Thread: Pilates Experiences?

I'm thinking of signing up for some introductory classes at a Pilates studio. I've done some of the mat exercises from books and DVDs, but now I'm thinking of actually doing a few sessions on the reformer with a trainer in order to make sure I've got the right form and sort of kick start my 2009 fitness routine with something new.

Has anyone done it? Did you like it, and did it have any effect on your dancing?

Honestly, that contraption with all the bars and straps looks a little intimidating to me.

My advice would be to take a beginners class first, then you could do books and DVDs. My experience with books and DVDs was bad. I have lower back problems and I got hurt really badly doing pilates. First, it was a book, then I didn't learn my lesson, and it was a DVD. Doing those strenous movements incorrectly can result into injury. So unless you know what you're doing...

As for dancing, from what I've heard it will help you with your flexibility. You can't go wrong with pilates and yoga in terms of dance, so I'd encourage you to do it. Just be careful with the positions.

And when I did pilates (that was years ago though), I didn't use any bars, straps yes. Sounds interesting though. There may be different types that I don't know about.

Good luck,

BDF

Joseph Pilates developed the apparatus to help people who couldn't do the matwork. He was working in internment camps in England at the time, so working with many bed ridden people. His first apparatus pieces were made from old bed frames.
Pilates was designed to be an exercise system you can do anywhere- that's what the mat work is. It was also created to be very time-efficient. There is no need to do the apparatus if you are intimidated by it. Maybe try a good matclass first.
As bellydancefanatic said- it's really important to work with an instructor- and I'll add a *good* instructor. There are a lot of details to the moves to keep them safe AND to make them most effective.

Don't be intimidated by the machine -- it's just a sled that you lay on with springs as resistance and you do leg-lift-type movements with straps to work against the resistance of the springs. It is hard work, and I personally find that there seems to be more of a sense of tension in my muscles than with yoga or my new cult: gyrotonics. Gyro is similar to Pilates, but works everything in a circular fashion and incorporates figure eights. (sound like a dance we all know and love?) If you can find a Gyrotonics studio where you are I would recommend that over Pilates hands down.

Thanks, Magidah, (and everyone else who responded) I'll check Gyrotonics out too.