Does anyone here do Pilates? If so, what program do you use (video wise, or do you do it at the gym?) and how do you incorporate it into an exercise routine? I will be going back to the gym and doing weights again, but I have heard Pilates is quite good also.

Robin

Hey Robin ...

I did a search in this forum for Pilates, and a few threads came up ...

Try this one ...

PILATES

Hi, Robin, I do Pilates along with cardio and weight lifting (not all on the same day, of course). It works well as an add-on--I don't think I'd want to rely on it all alone. I go to a studio where I take a mat class one day a week and a semi-private lesson on equipment another day a week. The weight training is great for strength, which you need for some Pilates work, and the Pilates is great for flexibility. So I'd recommend doing them both, if you can.

I'd strongly recommend starting out at a studio so you can learn the form. The tapes make it look easy, but trust me, it isn't, and while you can't really hurt yourself with wrong form, you won't get the full benefits either.

Let me know how it goes.

I'm definitely with RoseTattoo on this one - there are some very good videos etc., out there, but correct form is important if you want to see good results, and IMHO this can only really be taught in person by an instructor.

I also treat Pilates as an 'extra', along with Yoga, rather than as my main form of exercise.