Pilates for a beginner told to take it easy?

caliv0608
caliv0608 Posts: 18 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My doctor told me to keep my exercise low intensity for now- walking or light weights. I don't go to a gym, but I saw some Pilates segments on Youtube that I thought I could try. But I have zero experience with it, or yoga or anything other than traditional exercise (walking, running, lifting, biking, swimming). Is it something I could do at home and see benefits, or is it something that is really only any good in a class?

Also, is it useful but ok for someone very out of shape? Thanks!

Replies

  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Depending on the level of the pilates, it would be good for a beginner and could be done at home. Walking is really good for a beginner as well.
  • yogicarl
    yogicarl Posts: 1,260 Member
    A good yoga or Pilates teacher would be able to fit the pace and intensity of the exercises and the class to suit your abilities and needs.

    The danger with working through these programs at home is you may work too intensly for your own abilities or do something incorrectly which a good teacher would be able to point out and adjust accordingly.

    Yoga and Pilates are sometimes thought of as being the soft option for exercise but you can do a lot of damage very easily by doing something in the wrong way. Basically, I would recommend trying a few classes as it is the teacher and the community you will be joining for support and working together as well as the exerrcise form and style.
  • BrownEyedSister
    BrownEyedSister Posts: 74 Member
    I might recommend you check at your local library and see if they have Windsor Pilates. That way you could try it without a financial investment. She gives pretty specific instructions on the positions and how to adapt for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

    In just three weeks I've noticed a significant improvement in my flexibility and strength. Best of luck!
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I started with pilates DVDs. The problem with a DVD is that you can hurt yourself if your core is pretty weak. Look for something that shows modifications throughout. Start with modified moves & then work your way up.

    Pick Your Level Pilates with Ellen Barrett and Pilates Bodyband workout with Ana Caban both have modifiers the way. The body band DVD uses a flat stretchy resistance band which can increase the resistance (I love band workouts) and this is in a beautiful outdoor setting. Pilates for Dummies with Michelle Dozois was pretty good, but the modifications are shown after the repetitions start.....not the best.

    For cardio I started with Walk At Home with Leslie Sansone. These are low impact aerobics videos without choreography. The beauty of no choreography....you can go at your own pace. You can also bump up the intensity.

    The videos on YouTube (for Leslie) are mostly unauthorized (illegal)....so I give you a different link. The workout is on the lower left side under "Try It"

    http://www.walkathome.com/

    Jessica Smith (love her) has a YouTube channel with several walking style workouts.

    http://www.jessicasmithtv.com/
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I might recommend you check at your local library and see if they have Windsor Pilates. That way you could try it without a financial investment. She gives pretty specific instructions on the positions and how to adapt for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

    In just three weeks I've noticed a significant improvement in my flexibility and strength. Best of luck!

    Yes - Winsor (from the library)....these are really slow, but that's good for a newbie.

    Stott is another one....you can find specific beginner level DVDs.

Categories