Pilates

momoisgorgeousss
momoisgorgeousss Posts: 40 Member
edited December 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Opnions on Pilates? How long after seeing results? What results did you see?
I'm going to start doing Pilates 2-3 times a week, super excited! Just wanted to know everyone else's experiences!

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    What is your goal? Pilates is a mild form of strength training, so it gives mild improvements in muscle. Not as much as conventional strength training.
    It doesn't target fat from the midsection, since spot-reduction isn't possible. Besides, it's a moderate calorie burner, so fat loss results are minimal.
    It might help with posture, if that's an issue for you. :+1:

  • kuranda10
    kuranda10 Posts: 593 Member
    When I was doing really good with diet AND pilates, it tightened everything up, so while I still weighed 135 lbs, I was in a US size 4.
    My posture improved so much after each session I had to adjust the rearview mirror in the car.

    The best classes have no more than 10 people in them so the instructor can make sure everyone is in the correct postions. I also like to make sure that the instructors are certified by the Pilates studio. The ones down here do pilates "based on the Josef Pilates method" and they are crap.
  • momoisgorgeousss
    momoisgorgeousss Posts: 40 Member
    edited November 2016
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    What is your goal? Pilates is a mild form of strength training, so it gives mild improvements in muscle. Not as much as conventional strength training.
    It doesn't target fat from the midsection, since spot-reduction isn't possible. Besides, it's a moderate calorie burner, so fat loss results are minimal.
    It might help with posture, if that's an issue for you. :+1:
    kuranda10 wrote: »
    When I was doing really good with diet AND pilates, it tightened everything up, so while I still weighed 135 lbs, I was in a US size 4.
    My posture improved so much after each session I had to adjust the rearview mirror in the car.

    The best classes have no more than 10 people in them so the instructor can make sure everyone is in the correct postions. I also like to make sure that the instructors are certified by the Pilates studio. The ones down here do pilates "based on the Josef Pilates method" and they are crap.


    I am just looking to tone, and tighten. I have lost all the fat that I think I need to lose, and am at a happy weight. I'm 19, 5'2, female, weighing in around 109-110, and I started at 117-118, I have now switched over to maintain. I read online that Pilates will help me tone and tighten areas! I will be doing it 2-3 times a week, and on the days off I'm doing 10 minute cardio, 10 minutes full body, body weight exercises. And the Pilates is 25-30 minutes!
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Pilates, depending on the instructor, can vary from basically stretching to strength training. I have been into Pilates classes that were relaxing, and in classes that were 100% strength oriented. Pilates is too generic a term unfortunately for you to know what to expect without giving it a try
  • Lesley2603
    Lesley2603 Posts: 119 Member
    I love my Pilates classes. Been doing classes once a week since earlier this year, along with two sessions a week with my pt Have just increased to two Pilates classes a week. I'm still not very good but the combination has really increased my strength and flexibility, my posture is also improving
  • minniestar55
    minniestar55 Posts: 350 Member
    I've done Stott Pilates reformer classes for about 5 years with a 1 year break (studio closed). Started to help with back pain, have stayed with it as it has helped to really strengthen my core. Never have back problems any more. More flexible, as well. Really enjoy it.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    momoisgorgeousss wrote: »
    I am just looking to tone, and tighten. I have lost all the fat that I think I need to lose, and am at a happy weight. I'm 19, 5'2, female, weighing in around 109-110, and I started at 117-118, I have now switched over to maintain. I read online that Pilates will help me tone and tighten areas!

    The physique improvements from typical pilates exercises are mild, because the resistance is so light. If you don't start seeing the results you want in 2 months, consider switching to good strength training program - specifically a freeweight-based program like NROL, using relatively heavy weight. That tends to give the best results. :+1:
  • kuranda10
    kuranda10 Posts: 593 Member
    OP are you going to be doing Mat or Reformer?
    I have found Mat work to be the better of the two because you are using your own body weight, not springs.
  • julie_broadhead
    julie_broadhead Posts: 347 Member
    I do Pilates to help keep me injury free and to strengthen my core. I didn't see any aesthetic results from Pilates, but my rock climbing performance inmproved. The extra core strength helps me keep my feet on the wall.

    Like @Cherimoose said, check our New Rules of Lifting. In that program, you can add things like cardio and Pilates.
  • b_dani
    b_dani Posts: 26 Member
    Personally I prefer yoga. You hold the positions longer and the movements are slower which helps for a stable core. But I havent done much pilates. I would reccomend yoga for sure though.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    I use Pilates as a break from weight training

    It all depends on the instructor TBH and personal effort and attention to form

    It is very easy to go through Pilates motions without truly engaging the muscles completely or getting the right form. Do either incorrectly and effectiveness as a program drops significantly. Have bio feedback and understand how it should engage and you will achieve more

    As a program I like the flexibility and strength engagement but I don't do it frequently enough for any effect. I would probably advise for your goal moving to a progressive resistance program with decent weights as it's simpler to establish wrong and right

    So the answer to your question is probably purple cos aliens don't wear hats.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    momoisgorgeousss wrote: »
    I am just looking to tone, and tighten. I have lost all the fat that I think I need to lose, and am at a happy weight. I'm 19, 5'2, female, weighing in around 109-110, and I started at 117-118, I have now switched over to maintain. I read online that Pilates will help me tone and tighten areas!

    The physique improvements from typical pilates exercises are mild, because the resistance is so light. If you don't start seeing the results you want in 2 months, consider switching to good strength training program - specifically a freeweight-based program like NROL, using relatively heavy weight. That tends to give the best results. :+1:

    Depends on who is teaching I think. My favourite instructor does a ton of push-ups, planks etc, and to be honest I have yet to meet a single person who has managed to complete everything in the one hour class in the two years I have been there. Usually beginners are warned they might want to start elsewhere, and she attracts basically the same crowd who also use free weights, or ones who had to quit because of injuries and want something more controlled. But there are also classes which cannot qualify as strength training.
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