I was taking a Pilates/yoga class every Monday and Wednesday night. I really loved it. Problem was, it was often a real push to get there since I get off work @ 5 PM and the class was @ 5:30. Plus, then I wouldn't get home till 7 and then have to start dinner, laundry, etc.

So.............even though I had the VCR tapes of Winsor Pilates, I happened upon an infomercial very late one night around Christmas and ordered the DVD set, which has an instructional DVD, a basic workout, advanced workout, and 4 additional DVDs which target different areas of your body. It also came with a 10 day meal planner and a chart for your progress.

Well, last night, after missing a few weeks of class and ultimating deciding not to return to the class, I started my Pilates at home. I did the basic 20 minute workout, plus the Bun/thigh workout. My butt HURTS today!!!

My osteopath got me motivated again when I saw him last week, since he suggested (again) that Pilates or Yoga would be the best form of exercise for me.

Since there are 4 *target* DVDs, my goal is to do one every day, plus alternating the basic and advanced DVD's daily.

Wish me luck. I know there are a few particular things I just cannot do, at least at this time, but I'm certainly going to give it a go. I want to be *cruise ready* come November since we'll be snorkeling in several ports!

By Marg on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 02:13 pm:

Karen, do you have any yoga instructional videos suggestions.

I did them years ago, and I really should do them. Knee problems, I had ligament replacement, but I bet in years to come I'll need it replaced. The Dr. told me something that does not place blunt force on my legs. I used to love to run, but oooowwww

Thanks

By Brandy on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 02:24 pm:

congrats on doing them again and good luck!I'm glad you enjoy it...

By Eve on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 03:10 pm:

Yeah, Karen! Good for you!

I love my Pilates tapes. It feels great! I love how stretched out I feel. Gaiam is my favorite brand. They are done really well. They have an AM/PM workout that I want.

What tapes did you get? I'm always interested in a good one.

I have a Pilates Yoga combo that is good too. Yoga is tough though. It takes a lot of stength and those poses get me everytime. LOL! I love the names though, warrier pose, downward dog. When I was young, my whole entire family was in to Yoga. My Mom said it was the thinnest she ever was in her whole life.

I think Pilates or Yoga are great to add to your workout mix. They make you feel really good.

By Eve on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 03:12 pm:

BTW, Karen..Can you come to a sitting position after being on your back? I can, but my legs come up too and help me out. LOL! TOUGH!

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 05:32 pm:

Eve, I can do it, but I have to be really careful with my back after 2 ruptured disks and 2 back surgeries.

Marg, the Pilates doesn't put blunt force on any joint, that's why I like it.

I have the Winsor Pilates tapes and DVDs.

I have some Yoga tapes, but I don't know if they're *good* ones. I really do like the Pilates. I used to work out with weights on machines and I have a Total Gym 2000. I had a Fitness Trainer gym set in one of the bedrooms for years and I was in awesome shape when I used it, but I needed the space, so I gave it back to my boss. I've been contemplating asking for it back again, but at this old age, I've now got arthritis in my hips and have a lot of joint problems, and the Pilates is easy on the joints. I'm considering getting rid of the Total Gym because it hurts me. I do have some free weights that I'd like to be able to start using for arms again.

Eve, in spite of my joint problems, I'm pretty flexible, but maybe it's because I stretch every single day. Back in December when I was still going to Pilates class I could sit down with my knees bent and my legs sort of to the side and bend backwards and lie down flat. I couldn't do that before I started up with Pilates.

By Brandy on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 10:02 pm:

Hey Karen send the total gym to Indiana lol just teasing of course.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 02:31 pm:

LOL Brandy.......actually, the Total Gym isn't all it's cracked up to be, IMO........

By Boxzgrl on Sunday, February 1, 2004 - 10:33 am:

Good job Karen, I just ordered my DVDs so I cant wait to start. Keep us updated on the results...