Vegan Forum

[AndyBa]

What do you think about Pilates as fitness system?

[BigBecka]

I did some pilates sessions with a friend a few years ago. It is surprisingly difficult: you don't consciously exert yourself, but your muscles feel tired at the end. I found they were very friendly sessions, with people of all ages and abilities.

It is very good for your posture and breathing: I work at a computer all day, so I found it particularly useful. I would recommend having some lessons instead of teaching yourself, in case you injure your back. We did a lot of pelvic floor exercises - obviously women need to do these, but men often neglect their pelvic floor. You will sometimes see men at the gym with well-defined abdominal muscles, perched on top of a big beer gut As a martial artist, you may find it beneficial to work on your "core strength."

I don't go to Pilates sessions any more, because I need a tougher cardio workout these days. But I do incorporate some of the exercises into my stretches.

[Red Jester]

I think pilates is great!

During my sessions I came across some exercises that just floored me so I added them into my workout routine.

[AndyBa]

Pilates is quite new over here... and I'm afraid that the instructor might be an amateur... how can I see if it is so?

[BigBecka]

Hmm, I'm not sure. I tend to go by word of mouth: my pilates tutor was well-known locally and had a really good reputation.

Hang on... [rummages through book case] I have a book by someone in the PilatesFoundation... OK, they have a website including a classfinder, but the international section is a bit limited Still, they have some questions to ask a teacher before you join:

Some questions to ask about teachers not accredited with the PILATESfoundation:
Find out if the teacher has qualified with a Pilates organisation or as part of their Exercise Teacher Training, and if so:
How long was the training?
Did they pass a theoretical and practical exam?
Were they required to do supervised teaching practice and for how long?
Does the teacher have a background in any other movement study?
Have they taken a First Aid course?
How long has the teacher been teaching Pilates?
How many students are in a class?
Is the format of the class based on classical repertoire?
Has the instructor been trained to handle special needs?
If you have any injuries or special problems, don't forget to tell your teacher before you start class.
http://www.pilatesfoundation.com/teacher.php

I have seen some Pilates centres being set up that have all kinds of interesting apparatus. The version I did was mat work only: that way you can practise at home

Some people also use those enormous bouncy balls: I had one instead of furniture when I moved into my first flat They make eating spaghetti interesting...

[meign]

Pilates is fun... My aunts and I have girl bonding during our Pilates sessions... ( this is our moment to burn calories while having fun)