pilates

[Guest guest]

<<<<Message: 4

Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2000 16:44:59 EDT

From: InfoNymfo@...

Subject: Re: PILATES is great stuff...Cadillac and reformer

I took Pilates classes for Physical Therapy in west hollywood where it's

the training place for pilates...they had all of the Pilates equipment. i

loved pilates, it is great stuff. i got too ill from the lyme and had to

stop everything for awhile..>>>>

My cousin has a Pilates business in DC. =o)

http://www.excelpilates.com/

The website has a general description of pilates that may interest those

unfamiliar with it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm not crazy, I'm burgdorferied!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Guest guest]

>

" I do want to share about an exercise that has helped me greatly-

Pilates! It is a mat based exercise . any Pilates video will do! It

is great for CMT patients, low impact workout that focuses on toning

and flexibility. It's been around for a while, but if this is new to

you, please feel free to ask questions! "

Just yesterday I went to the local video store to check for some sort

of aerobic exercise tape to work with, and read about Pilates! I had

never heard of it before. I did buy a Pilates video but haven't

watched it yet to see what all it involves. The other day I posted

the advice of my dr to try some aerobic exercise to help with fatigue

and cramps. I tried to get my heart rate up with rowing on my

Bowflex, but after 3 minutes my arms were burning and my heart rate

was UNCHANGED! I couldn't believe it!

Today I am having an uncomfortable day. I think it's mostly weather-

related. We are having rain/snow, falling temperatures, and 45 mph

wind, dark and dreary. So today is a " Harry Potter " reading day. I

hope tomorrow can be a " Pilates " day.

TTFN

Joyce

[Guest guest]

Yes,pilates is hard for me.I cheat and do what I can and then stop the

tape for an hour or so and start again....hehehe.....I guess I will be

able to do the whole thing one day but for now,even at that pace,I still

get the benefits of the workout.Yeah,...It makes me sick how they NEVER

sweat in the video.I start sweating as soon as I start!!!Hehehehe....

Deneen:):)

[Guest guest]

LOL Deneen!! I am so glad to know I am not the only one sweating and panting

HAHA

~Leah

Love Chinchillas?? Check out Chinchilla Fluff & Stuff for GREAT chinchilla

collectibles!!! http://www.cafeshops.com/chinchillastuff

Also check out my other online store " Animal Art "

http://www.cafeshops.com/petsandwildlife

Re: pilates

Yes,pilates is hard for me.I cheat and do what I can and then stop the

tape for an hour or so and start again....hehehe.....I guess I will be

able to do the whole thing one day but for now,even at that pace,I still

get the benefits of the workout.Yeah,...It makes me sick how they NEVER

sweat in the video.I start sweating as soon as I start!!!Hehehehe....

Deneen:):)

[Guest guest]

I'm young and in fairly good shape (I lift weights and do cardio 6 days a week)

and pilates is still a struggle for me. I can't afford

classes or anything, though I wish I could. So I use a DVD, and I still struggle

greatly. I guess it's something to work at.

A couple of years ago my mother bought me a pilates machine back when we had

money and she was going through it like water. Back then, I

had no idea what it was, and I figured it was just some gadget she saw an

informercial for. I made her return it ($300 plus shipping),

and I actually regret it afterwards. Never knew how effective and challenging it

could be. You live and you learn.

-Bunny

slcamp wrote:

> LOL Deneen!! I am so glad to know I am not the only one sweating and panting

HAHA

> ~Leah

> Love Chinchillas?? Check out Chinchilla Fluff & Stuff for GREAT chinchilla

collectibles!!! http://www.cafeshops.com/chinchillastuff

> Also check out my other online store " Animal Art "

http://www.cafeshops.com/petsandwildlife

> Re: pilates

>

> Yes,pilates is hard for me.I cheat and do what I can and then stop the

> tape for an hour or so and start again....hehehe.....I guess I will be

> able to do the whole thing one day but for now,even at that pace,I still

> get the benefits of the workout.Yeah,...It makes me sick how they NEVER

> sweat in the video.I start sweating as soon as I start!!!Hehehehe....

> Deneen:):)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Just a little addition . . . I have been doing pilates for a few years now. It

has aided with my strength and balance. I know that CMT balance issues are

because of our muscles in our legs but with pilates you learn that there is an

aspect of balance that comes from the " powerhouse " . . . abs and back . . . and

with strengthening those muscles I have gained a bit more balance. I work

closely with a physical therapist who is trained as a pilates instructor as well

and she focuses on working with my CMT.

Just thought I'd share my experience with Pilates too. : )

[Guest guest]

,

That's great - thanks for sharing. No kidding about abs and the back.

After class today not only did I feel I was walking more " up " , but I

swear I felt like I had grown 2 inches! lol Plus the great calming

feeling makes me feel so good. I figured I'd give this a go while the

pools are being finished - I have been doing abs, back, balance, steps,

jogging, etc. in Aquatics for so long that it is great to try this for

something new to add to my regime.

My Pilates instructor is also a PT - she teaches us on her lunch break.

This morning I was down on my hands and knees scrubbing my kitchen floor

the " old fashioned " way (company's comping!) then at noon went to

Pilates. Interesting I met another women who had a spinal fusion about

the same time I did and we were both commenting about how we have

completely forgotten we ever had surgery! I swear, I have more energy

than I did before (Came home to clean somemore!) For all of you who

went through back surgery AND recovery with me, this is truly a miracle!

What I find interesting is the combination of breathing and muscle work

in Pilates. Having to think about breath and body scan and " feel " the

spine, etc.... lol...I swear if I ever was pregnant, I'd probably flunk

out of Lamaze at this point, but I am working on our beginning Pilates

at home to practice...my whole class (7 of us) are all new to Pilates,

so I don't feel like I have to " catch up " . Found out today our floor is

spring loaded - really cool - going in tomorrow to just see what the

aerobics class is like on that floor (good bounce!) We adding something

called " flippers " with the hands today and also the scizzors thing with

the legs. Pilates is just great.

Merry Christmas. ~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Just curious . . . if they have the machines there too. The things we are able

to do on them will amaze you! I'm visiting my family so I'm not able to be

online that much but I hear everything you are saying about Pilates. I could go

on and on about too.

I'm SO glad you enjoying it!! Keep us all posted on how it changes things for

you.

[Guest guest]

,

Yes, we've got machines too. Right now the only ones in the Fitness

Center that are set up to use are the treadmills - which are boring for

me. I like to walk outside and breathe fresh air After Jan. 1 a

second Pilates class will be offered, so I'll be doing more. Right now

we are just leaning the basics. It is also good right now to practice at

home - so far so good. Having the feeling of an 'open' or 'stretched

spine' seems to have an increased effect on my work too

(focus/concentration too)

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I have started looking into Pilates and it appears that there are many different

methods of teaching Pilates, such as the Winsor or Stott methods and I'm not

sure

which is better for someone with CMT.

How can I find a local instructor and where do I begin?

[Guest guest]

,

My Pilates instructor is a Physical Therapist. She works at my PT Center

and their new tandem Fitnesss Center, Performance Fitness. Have you got

a PT that might direct you? As for methods - I have no idea which I am

doing - so far it is all mat based lying on the floor, sitting on the

floor, and rolling over on one's stomach for the workout. I chose this

center because everyone knows me, my medical background and my CMT.

Classes are purposely kept small with one to one attention. (7 in a

class) This works for me and helps me feel secure that I am in

knowledgeable hands. Our local YMCA offers Pilates as do some of the

gyms in town (where aboutt 20 - 30 are in a class) I will ask Christi

what " method " we are doing. She did tell me that these basics we are

learning will allow us to be in any Pilates course anywhere and know

what we are doing.

~ Gretchen

http://www.cmtworld.org

http://www.aicmt.org/america.htm

[Guest guest]

Gretchen,

Oh, I totally know what you mean.

The machines I was referring to are the Pilates machines . . . wunderchair,

reformer, cadillac, etc.

Keep us posted on your progress and the enjoyment you get from it. It's the

best thing I've found for me.

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

,

What I can tell you is the the Windsor tapes are great . . . something called

" Pilates Method " is not the true Pilates that ph Pilates created and very

difficult for me because of the CMT. " Pilates Method " requires you to have

balance instead of giving you more balance through the workout.

ph Pilates intention and motivation was based on watching people confined

to a hospital bed and knowing that they should be doing something to keep

their bodies fit. If you see Pilates machines such as the reformer you will

notice that they are related to a hospital bed with springs and pulleys.

As for using the PT and getting insurance to cover it . . . at the studio

that I work out at insurance does cover it when you use the PT with a

perscription . . . but it does not include as hard of a workout. My suggestion

is to

utilize the PT aspect of it as much as you can but also go for the individual

trainer that you will probably have to pay for . . . if you can't afford that,

the Windsor tapes are a good way to do it at home and going to the PT at the

same time will make sure you are helping yourself and not hurting anything.

At least these are the ways I have done it. : )

Good Luck!

[Guest guest]

Is Pilates something that is covered by some insurances if it is done through PT

and

recommended by a doctor?

[Guest guest]

and ,

The form of basic Pilates I have started is lying on mats on the floor

and we work on spine strengthening and proper alighment of neck, back,

hips, trunk, knees, feet, etc. If anything so far, this doesn't require

standing balance while we do all the movements, but when we are

finished, besides feeling " taller " , I also feel that my standing balance

is better. One thing Christi did tell us at the beginning was that this

spinal alignment and exercises would help our balance - another reason

Rob and , the PT and Fitness Director told me to try Pilates. My

thighs seem to feel stronger - don't know if this is a result or not. I

also do some of the alignment and kicks at home now.

~ Gretchen

nicolecyrille@... wrote:

> ,

>

> What I can tell you is the the Windsor tapes are great . . . something called

> " Pilates Method " is not the true Pilates that ph Pilates created and very

> difficult for me because of the CMT. " Pilates Method " requires you to have

> balance instead of giving you more balance through the workout.

>

> ph Pilates intention and motivation was based on watching people confined

> to a hospital bed and knowing that they should be doing something to keep

> their bodies fit. If you see Pilates machines such as the reformer you will

> notice that they are related to a hospital bed with springs and pulleys.

>

> As for using the PT and getting insurance to cover it . . . at the studio

> that I work out at insurance does cover it when you use the PT with a

> perscription . . . but it does not include as hard of a workout. My

suggestion is to

> utilize the PT aspect of it as much as you can but also go for the individual

> trainer that you will probably have to pay for . . . if you can't afford that,

> the Windsor tapes are a good way to do it at home and going to the PT at the

> same time will make sure you are helping yourself and not hurting anything.

>

> At least these are the ways I have done it. : )

>

> Good Luck!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

After looking into it, we have no PT clinics around here offering Pilates, nor

do we

even have a local gym or health club offering it yet. The closest place is 60

minutes

away.

I did buy a DVD today called AM/ PM Pilates workout, (I think). Is anyone

familiar with

this one? I just got home from working all day and grocery shopping afterwards

and

am in no way ready for another 'workout' yet. :-)

ps. Gretchen, you mentioned going to the health club and using the pool. I

know

you're big on ADA compliance; can you believe the only health club/raquetball

club

we have here has a pool and is going to start offering Pilates classes but has

no

elevator and the workout rooms, sauna, weights, showers and pool are on their

lower

level down a big flight of stairs!! Isn't that a code violation?

[Guest guest]

Gretchen,

It definitely sounds like you have been doing the Pilates style created by

ph Pilates. I only described the other so that everyone would know if they

were thinking of purchasing tapes to use at home. It involves more activities

while standing . . . not the original style but a variation.

The study that I have done says that the machines are intended to make you stong

enough to do the mat work. I've found that there are a few things that I gain

from the machines over the mat because of the CMT . . . mainly lower leg stuff

and ankle stuff. The mat is where you get the deepest work and what is

available from the tapes. I just get a kick out of some of the strange things

they get you to do on the machines . . . they make me feel really strong! That

is such a rare treat!! Hee hee

All this talk is really making me miss LA and my trainer . . . I'll be home

soon!!

Also, so thankful to hear that you made it through the earthquake. I'm sure my

house is fine, at least I think so . . . I asked my manager who lives near me

and he said they didn't feel much there.

Peace,

[Guest guest]

what is pilates????? sounds like it would be good for me since I casn't do

water aerobics in the winter. where do I find out about it??? is there tapes I

could use????? Cathleen

[Guest guest]

Hi Cathleen,

In simple terms, Pilates is stretching and breathing exercises on the

floor. (you're lying down, very body conscious, taking breaths at

specific times, contracting certain muscles, release breaths, etc. It

is not like Yoga, actually I think it is more difficult than Yoga, and

certainly not as dull. What I do requires the ability to lie flat on the

floor, to roll over and sit up. So I know for some with CMT this might

not work. What follows is more of a description from the HNF website:

Popular Pilates: Is it Right for You?

If you keep hearing the term “Pilates” and are wondering about this

popular conditioning

method, here’s a quick primer: Pilates focuses on proper body alignment,

injury

prevention, breathing, stretching, strengthening, and establishing a

mind-body connection. A non-impact workout, once the domain of

professional dancers, Pilates has gone mainstream, becoming the exercise

of choice among celebs, fitness buffs, and even pro athletes.

As a person suffering from CMT, will Pilates be right for you? This is a

question that can only be answered by you and your physician. In

general, however, Pilates exercises are gentle enough to be performed

during pregnancy, and many older adults have found the

exercise to be challenging without being stressful on their bodies. Will

it improve your

gait? Can it strengthen your muscles? Will it provide you with more

flexibility or improved circulation? In general, the answer to these

questions is “yes,” however; it is not advisable to start any new

fitness routine without a prior assessment by a doctor who is familiar

with CMT in general, and with your case, in particular.

Pilates is not a flash-in-the-pan or fad exercise. In fact, the Pilates

Method has been

around since the 1920s, when German-born ph Pilates designed a

non-impact

conditioning program that integrated principles of yoga, Zen, and

ancient Greek and

Roman exercises. Mr. Pilates designed—and Trademarked—specialized

equipment based

on his exercise philosophy and engineering background. After much legal

wrangling, the

Pilates method is now accessible to the masses, rather than to just a

select few. It is

offered everywhere from health clubs to hospitals; national sports teams

use Pilates for

training and rehabilitation; and even baby boomers are reaping the

benefits of strength,

flexibility and improved posture from these workouts.

The Pilates Method focuses on the body’s “core,” conditioning the body

from the inside out. Beginning with pelvic stabilization, Pilates works

on creating muscle balance and spinal alignment, which improves posture

and strength. Once the stomach muscles and core are strong, it's amazing

how much easier lifting and other everyday tasks can become. What's

more, many believe that pain resulting from imbalances in strength and

flexibility in the hamstrings and quadriceps, abdominals and lower back,

or chest and upper back will improve with Pilates conditioning.

Instead of lifting heavy weights or doing high-impact moves, Pilates’

approach uses small, precise strengthening and toning movements. The

challenge is in achieving the proper form, concentration, and breathing

skills. As promised by Mr. Pilates back in the ‘20s, most people see

positive changes in their bodies after 10 sessions, at which point they

have developed good form. Pilates devotees also report a sense of calm

after each

session.

Because individual sessions on Pilates equipment can be costly, many

fitness facilities

introduce Pilates through no- or low-fee mat classes, which require no

equipment. This

allows people to try the exercises before paying for personal training

sessions or classes that use specialized machines.

In the classes, students receive supervision and instruction and will

get a good sense of the movements, breathing, and overall routine at the

core of Pilates. With so much to

recommend Pilates, why not ask your doctor if this workout could be

right for you?

SO, there you go, Cathleen. That describes the Pilates I am doing. There

must be tapes somewhere, but I prefer the class situation, as the

Instructor is right there, watchingg each one do what is right. Left to

my own initiative, I wouldn't get much from tapes.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

thanks for the information. here where I live we have no health clubs just a

lady who leads line dancing and step aerobics. however a new physical therapy

place opened recently so I will check with them. sounds like what I need , i

can still get off the floor as long as i have aomething to hang on to. thanks

again Cathleen in Arkansas

[Guest guest]

Hello All,

I am looking at Pilates, It does look good since it is low impact on the

joints.

Did any one buy Pilates exercise machine. Please let me, how you like it,

and what you could do with it, etc

If I buy one I will let you .Thanks

Nidal

[Guest guest]

Hi Caroline,

What kind of moves do you have do thats called Pilates ? I never heard of pilates.

juneflower60 or SusieCaroline <carolinejohn@...> wrote:

HI Doris,I have been doing Pilates for the last few months, starting from about 9 months post op.. THe movements were all designed to get war veterans out of bed, without wasted muscles. MOst of the exercises that my PT gave me were all pilates moves..Caroline>From: Doris Provost <dorisprovost2003@...>>Reply-Joint Replacement >Total_joint_replacementgroups>Subject: pilates>Date: Sat, 3 Jul 2004 19:32:28 -0700 (PDT)>>What about pilates!! Has anyone done pilates? I am thinking about >starting this on the days I don't do the wateraerobics. Is there any moves >that we as "hippies" cannot do?>>Doris>>>--------------------------------->Do you

?>New and Improved - Send 10MB messages!_________________________________________________________________It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger

[Guest guest]

Hi Rob,

I have a Pilates dvd that I have tried and it is great. It is called Pick

Your Spot Pilates. It has 3 areas of target and each one is 10 minutes. It

shows different way to start and works up to a harder level in a sense. I

hope this helps. P.S The instructer is Ellen Barrett.

Lynda

[Guest guest]

This weekend I happened to buy a " Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates

Method " for my daughter. I paged through it and it looked straightforward

and useful, even if you don't have access to the equipment. It seemed to

contain a lot of general info about strenghtening, stretching, etc. I think

it will be useful but she hasn't gotten into it yet, so I can't be sure.

I paid $19 for it but I see that's it's available online at Amazon for as

little as $1.50 used. Might be worth a try if you're new to Pilates.

------- Rick Alber

[Guest guest]

I do Pilates about 2-3 times per week, alternating with the days I do walking.

I have been pleased with the results. I'm toned up more, but not bulkier,

which is what I wanted to avoid on my petite frame. I got some videos to start

off with, then some Pilates books, so I could vary the workout. I honestly like

the results better than when I used the machines and free weights at the gym.

And my workout time is less.

Rebekah

Pilates

I have to say that this search engine is AMAZING!! Thanks Mike!

http://onibasu.dyndns.org/index.html

I looked up pilates, but didn't find what I wanted - just Suze mentioning a

Pilates move she saw in a magazine.

I'm wondering if anyone here is doing Pilates. Is it something that requires

recovery time or can it be done everyday, or almost everyday? And what about

yoga (as far as every day)? I'm not talking intense yoga, just the very easy

poses. I have the tape " Yoga For Weightloss " although it is lost somewhere in

my house right now. At any rate, I'm finally ready to get back to exercising -

it's the one thing I can't seem to ever do consistently, but I know it's vitally

important. I can't do aerobic activity yet because of my thryoid/asthma

issues, but the yoga and pilates don't seem to be a problem.

Thanks! Steph