Has anyone tried pilates, yoga or ballet? What do you think about them? I'm really flexible but I need something to gain some muscle, and these look more fun than just weights. Oh and reccomend some dvd's to try out too! thanks

I've done yoga on and off for the last 3 years (I'm off now b/c of a knee injury), and think it's absolutely the best for stretching my muscles and relaxing my mind. I go to a weekly class and when I leave, I feel both relaxed and energized, if that makes sense . . . I do traditional hatha yoga (the emphasis is on breathing and standard poses), so although I sometimes feel sore in a few of my muscles after a session, it's not really a muscle builder for me. Perhaps "power yoga" may do more of this? I haven't used any DVDs, though, so can't recommend any. For me, yoga is perhaps more important as a mental break than as exercise. Have fun, whatever you decide to do.

Hi Pink!

I'm thinking of buying a ballet workout video but haven't done so yet. But I think it will help me with strengthening my core and improving my grace which is non-existent at this point lol.

Hi Littlepinksock,

I have danced Ballet and Jazz for over 20 years and I enjoy Pilates, but if you want to build lean muscle and strength I recommend you to do Vinyasa Yoga or Power Yoga. There are a lot of yoga dvd's out there, Baptista is good, and if you like Martial Arts try Budokon that is a combo between Power Yoga and MA. I got several on ebay, pretty cheap. I go to yoga several times per week and I have a Pilates Reformer at home and I really enjoy the present feeling Yoga brings and it seems I get more of a workout from it than Pilates. Email me direct if you need more info.

Maria-Paz

I've gone on a workout DVD kick lately and bought pilates, yoga, and the New York City Ballet workout. I remember before that when I tried yoga it really agrivated a knee injury I had since the specific tape I had involved jumping from position to position instead of the smooth transitions I expected. I'm not sure any of them would be great for building muscle though. They all seem more geared towards flexibilty and toning.

Check out Yoga Booty Ballet - from Beachbody.com - wonderful ballet moves - great yoga (and I am not a fan of yoga but they make it so easy)
I feel that the ballet moves have really helped me change my core section and with this 10 week program I have lost 18 pounds.
Oh and if you decide to order the program go ahead and get the "goddess package" the added workouts are great sculpt and are fun.

I saw a pilate DVD on an informercial one nite. even though I try to avoid informercials, this caught my attention and I thought "I can do that." I ordered it. it came in about a month ago. it's still waiting to be opened. LOL.

tell ya' what. I'll try to give it a whirl by this weekend and let ya' know.