What's Wrong With Pilates?

rosestring
rosestring Posts: 225 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, I've noticed that there is very little talk on here about Pilates. However, I've heard lots of success stories; just not from the site. Are other exercises (such as Jillian Michaels' DVD's) really that much more effective? I realize cardio factors in, but I'm talking about just toning.

Replies

  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I've heard good things about pilates from a few of my friends..never personally done it...

    I think the thing with the exercise dvd or routines from fitnessblender.com are more intense, build up a sweat and make you feel like you've done something...

    Bodyweight exercises are great for building limited strength and helping create the calorie deficet you need to show the muscle...ie Tone (hate that word)
  • GregJourney
    GregJourney Posts: 80 Member
    I do pilates a couple if times a week for core strength and muscle building. I also do weight training and cardio. My highest per min calorie burn is from cardio because my heart rate is higher.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Pilates is in general very good exercise, I do not think anybody could doubt this. I personally have tried it over and over again, because I have seen the results in others and I was impressed, but I find it incredibly boring, even with different instructors and variations.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Pilates made me so much longer and leaner that I had to get the cuffs taken out of my slacks
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I started with pilates-- it's great for stretching, flexibility, and strength to a degree.

    It gets mocked because people tend to claim that it "lengthens" muscles and gives a more "feminine" look than lifting, whatever that means. It does have benefits, but lengthening muscles isn't one of them.

    Now I see it as a really nice warm-up. I use a lot of the moves as dynamic stretches before I start lifting.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Pilates made me so much longer and leaner that I had to get the cuffs taken out of my slacks

    oh-you-o.gif
  • bluelena
    bluelena Posts: 304 Member
    Nothing "wrong" with Pilates, per se. I started it when my chiropractor suggested it to build core strength to improve my posture after a nasty iliosacral strain last summer. I just added it in to what I normally do along with yoga for added flexibility.

    If you're "doing it right", it's difficult as h*ll as a beginner. I'd suggest taking a class with a live instructor first so that you can learn the proper form. If you're not using the proper form, it's not going to be beneficial because you won't be properly engaging the muscles.

    I don't know about "long and lean", but I do I know that my posture improved greatly and my core strength improved as well.

    I think it's a great addition to any routine. I like to mix it up between running, strength/bodyweight/HIIT (Fitness Blender) and yoga + Pilates.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    So, I've noticed that there is very little talk on here about Pilates. However, I've heard lots of success stories; just not from the site. Are other exercises (such as Jillian Michaels' DVD's) really that much more effective? I realize cardio factors in, but I'm talking about just toning.

    Jillian Michaels has great marketing. Her DVDs are mostly circuit training (cardio + some strength training). Of course they are going to burn more calories than pilates. I think workouts are effective if you do them on a regular basis. I've never done the same JM DVD twice.....just not interesting too me. Fitness trends come & go......barre and hiit are popular right now.

    Do the exercise you see yourself doing for years to come. Fitness is something you want for a lifetime, but how you get there is a personal thing.
  • Crateria_
    Crateria_ Posts: 253 Member
    I do Blogilates and I love it. I love how Pilates makes me feel and look :) My body is getting more and more definition with each week that I dedicate to it.
  • bombshellcertification
    bombshellcertification Posts: 126 Member
    I really like Pilates and the way it is toning me up and my posture is getting better...I also notice the women who have been doing it for some time have noticibly better posture, stand taller etc...I do pilates with light weights standing & floor mat....with bands. I am aiming for better core strength its gentle on the joints and a nice switch up from cardio they compliment each other.
  • HugeBum
    HugeBum Posts: 47 Member
    I do blogilates twice a week atleast. I love it. I'm a total cardio bunny and hate any "strength" training but she makes it so much easier and enjoyable. The workouts are difficult as hell and I am more flexible now than I have ever been. I'm not sure it gives the results weight lifting etc would but am noticing more definition in my arms, thighs and calves.
  • Cressida04
    Cressida04 Posts: 15 Member
    I just started doing blogilates and I've really enjoyed it so far. Cassey has tons of great short videos on her site (blogilates.com) and on her YouTube account. I have started adding this in to strengthen my core and build strength overall. I really dislike weight training though, so this is what works for me.

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