Pilates

[pepperlc]

How hard was it for you in the beginning? I got a dvd and I just can't do it and I get discouraged. What do people recommend for someone with very weak stomach muscles. I know Pilates is great for that but what do you do in the beginning.

karen

[freddy]

How hard was it for you in the beginning? I got a dvd and I just can't do it and I get discouraged. What do people recommend for someone with very weak stomach muscles. I know Pilates is great for that but what do you do in the beginning.

karen

Its hard in the beginning. Its definitely frustrating, and you feel like its useless since you can't do any of the moves. Is your video for beginners?

Your strength will improve, and your ability to do things will improve. Are there parts of it that you can do?

[jeninnc]

It's very hard in the beginning! But it is super for strengthening all your stomach and back muscles. Stick with it and do what you can and you will build up to everything.

[SandyLM]

Yep. It's hard.

I'm dreading starting up again because I remember how hard it was in the beginning! I used to go to the Y for a class twice a week and now I can't make any of the classes, so I need a DVD or something for home; I mean...I *NEED* it! Talk about weak and flabby!

For one, the DVD itself may not be a good choice. Which one is it? (So I remember not to buy it! ) Does it give you modified positions?

Secondly, it does take a while to develop the strength to do many of the exercises -- I would personally say that it was 2-3 months of 2x per week before I really could keep up with the class EVERY time. But every week I got better.

In the meantime - modify and cut back. Generally speaking, almost all of the pilates exercises can be done with your head flat and/or legs bent. Especially important to bend your legs if you feel your back "popping" up from the ground. That basically indicates that your abdominal muscles have "given up". So before that happens you should bend your legs and/or stop. Best thing to do is probably modify AND cut back -- so, for example, if you're doing "hundreds"....bend your knees v. straight leg and instead of doing 10 reps or whatever it's having you do....do 5 and watch 5. Even if it seems way too easy; start TOO easy and then add reps.

If you tell me more about what you're having trouble with, I can probably tell you the modified position. Now I just need to get my flabby body in gear and start back up. It's been since June.

[fatcat]

yes, super hard. I can't say I really care for it, and my sister is a pilates instructor even!!

[Guest]

IMO, TAKE A CLASS First! (M)

How hard was it for you in the beginning? I got a dvd and I just can't do it and I get discouraged. What do people recommend for someone with very weak stomach muscles. I know Pilates is great for that but what do you do in the beginning.

karen

Nothing compares to a live teacher telling you what modifications you can do and most importantly, how to breathe correctly, particularly when first starting. I found that it was hard in the beginning still, but I built up so much strength through classes in just a few weeks that I was able to do a lot. And now I do a dvd at home once a week, and take a class once a week, and I can hang with the dvd easily. Can you find a class through a park district or Pilates studio? I started with our parks, and now I am at a Pilates place.

I don't know what dvd you have, but a super, real basic one is Pilates Complete for Weight Loss. It has various levels, so you can start at the basics (beginner).

Good luck!

Terri