Has anyone ever done pilates?

[Frozen Feathers]

What's it like? My Dh and I are going to be joining the Y and I am thinking about taking some sort of class. I am waaaayyyy out of shape so I need to start small. Eventually I'd like to be able to do a step class, but I think I'd croak at this point.

This Y also has water classes (I'm pretty sure I'll want to try the water aerobics) weight room, cardio center, Nautilus center (whatever that means) and a gym.

Mainly we are joining for the pool because they offer family swim and we are both chunky monkeys. :|

Any suggestions??

 

[Zenbirder]

Angie,
I have done pilates with a VCR tape, it really helps strengthen your core. Start slow, it can be really hard. I am having the time of my life exercising now, I found line dancing! I don't get bored, the friendship and music are great and the workout is wonderful. We have people of every body shape in the class. Water aerobics is great for getting back some muscle tone as well. Whatever you do, good for you for doing it!

 

[Frozen Feathers]

I'm kinda scared I'm going to be the fattest one there!

I actually have a Curves membership, but they don't offer childcare and finding childcare for an hour and a half at a time is impossible. They aren't open when my DH would be home to watch her either. My MIl was watching her, but she was getting a bit frazzled I guess

with DD and wants to only have DD when FIL is there as well. Personally I think MIL is just being a *B*!

The Y offers free childcare with full membership and my DH and I can go together. Or I can go and leave DD with the childcare center there. I think it'll be good for DD, too because there aren't a lot of activities for kids her age around here and she needs to be around other kids.

 

[jessied1227]

I tried Pilates once. It is extreme for a beginner, at least it was for me. I couldn't even make it through warm-up, lol.

But - I used to work with a girl who had done Pilates for a couple years, and man, was she ever toned and strong.

Good Luck-
Jess

 

[yearofthedog]

IMHO, yoga would be a better starting point than going straight into pilates. And, there are a hybrid classes that combines the two disciplines that might be worthwhile to look into. Pilates can be demanding if you have been inactive for a while...

Pilates is wonderful in and of itself, but I've found that it helps me in my other sports and I do it more for that reason.

 

[poppycat]

I love love love Pilates! Afterwards you feel like you've had a good massage, but done all the work yourself! And don't worry about what shape you're in, most people are so worried about how they look themselves that they forget to notice anyone else. Anyway most of the people in the gym are just everyday people!

Just start with a class for beginners and you should be fine. My family goes to family yoga and it's the highlight of our kids' week.

 

[FluffyChickenMama]

Quote:
Im right there with ya.. I tried it because I thought it would "low impact".. I guess it kinda is .. depending on what you dont want impacted I guess.. (not sure that made sense).. but anyway.. Its harder than I thought it would be..

 

[Smitty's Farm]

Pilates and yoga are great! Everybody gets better the more you do it. Just start with a beginners class and start slow. Some people swear that they gained an inch in height from stretching.
I love it!

 

[candy37]

I LOVE pilates!
I found a DVD at Wal-Mart that has a beginners part and an advanced part. It is choose your spot pilates I think. You can choose which part you want to work out; abs, butt, thighs, or total body. Each section is only 10 minutes.
This DVD was my only real exercise and I lost 50 pounds in 5 months. I still ate whatever I wanted too, just smaller portions. Since I lost the weight I only do it 3 days a week for maintance so I don't gain it all back.
I bought the DVD because I was nervous about going to a gym and being the fattest one there. Maybe you could get a DVD (it was only $10) and start at home if you are self-conscience like I was.
Either way, I recommend pilates to anyone.

 

[lurky]

I do pilates every AM trying to give the chickens fresh water without getting chicken poop on my boots......er......maybe thats twister

? What would you call twister combined with YOGA?

Yup....thats what i do every AM.