So I pulled out a pilates tape last nite

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
So I pulled out a pilates tape last nite
15
Tue, 02-07-2006 - 8:27am

I've had it for a while but hadn't opened it yet. It was pretty good & I really felt like I got a good workout but I wasn't able to do everything at the same level as the tape. They did have 1 girl who was doing the modified version but sometimes I couldn't even keep up with her. My problem is that I just can't keep my head & shoulders up without keeping my hands behind my neck for support. I end up getting really bad pains in my neck.

Do you think I'm getting as much benefit by having to use my hands for support? Also, do you think I will be able to not need support once I strengthen my abs?

Ann

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-26-2004
Tue, 02-07-2006 - 10:05am

I started Pilates using Winsor Pilates tapes. They have one person modifying. Mari Winsor also suggested that people with neck difficult could even use a small pillow for some of the exercises until they got stronger.


The yoga tapes I have offer four different modification levels, and you can use the yoga blocks and a wedge and those kinds of props until you get stronger and more able to do the poses without the props. That being the case, I don't

lorie6-26-09.png Lorie 6-26-09 picture by runningwomen

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Tue, 02-07-2006 - 10:31am

I think your strength will develop quickly, however, be careful you don't injure yourself. If it hurts in a weird way not what you would expect that is a good warning sign. Use support for your head till you feel you don't need it. I think you are definitely getting benefit doing what your doing even though it's not at the same fitness level as those on the video.


Also, you might not want to do it every night. I find it frustrating when what I'm watching is a little advanced for me and I feel like I'm not making progress. Do something in between that will still help your strength just different.


I really wish they would come out with a series of stuff with people who are on a beginning fitness level and you could progress along with them.


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 02-07-2006 - 11:33am

Definitely put something under your neck until your muscles are used to holding those types of positions.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 02-07-2006 - 11:51am

Good for you Ann! I would agree with the others about using support until you feel you are strong enough to go without, and I wouldn't think it would make all that much of a difference, plus it's better to be safe than sorry. Right?


That was a great suggestion from Lorie to watch the program before doing it!


~IslandGirl





You can't reach your dreams lying down!




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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2004
Tue, 02-07-2006 - 4:43pm

Ann,

I also got a new Pilates tape and just started it yesterday. It's from the "For Dummies" series. They seem to say more than once that you should listen to your body and don't do anything that is uncomfortable until you are ready. I think that modifying the moves is just fine. After all, this is all about strengthening your core muscles and that will only come with time.

Good luck! Hope you are enjoying it a much as I am!


~~ Kim ~~


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~~ Kim ~~

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2006
Wed, 02-08-2006 - 9:46am

Wow! I am so glad I found this discussion!
I have been stressing a little over what to do with the pilates ball and dvd i got, and you all have given me the courage to go ahead and open it, so Thank You! I just exercise on my lunch break, and only end up getting 20 minutes in, so I think I will try doing my dvd first thing in the morning while my little one is still asleep, or at least still in la la land enough to let me work out!!!

It would be interesting to hear the progress all the new pilates people are making, wouldn't it?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 02-08-2006 - 11:38am

Hi, and welcome to the 30's board! Good

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 02-08-2006 - 9:03pm

Welcome to the board Swansong!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2003
Thu, 02-09-2006 - 9:33pm

Welcome!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2003
Thu, 02-09-2006 - 9:40pm

Ann,


You shouldn't expect to be able to do everything the same level as the program the first day you take the dvd out of the box.

smile siggie

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