[StarPrincess]

Formia - Keep trying it with some better padding under you. The several times I did that move, it left me sore in my lower back right over the bones.

It's important to remember that learning the moves properly takes time. Keeping you head down and your back really curved at all times through the move will help.

For me, it now works as it should. That rolling move is a massage for your back and when you do it right, it feels really good! I even do it now just if my back feels a little stiff.

[Formia]

Thanks for the tips! I'll have to give it another try.

[jdoggmartin]

Star: How advanced are the Windsor Pilates tapes? Is it something I could move onto after I master "Pilates for Dummies"?

[StarPrincess]

Most definitely! Winsor has 3 videos in the basic set.

There's a basics video which is about 25 minutes long and will slowly walk you through the basic moves.

There's a 20-minute video which offers more of a challenge, but is still pretty basic.

Then there's a 50 minute video for advanced body sculpting. It incorporates all the moves from the 20 minute video and adds even more challenging work. There's still a couple of moves on that one that I'll be so excited when I can do them!

There are always modifications shown and Mari does a good job explaining your breathing and posture. I know you know this, Jina, but for the benefit of others I want to stress that this is a process and will take time to learn!

So, I recommend to people that they try out the basic video and if it's a challenge, stick to just that for a while. Then on to the 20-minute video until it becomes more comfortable. Then give the body sculpting a try.

[jdoggmartin]

Star: I don't mean to question you to death, but you are the Pilates princess and have a wealth of information to share! Did you gain muscle weight after starting Pilates? I've never done any type of strength training whatsoever. It would make sense to me that I might gain some muscle weight?? Or at least that's what I'm hoping...

[StarPrincess]

I love answering questions!

Yes, I gained some muscle weight! And more importantly, major definition! My whole body is looking better - harder. The last time I went crabbing and was pulling up one of the cages, I could feel my ab muscles moving back and forth. It was one of the coolest things I've ever felt!