Pilates
 

The other night I couldnt sleep and got hooked on an infomercial for "Winsor Pilates".

Has anyone used these videos? Are they worth it?

I currently work out 5 days a week on an elliptical machine for 50 minutes.

Would this be a good supplement?

Lisa

Check out the library for books/video before you spend any money. Here's a book I found useful:

http://www.pilatesontheball.com/

Pilates would be a good supplement. You need some form of strength training. I like the Windsor Pilates videos, but I think they are expen$ive. A good beginner tape is from Living Arts with Ana Cabron(sp?), I think it's called Beginning Pilates Mat Workout. Pilates for Dummies is awful (very poor form) and Denise Austin is just plain irritating.

Jen

I have 5 of these tapes and i LOVE them!! I am NOT one for home exercise, and cannot keep up with exercise tapes usually, but she goes really slow and the movements are slow/controlled and not jarring to your body. They really encourage breathing and building strength and flexibility. I usually do the 20min workout which is quick and to the point, and i also do "Bun and thighs" tape and the "abs" tape... and let me tell you, my muscles ache after im done, i really get a good workout from it. Some of the exercises are advanced (on the ab workout), but I ususally just take a good wack at it, mess it up and lay on the floor laughing thru these ones, but the more you attempt to do it, the stronger you build yourself and eventually i'll be able to do them all. I got all 5 tapes on ebay for $39+shipping brand new.

I forgot to mention :rolleyes: ... I use the Winsor Pilates system.

I just got my Winsor Pilates DVDs and I'm already hooked. I know I'm gonna be doing these a lot.

I sprung for all 7 *yikes* but my excitement level is high enough to justify it.

They are somewhat of a relaxing workout (it's easier to start the tape knowing you could always just lie there through one of the exercises :D) but you can definitely feel it.

I've only tried the 20 minute so far, but the instruction was good (akin to what I've been taught with live pilates instructors) and there's a person doing a modified version throughout, so if you're not flexible enough or have a bad back, etc. you can follow her easier positioning.

I can report back after I've done 'em all! I really believe pilates is a good way to lose inches. :thup:

Oh and as a sidenote, the meal plan they include is low carb! It's most like the Zone (well, it's exactly the Zone) but it's nice to see an emphasis on protein and low glycemic carbs.

You can check Mari Winsor's book, The Pilates Powerhouse in any bigger bookstore, to see a preview of the exercises on the tape. (Or even you can buy it for $18.)
For reviews, I would recommend this independent site: http://www.fitnessinfomercialreview...sor_pilates.htm
I learned the basic of Pilates from another source, and with that knwoledge the book was more than enough for me.

And your question, if this would be a good supplement - Pilates program is an excellent supplement to any exercise program.
(For me these exercises are very much needed to fight my back pain, to heal my runner legs, etc.)

Wooo-hoooo Downloaded 3 of the MW pilates videos last night from Kazaa and after doing the video I felt great, I think this Could be a workout i could stick with!:yay: