People frequently ask me “Can I lose weight doing Pilates?” “Is it a vigorous workout?” “Will it tone my body?” My answer is usually, “Yes, yes, and yes! However, how much depends on you.” Randy Davis, a 30-something publishing industry manager, is one of my inspiring students of Pilates. Her story is worth telling - by way of answering these common questions about Pilates training. Directly, succinctly and without hesitation. This is the manner that Randy has approached every Pilates class session since she began the work four years ago. She usually arrives as the first person to class, and quietly bounces out the door when the class concludes. She has always made sure, (whether thru large group classes or small-group private sessions) that she found a way to practice Pilates a minimum of 2X a week. A good practice to keep, if you can maneuver it into your life schedule. It is one that I also personally employ, although my sessions incorporate use of the Pilates apparatus, with my private instructor in a NYC studio. As a regular student of Pilates, Randy’s personal Pilates experience and her story of weight loss and strength development benefit many other students who seek to find a way to tone, tighten and strengthen their bodies as they lengthen their muscles. Whether 30-something or 60-something, conscientious attention to the work can help you uncover, as did Randy, a life with a little more splash! She began using Pilates as an exercise discipline in April 2003 and has been consistent for three years. She says, “At the time I knew my body had changed for the worse from lack of exercise. I really didn’t know how to get started with an exercise program. I had been a varsity track and field athlete in high school and college, but ten years out of school, I no longer had any interest in trying to start running again. When I saw a flyer advertising a new Pilates class, I thought it would be a good way to ease back into working my body without any impact. Bear in mind, Beginner Mat Pilates is not easy work. It is also not for the faint of heart. Pilates requires:
One feels the program is right for you when you start to notice the physical changes within your body and your consciousness thru application of these principles to the work. For example, Randy states she knew she was hooked when a the end of a 12-week session, “I was not willing to wait for the next program series to start up again, and I inquired about the possibility of semi-private sessions and I knew right then I had the desire to be consistent with the work. As I have progressed, I understand more why I like this type of exercise so much.” A Beginner program begins with modified versions of the basic exercises, and with consistent, conscious work, many find themselves delighted with their ability to perform - with grace and control - what felt like a near impossibility mere weeks later. In addition to mastering the exercises and moving from modified to ideal Beginner work and then onto Intermediate and some Advanced work, Randy noticed body changes (posture, weight, size, muscle tone)along the way. She states, ” I love the new body I have been creating with Pilates! My waist has cinched in and my muscle tone has improved in my shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, thighs, butt, and calves. My legs look and feel longer, and all of my joints are more open and flexible. I walk taller and can walk up stairs without tiring out. My clothes fit better and best of all, my husband has absolutely noticed! So needless to say, I feel sexier!” While Pilates will, by no means, constitute a cardio fitness (or fat burning) program, Pilates provides a strengthening and lengthening supplement to any fitness program and helped Randy lose 20 pounds. Friends and co-workers told her she looked like a different person! She used a combination of other physical/fitness activities, such as walking instead of riding, stairs instead of the elevator, swimming, skiing, jogging, running, etc., to burn the calories and Pilates to tone the muscle. In most cases, with attention to fitness through a Pilates program, energy increases, stress diminishes, injuries, aches and pains disappear and/or are managed differently. Randy said that “Pilates has given me a greater sense of my body. I can tell where I am weak, and understand more how to move correctly and alleviate aches or stiffness. Pilates treats my old track injuries pretty gingerly so I am not worried about re-injuring my knee or ankle.” “Two summers ago I injured my shoulder while back diving into a swimming pool. I was pretty nervous about doing some of the Pilates Mat exercises, but I was determined to continue my progress. The work itself enabled me to find strength in my shoulder, instead of favoring it out of fear. My energy level has increased overall, and after a Pilates session, I am completely pumped and ready for the day.” Most students of Pilates love the fact that the work is so personal to their body - even in a class environment. With a certified instructor - versus the use of a video - the level of work delivered to the group can be modified so that each person can push themselves to their specific level of choice. A good instructor delivers with compassion and understands the balance between pushing the class/student to work hard, and/or easing off a bit because of noticing and individual may be having a tough day. The bottom line, Pilates will help any man or woman achieve core strength and flexibility. A regular vigorous session can provide a heart-pumping workout bringing warmth and moisture to your body within 15 minutes. It is a great compliment to a running, hiking, walking, biking and/or swimming routine and will surely make your stronger, leaner and more supple. Gina Jackson, MBA, CPT, holds Advanced PFT recognition as a member of the International Association of Fitness Professionals (IDEA); maintains affiliate membership in the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) and is certified as a Power Pilates Teacher and a proud Business Member of the Pilates Method Alliance. Gina made a conscious career and lifestyle change to fitness in 2000 and assists clients in lifestyle fitness training programs; she is the Fitness Consultant, creator and energy behind http://www.Prescription4Fitness.com and its sister sites: http://www.theStrengthClub.net, TheCardioClub.net and http://www.ThePilatesClub.net all of which provide fitness resources, tips, articles and MP3 downloads designed to assist all realizing their fitness goals. Tags: Pilates Mat, Pilates News, Pilates Weight Loss, Strength Gain, weight loss Related PostsPost a comment
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