Pilates and Low Carb......

[Christine1]

Has anyone used the Pilates program in conjunction with low-carbing?

I have been intrigued by the Mari Winsor Pilates video infomercial. I would like to tone, but not build muscle.

What do you all think?

Oh, and is the video series worth the money?

[Dahlia]

Helo Christine,

I did Pilates with a physio before a low carb diet, it was excellent at getting my body in shape and helping me to walk and move more easily, I have a fairly simple video and a book and have been able to continue on my own.
I won't know how effective it has been in re-shaping my muscles until I have shed these layers of fat but without dieting I still feel a lot better and move about more easily.

I think the best way is to start simply and see if you get on with the type of exercise before you spend a lot on a series of videos. I hate exercise and anyway am not allow the usual aerobic types so the simpler Pilates suit me so I sugest you have a go Best of luck Dahlia

[Jan C]

I had been doing some Pilates at home with a Method series video and really liked it. Three weeks ago the gym where I have a membership started offering a pilates class that works into my schedule. I find it is a lot harder than the tapes - way more repititions, but I love it! I also started doing yoga a month ago and the combination of the two has given my more flexibility, core stability, better posture and balance. I still do some cardio and weights as well.

[itsjoyful]

Christine~

Hey!!! Welcome to the fourm!

I have not done any pilates classes or tapes, but my mom actually started taking a class and she loves it. When she can't get to class she does some at home from what she learned.

As far as the Mari tapes go, I've seen the commercials. I always question something when I feel like they are trying so hard to sell something. I'd check out the local video store or library and rent something before I put that much money into video tapes. Just MHO.

As far as 'tone' vs. build...it's kinda an industry myth. If what you want is for the muscles you have to be more prominant, then you have to lose the fat that surrounds them. As women we are in a disposition NOT to get bulky, so worrying about bulking is kinda a waste of time. I'm also under the impression that Mari's tape hype 'lenghtening' your muscles. As far as that goes, it's a myth too. Your muscles are your muscles. Genetics gave you a certain type and you can enhance them, but never really 'change' them. Me, I have short muscles. I'm just not an endurance girl. I will never be a ballerina. My daughter, she has long, gazelle like muscles. She could be a blalerina.

I'm hopin' I have not come off too strong here. ANY exercise program that you begin is ALWAYS better than non at all. Even if you start pilates and end up changing to something else, at least you tried! You do need a foundation!
Let us know what you decide!
Peace,
Brenda

[upncomer]

I have just started Pilates as well as Leslie Sansone (Walk off the pounds) and I have been alternating the workouts to every other day. So far, other than being sore I feel great. An acquaintance of mine began with a Pilates program when she had about 120 lbs to lose. She has lost all of her weight and kept it off for at least 5 years that I know of. She even teaches Pilates now!

Pilates is wonderful for toning up the body and keeping the skin elastic - helps a lot when losing a bunch of weight and you don't want loose skin hanging around. :D

I have a very bad back, so I started with the Pilates for back. I have now ordered one that is a weight reduction tape, but haven't started that one yet.

If you have a Costco nearby (or even log onto half.com), you can pick up Pilates tapes pretty cheaply (under $10). At half.com, just search "Pilates" under cd/vcr and a bunch will come up.

Go for it - whatever makes ya happy!

[Mosaic4]

Chistine,

I have been LCing for seven weeks and have been doing Windsor Pilates for the past week. I am definitely feeling a difference. If you want to tone and not bulk up...this is the program for you. (It doesn't have to be Mari's tapes, though I think she's great.)

I combine my Pilates workout with cardio, in addition to light weight training. I just had a baby 2 months ago and am using the Pilates to really tighten up my middle.

If you're committed to doing Pilates about 5 days a week, I think the videos are really worth the money!!

Good Luck,

Mosaic4