What do you think of Pilates? How effective is this workout for weight loss and/or strength training?

Some people love it. I am not a fan of it because I believe you should work one-on-one with an experienced instructor. Pilates was never meant to be a workout program that the general public participated in.

It was designed by Joseph Pilates back in the day as a way for already in shape dancers to take their bodies to the next level.

Some people swear by it. So long as you are doing it perfectly and you feel comfortable doing it... give it a try. Just be sure you have excellent form.

It can take the place of a weight training day, but nothing can compare to a solid strength training routine that gradually increases in intenisty. That's where we add muscle (don't worry about bulking... it won't happen!) and lose fat.

I love pilates but as Lynn said some people love it some people hate it. Some of the things I can't do comfortably so I have to skip that. If you're flexible you'll probably love it.

I did a workout routine of pilates tonight after I posted the question. I do like it, but I am really flexible. There were some moves that I seem to do at home without thinking about it. I only did the beginner to see what it was like, I'll probably do it a while until I know I'm doing the forms completely right, then move up. Is it really considered a weight training routine? I don't mean to sound dumb, but I'm just not real sure what it's "purpose" is? It seems like yoga to me, and I still have it in my mind that yoga is meditating and stretching.

The major difference is that the Pilates technique not only has a full complement of matwork, but it incorporates work on the Pilates machines. The emphasis of the exercises is to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilize and lengthen the spine, improve balance and overall strength. Pilates gives you a longer, leaner, dancer-like line.

Pilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, precision and concentration in both the mind and the body.

Yoga is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in themidst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start practicing Yoga - to feel more fit, to be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.

Thanks a lot Skye, that's a good explaination!

No problem, I'm not sure about the take the place of a weight training day, but I did yoga/pilates today instead of weight training...I'm so sore that I don't think I could have...lol

I LOVE pilates and if you have a good instructor he/she should walk around providing corrections to your form. I'm not so sure about doing the videos at home but if you are doing the moves without pain, I think it's okay. Just be aware of your body and if you do experience any pain, skip those moves.

~teresa

As far as it replacing strength training or does it count as strength training... I would say that if you are a beginner to working out then it could be substituted for one of your strength training days.

But if you are looking to seriously lean out and firm up... it may be best to focus on strength training more. Pilates works the muscles (especially the core) but does not add lean muscle (which is in large part responsible for an increased metabolism).