doing.

I find that for some reason, Pilates makes me very thirsty even though I don't sweat much. When that happens, I get headaches. Perhaps increasing your hydration in general and specifically before and after Pilates will help, too.