agnf666 Posted May 27, 2005 Share Posted May 27, 2005 Does anyone do Pilates and Yoga? I just started. Any advice or tips would be most grateful? Link to post Share on other sites
Giselle Posted May 27, 2005 Share Posted May 27, 2005 I LOVE Pilates and Yoga! I have been practicing these forms of exercise for body-shaping (I am a ballet dancer), strengthening my inner core (stomach regions), flexibility and stress relief. What form of yoga are you doing? My experience has been in Iyengar. Here are my tips: -I hope you are practicing in a class with a well-qualified instructor. This is especially important for beginners. You are *highly likely* to get injured if you are just practicing solo with a video tape or printing the poses off the internet. Even though I am very experienced, I would only use a video tape if I'm in a pinch. I prefer to be in a class (I don't know your situation, but I post this warning for the benefit of others). I also hope that you consulted your doctor (just like they always say) before starting a new exercise program. -Have a good relationship with your instructor(s). You will get more out of the classes that way. Make sure you are upfront about any past injuries/physical limitations with your instructor--you don't want to become re-injured! Depending on how often you go to class, I would also ask the instructor for specific poses to keep up the practice at home. Keeping my first point in mind, these poses should be the ones you are the most comfortable with. You don't want to be trying anything fancy without an experienced instructor to spot you. -Breathing is important! You will get the most benefit from the poses if you breathe into them. It is tempting to just hold your breath during balance poses, but don't! -If you intend to make this a long-term practice, invest in a good mat. I have a Tapas Ultra Sticky Mat (just Google it). It is soooo comfortable, especially during "savasanna" at the end of yoga. There are also some really innovative mat bags out there, but you can easily sew your own. I actually just stuff it in a deep totebag, that way I have room for my yoga strap, water, wallet, whatever else. -If the school provides sticky mats, it is usually good protocol to bring a towel to lay over it, so you don't get your sweat all over it when doing sitting/laying down postures. Yuck! The towel is also useful for end of class sweat. -Don't give up! You may have advanced students in your class, or sometimes it may feel like everybody is getting the exercise/pose except you. This is where your good relationship with the instructor will help--definately ask him/her if you are having a specific problem. Don't forget, you are paying them to teach you, and most will be glad to answer questions after class. Try to keep specific issues for after class though--I HATE when another student takes up the whole time with him/herself. Unless you are seriously struggling or the instructor asks "Are there any questions"--just use your good judgement. -Practice manners and good karma :-). Come to class on time, don't leave early, put your props away in the proper place if borrowing, dress appropriately (it is NOT attractive to have to see another student's thong peeking out of her workout pants during Downward Facing Dog...or to get flashed...you get the picture), don't talk/distract others in class, and keep your mind open. Yoga and Pilates are highly rewarding not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. I hope that helped and feel free to PM me if you have any questions :-) Link to post Share on other sites
Author agnf666 Posted May 27, 2005 Author Share Posted May 27, 2005 Thanks for the advice. I'm doing more Pilates then Yoga. They both are very stimulating. I'm using a video tape. Just because I was just starting out and I wouldn't have to time to go the gym. I am using "Crunch Pilates" I just wanted to start doing something. So, I might decided to use a different video or something. Link to post Share on other sites
Giselle Posted May 27, 2005 Share Posted May 27, 2005 Nothing beats going to an actual class, but a video is definately better than nothing :-). At least watch any new tapes you get before you actually do the exercises (most have a warning to this effect). If you're looking for something new, I would advise getting a video that comes with some exercise equipment. I got a really fun kit that came with the tape and a Pilates exercise ball. This will expand your work-out routine since you'll be able to do a lot more exercises, in addition to ones you may already know. Have fun and don't forget to breathe! The road to contentment begins with a smile :-) Link to post Share on other sites
Author agnf666 Posted May 27, 2005 Author Share Posted May 27, 2005 Thanks Giselle for the advice and the support. I think I did to much the other day when I started because I have been walking like an old lady all day! I want to try the exercise ball. They look like fun. Link to post Share on other sites
sarah12 Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 I want to start pilates using a video too. How did you know which one to pick? i.e. the Crunch Pilates? I saw many different kinds at the store today, I just didn't know which one would be best. I want to work on flexibility and mainly my stomach area. I'm fairly thin already, I just want to strengthen my muscles there. Link to post Share on other sites
Author agnf666 Posted June 15, 2005 Author Share Posted June 15, 2005 Honestly I just went a picked up any video. I tried it out and I like it. I do it every other day now. It's just the matter of starting something. Link to post Share on other sites
sarah12 Posted June 16, 2005 Share Posted June 16, 2005 Do you need to get a mat and those elastic band things?? I have hardwood floor in front of the tv. Link to post Share on other sites
erika2610 Posted June 17, 2005 Share Posted June 17, 2005 Originally posted by sarah12 I want to start pilates using a video too. How did you know which one to pick? i.e. the Crunch Pilates? I saw many different kinds at the store today, I just didn't know which one would be best. I want to work on flexibility and mainly my stomach area. I'm fairly thin already, I just want to strengthen my muscles there. I do the Crunch Pilates.. I do it with my mother.. it's great. Alotta fun too. I recently decided to switch it up, and got Cruch Pilates, I forget what it's called..I think it's like 10 minute workout. It's apurple box. It's 10 minute abs, 10 min. butt, and 10 minute thigh workout. And at the end it's got a 10 min total body workout. You should check these out Link to post Share on other sites
Author agnf666 Posted June 17, 2005 Author Share Posted June 17, 2005 Originally posted by sarah12 Do you need to get a mat and those elastic band things?? Not for Pilates. The Elastic band is for Yoga Stretches. I have hardwood floor in front of the tv. I would get a mat... Make sure it is thick. I start the Pilates on a hardwood floor and a mat. The mat was kindof thin is I had a backache all day!!! So, get a good mat and give it a try! Link to post Share on other sites
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