The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

Sarya · by **Sarya** » June 26th, 2006, 4:50 am

So is anyone doing Pilates? I bought a Pilates video the other day that has five 10 minute programs on it. I've done the 10 minute abs program twice. For 10 minutes of exercise done completely while I'm on my butt I sure sweat! It's really hard though, and I'm not quite strong enough to hold the positions correctly. Does anyone have any tips to make holding the correct position easier? Or other tips? I also bought the 10 minute yoga video and may switch off between the two, but both mornings after I worked out with the pilates I could feel it in my abs so I'm not as likely to switch

--S

DogMa · by **DogMa** » June 26th, 2006, 2:20 pm

Well, I TRY to do Pilates. I'm really bad at it, though, because I have zero stomach muscles and always have. So I'm not much help.

Sarya · by **Sarya** » June 26th, 2006, 3:58 pm

Aw Robin you sound like me! There is this part in the ab program where you are supposed to lift your legs and part of your back into the air.. I don't even try. I do the part of the hundred pose where you smack your hands towards the floor instead.

DogMa · by **DogMa** » June 26th, 2006, 4:47 pm

I stop when they get to rolling like a ball. Because I roll back and then just lie there like a little bug trying to get back up. I keep trying to find ways to build up my stomach muscles enough so that I CAN do Pilates or something.

Sarya · by **Sarya** » June 26th, 2006, 5:34 pm

I did a little better holding my knees and thighs closer together today. The only thing that sucks is that I always end the session with a headache. I think I'm straining way too much, but then should end soon enough.. I hope. I should just stop trying to do the really hard stuff for now.

DogMa · by **DogMa** » June 26th, 2006, 5:53 pm

I can hardly do anything without straining my neck. I think I can't help but use my neck muscles because my stomach muscles are so useless. I like to at least try, though.

What is the workout you got? I have something that sounds similar, but I have a few others that I also try to do.

Sarya · by **Sarya** » June 26th, 2006, 6:12 pm

There's a line of videos called the 10 minute solution. This one is specifically the Pilates one. I'm only doing the ab workout right now. I'd try another one, but then I wouldn't be able to do this one the same night! I hate the workout yet I love it because I can feel it doing something. craziness.

DogMa · by **DogMa** » June 27th, 2006, 12:18 pm

I know what you mean. And I think I found something to work for me and hopefully get me to where I CAN do Pilates. Sigh.

I had a book on my shelf on therapeutic exercises using resistance bands. Got it on Amazon way back when because I love the resistance bands and a lot of people on there recommended it. Anyway, I tried some of the abs exercises last night (and this morning). I can DO them, and I didn't strain my neck or back trying. And I can definitely feel it - when I'm working out and later on. So I think I'm going to go with this for a while, and give the Pilates stuff another try when my abs are a little stronger. Maybe take a class so they can help with form.

Sarya · by **Sarya** » June 27th, 2006, 12:59 pm

Around here I've found it's about $70 a class. I'm not sure it's worth it to me. I'm still thinking about it. I'm not using any machines, just doing mat work.

DogMa · by **DogMa** » June 27th, 2006, 2:13 pm

My local YMCA, which I'm thinking of joining when I get back into town, has some Pilates classes (free with membership). Of course, they're way too early in the morning for me, but maybe at some point.

For now, I'm sticking with the book and resistance bands. Kind of a remedial abs course. Because mine are so weak, sometimes I'm surprised I can stand upright!

Sarya · by **Sarya** » June 27th, 2006, 2:29 pm

Our Y is closed right now while they build a new one in the old spot. I wonder if they'll have pilates when it's built.. I wonder if I'll still live on this side of town??

How do you like the resistance bands?

DogMa · by **DogMa** » June 27th, 2006, 3:12 pm

I love 'em. That's why I got the book in the first place; I used to use the bands with a Cher exercise video, of all things (I loved it, though; the first half was an aerobics class led by her choreographer, and the second half was resistance-band training with her personal trainer). And they're so portable, I can take them anywhere.

And last time I had to get physical therapy for something and commented on the giant rolls of the stuff they had at the office, they just gave me some of each strength for free.

alpha femme · by **alpha femme** » June 27th, 2006, 4:49 pm

ok, this is pretty gay (but so am i, so i can say that) but richard simmons has a tape with bands called tone 'n sweat that is excellent for mild resistance training.

DogMa · by **DogMa** » June 27th, 2006, 4:55 pm

I think I have it. I have pretty much ALL his tapes. How sad is that? But they're kinda fun, and I love seeing all the people who either have weight to lose or have lost a bunch.

That one's a little TOO easy for me, though. The only place I'm really, really weak is the abdomen. Have been since I was a kid.

Jodi1964 · by **Jodi1964** » June 27th, 2006, 5:38 pm

I love Pilates! I have tons of Pilates DVD workouts, but before we moved two years ago I did take a class for about a year. Taking an actual class was great in learning proper form, but I'm sure by now I have forgotten some of that form!

Lately I've been wanting to give yoga a try and last night I tried a Beginner Level Power Yoga workout by Baron Baptiste. Tough! Tough! Tough! My arms have been killing me all day, not to mention my stomach muscles!

Jodi

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