Pilates?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2003
Pilates?
3
Tue, 10-14-2003 - 2:48pm
Does anyone use Pilates type exercise? I have heard of it but I don't really know anything about it. Could someone explain it to me. Thinking of looking into and trying it.

Thanks

Carolynn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: carolynn623
Tue, 10-14-2003 - 3:34pm
Rhonda can tell you about Pilates, but I will say I enjoy it when I do my Pilates. Unfortunately, my favorite Pilates dvd was stolen recently when my house was broken into . . . Rhonda, you'd get a kick out of this, as they stole the one from the outfit that puts out the Rodney Yee Yoga dvd's and left the Winsor dvd. Hmmm. . .

Anyway, Carolynn, I'm sure Rhonda will fill you in on the benefits of Pilates. I've heard it's good for toning, strengthening and "elongating" the body. I felt very relaxed after I did my old dvd - will have to replace that ASAP.

Kat

Katherine (Kat)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: carolynn623
Tue, 10-14-2003 - 5:18pm
There is a Pilates board on iVillage where I used to be a CL. It's not very active right now, but does have some basic information there. Also, a good source is the home page at www.pilates-studio.com, which is the original Pilates studio in NYC started by Joseph Pilates. The most important thing is to either study with a properly certified instructor or get a video that is by one. Now that the name is considered generic, many unqualified people teach "Pilates," even though what they're doing only vaguely resembles it. Just because someone can hold a few of the poses doesn't mean they know what they're doing. I would recommend staying away from "celebrity trainers'" versions of Pilates. Even Mari Winsor, who is certified in Authentic Pilates (TM) has made some changes, and her videos have caused a number of injuries because they aren't explained thoroughly enough for novices. Precise form and proper breathing are essential for best results.

My two favorite videos are "The Authentic Pilates (TM) Complete Pilates Mat Workout" (at the store at www.pilates-studio.com) taught by Joseph Pilates' protege, Romana Kryzanowska, and "The Classical Pilates Mat Workout" (at www.classicalpilates.net). The first one is explained very thoroughly and moves a little more slowly for beginners. Both have beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts in one, so they are a good value too. My two favorite books (for more background and detailed info.) are "Pilates Body in Motion" by Alycea Ungaro and "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler.

Hope this helps.

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2003
In reply to: carolynn623
Tue, 10-14-2003 - 8:10pm
Thanks! Rhonda

Yes, you helped, I will check out the pilates-studio web site and will try one of the videos you mentioned.

Carolynn