hi.

does any one take pilates .
I think it is one the best things you can do for your body as far as toning.
It is not easy, as it looks , you certaintly feel the burn.
I find that pilates really does sculpt your body, you have to maintian the classes in order to see results, but after about 6 sessions you will see results.
I have been doing pilates for about 3 years 2 times a week, just love it, keep me toned.

I love the Windsor Pilates videos! It took me a little while to get the coordination down, but now that I have it, I love doing the videos.

I love the quote you have at the end of your comments- so ture.

yes I agree with the coordination thing, I used to think no way can I do that!
but eventually your body gets use to the different things you are asking it to do.
in my class we have a group of mature ladies, one must be at least 70 , she is just fantastic, keeps up with the younger gals, no problem. I hope I look like her when I am that age.
whenI feel the burn in class, I just look over to her, and I am too embreassed to take a break.

I've taken Pilates class once a week for years. I think it works the core in a way that other programs just don't. And core isn't just the abs - it's the obliques and back muscles too, all the way around! Core work is SO important, because those muscles are used for just about everything we do.

The exercises are deceptive. They look like they shouldn't be that hard, but proper form is everything and if you are doing it properly - OMG, you really feel it! And there are different levels, so you can start at wherever you are and keep challenging yourself as you progress.

So yes, I'm a big proponent of pilates as part of an overall, balanced training program. I wouldn't want to do ONLY that, because I need more cardio and like traditional strength training and yoga and things like that. But once or twice a week, absolutely.