Pilates

bgh707
bgh707 Posts: 164 Member
edited November 15 in Fitness and Exercise
Any experienced Pilates practitioners with advice to a newbie? I tried my first classical class in a while yesterday, and it was miserable -- basically because my core strength is really lacking, possibly a consequence of having bad form in boot camp. How can I convince myself to keep coming back?

Replies

  • LZMiner
    LZMiner Posts: 300 Member
    Well, I'm not a practitioner---far from it---but wanted to let you know that you're not alone! I'm primarily a yoga person and just started taking Pilates two weeks ago. Tonight is my third class and I know how much my core will be hurting afterwards! The way I look at it, I must have abs in there somewhere, 'cause I can sure feel them!
  • fishgutzy
    fishgutzy Posts: 2,807 Member
    I took a few Pilates classes over a decade ago. The instructors make it look so easy. But I was sweating buckets.
    Had one instructor who was 38 weeks prego. She didn't miss a beat. She cam back a few weeks after giving birth. I asked her if the other mothers at the doctors office thought she was the nanny :D
    Don't see many guys in Pilates classes because they generally don;t want to find out just how weak their core is. Ha!
  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
    The more you do it, the less it will hurt both during and after because you will get stronger...isn't that reason enough to keep going?
  • Lesley2603
    Lesley2603 Posts: 119 Member
    I've been taking Pilates classes for almost a year, started with one class a week and am now up to two, along with my strength training. The first few weeks were horrendous I couldn't do anything. Am so much better now and so much stronger and I love the classes. Keep going, it gets easier.
  • bgh707
    bgh707 Posts: 164 Member
    Thanks, everyone. I need the encouragement!
  • beemac52014
    beemac52014 Posts: 22 Member
    I've been doing Pilates for over a year. At first, it was difficult and I needed to practice at home to get some of the moves. Now, I am much stronger and moves are still challenging, but not intimidating like in the beginning. I'm amazed at the difference in my body and my core strength. I love it!
  • suruda
    suruda Posts: 1,233 Member
    I've been doing pilates for years now, love, love, love it! BUT I remember those early days and how much they hurt. some things still aren't easy for me...like why haven't I gained any strength in my neck? Holding up your head, neck and shoulders through most of a class is still as hard as ever! Your instructor should give modifications for most if not all of the excercises...you can progress through using the modifications until you don't need them. Even now after several years, there are some days that I can't make it through the class without a break.

    Strengthening your core is so helpful...here are some of the random benefits (I've been taking 2 classes a week with my husband who is 60 for about 5 years)

    ---we both are a bit taller...sure it is from posture!
    ---it has helped improve his snowboarding and wakeboarding skills...balance!
    ---I was hospitalized and hooked up to a ton of machines, being able to sit up without using hands or turning onto my side made things so much easier!

    Stick with it! The payoff is awesome!
  • suruda
    suruda Posts: 1,233 Member
    We just do a "mat pilates" class...is that classical? Occasionaly we add balls to the class, either small ones or big ones.
  • bketchum1981
    bketchum1981 Posts: 130 Member
    I have done Pilates from two different instructors and they are both very different workouts but definitely core strengthening! Keep at it, the results are worth it!
  • successgal1
    successgal1 Posts: 996 Member
    I tell everyone about this DVD and usually get ignored. It's great for getting started. https://www.amazon.com/Pilates-Conditioning-Weight-Suzanne-Deason/dp/B00006473D
  • yogagirlT
    yogagirlT Posts: 91 Member
    bgh707 wrote: »
    Any experienced Pilates practitioners with advice to a newbie? I tried my first classical class in a while yesterday, and it was miserable -- basically because my core strength is really lacking, possibly a consequence of having bad form in boot camp. How can I convince myself to keep coming back?

    I have been practicing yoga for 20 plus years but also took Pilates classes for awhile too. Pilates is a different beast and you aren't alone--it is a tough core workout. Did your teacher show you any modifications to the exercises? Also, do what you can and don't push yourself to pain. Or if you have trouble with certain exercises or worried about your form, you could ask your teacher for help after class. I just downloaded a short Pilates app and it shows you how to do each exercise--that might help.

    I love Pilates and I owe my Pilates and yoga classes for helping rehab me after a bad car accident. Pilates was created actually to help rehab injured dancers so yeah it's tough ha!

    Hope that helps!
  • bgh707
    bgh707 Posts: 164 Member
    This is all helpful. Does anyone have progress pictures?
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