Thinkin about taking pilates... input?? (people who have done it)?

Question

I'm thinking about taking pilates soon..... Anyone ever done it? Is it true how it tones you very well? How often should you take is and how long before you see results? Thanx ahead of time

Answer 1

I've done it for several months now and I love it. It really does tone the body very well, especially the mid-section. Many of the exercises that are geared primarily towards other parts of the body tone the core muscles at the same time too. I typically practice it 3-4 times a week. It's one of the best total body workouts I've tried. I had tried yoga in the past too, but found it to be too slow and boring for me, not to mention that none of my goals in life include becoming a contortionist. I definitely like pilates better. Be sure to research classes a bit before taking them, and maybe ask if you can sit in on one first however. The first one I tried was waaaay too easy. Perhaps it was geared towards beginners? I don't know. The one I'm in now adds freeweights and things for resistance, and I found it to be more challenging. Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I tried a class wtih some girlfriends for a couple months. Basically it was stretching and not effective at all. I got MUCH better results from doing the Firm bodysculpting or really any other toning workout. Pilates just doesn't live up to its hype. But I'm advanced exerciser so maybe I just needed something more challenging.

Answer 3

I've done Pilates and enjoyed it. It was developed for ballerinas to improve core strength (abs/back). I've also done yoga and have continued with that as part of my regimen.

Aloha