30-day pilates makeover

Cheri · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 175 Location:

Hi Ladies,

My apologies for butting in on this thread but I thought I would throw out a couple of things I learned that might help:

Prema - regarding the bumping at the end of the machine - I think that most of us has done that - I sure did! It falls under the principle of "Control." Focus on your core muscles and use them to control the platform to return to the start position. It is an interesting feeling and I know that when I focused on this I found I was controlling the push or out position but letting the platform slam back into the in position. I had to learn to control moving out and in.

And for the question on when I do my practice - 3pm is good for me. Everyone knows their bodies best so just listen to yours - it'll say "Prema - lets workout!"

mrsbob - Again I think most of us - unless we are trained in meditation or yoga - have had trouble with the breathing. When we are born as babies we automatically knew how to breathe correctly - deeply inhale and our bellies go out and our bellies go in when we exhale. As we grow up and encounter the world of school, work, relations, stress etc. we forget and begin to breathe shallow.

The breathing is my favorite thing about Pilates - relearning how to connect with my breath and spirit. I had some kind of kink in my body that would not let me breath from my diaphragm. For most of my life I have had asthma and the nurses would always try to get me to breath and I couldn't. Then I saw a dr. for my panic attacks who also tried teaching me deep breathing techniques. I could do it for 3-4 breathes and then I would start to hyperventilate or gasp for air. It wasn't until I started my Pilates Practice that I found the "cure" for my breathing - somehow I believe that Pilates realigned my body so now I can breathe deep into my diaphragm. But it was challenging work because my diaphragm muscles were weak from never being used!

It takes time to retrain your body to breathe. I found it helpful to stop a few times a day and breathe mindfully - inhale though the nose and put my hand on my belly and feel it go out and then exhale through the mouth and feel with my hand the belly going in. A few months ago while watching Dr. Oz on Oprah he was talking about the importance of breathing and showed the audience the correct way to breath - even Oprah found out she had been breathing wrong LOL!

Most importantly is to be gentle with yourself - don't beat yourself up with harsh words, thoughts or actions as this is toxic to the soul - do your best - sometimes we are too tired, feeling unwell or busy with family/work activities and we need to use our energy in the best possible way and our best may be to NOT get on the machine. And with the holiday season coming up be especially kind and loving to yourself and if you miss a workout just do it next time -- and remember to breathe :)

in love & light -- Cheri

Prema · Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Location:

cheri,

thanks so much for your reply. sounds like you know what you are doing when it comes to pilates. i'll head your insightful info.

prema

mrsbob · Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 103 Location:

Cheri, I loved your very thought out and thoughtful advice! Thanks! I am really excited to start the level 2 dvd, but I am making myself work on the breathing for another couple of weeks before I move on. I do find myself being more aware of my breathing throughout the day.

Thanks again!

Oh, for me, morning workouts are best! I think it's an individual thing. You should work out when you enjoy it most because you're more apt to do it!

mrsbob · Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 103 Location:

Oh, one other thing....does anybody have the Lower Body and Upper Body dvds? I'm especially interested in the lower body....I'd love a more intense workout for my legs.

Just curious if anybody has done those and what you thought!

mrsbob · Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 103 Location:

I got my June Kahn video today! Finally! I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

How's everybody else doing?

sydney · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 129 Location:

Hey mrsbob,

Glad you got your video, I think you are really going to like it. I have only gotten to do mine once. We were hit with the ice storm last week we just got our power back on.

I was able to get my workout in tonight, did 25 min rebounding and some stretching. I'm going to stop talking about my eating and just do something about it.

Sandra are you ok ,I sure do miss chatting with you.
Keep jumping ladies, mrsbob be sure and let us know what you think of the video.

Sydney

mrsbob · Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 103 Location:

Wow. I just watched that dvd! I cannot wait to try it!! There is so much more instruction in it and it goes at a nice even pace so that you can fully concentrate on the moves without feeling rushed to get through it and on to the next move. I'll be trying it out on Wedensday! I did my Level 1 dvd today and tomorrow night I have a Christmas party to go to...I'm afraid that if I tried the new June Kahn dvd tomorrow, I might not be able to move tomorrow night! LOL!

marie berry · Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 30 Location:

Hi Mrs Bob,

I did have the upper and lower body videos,some years ago. I lent them out and never got them back. However they are both excellent to target specific areas and i still do them . I have two workouts which i alternate. One is the level 3 workout and the other is a combination of upper and lower body . I've heard Marjolein say that after the basic workout the upper and lower body are the next step up.

Anyway i think you would love them if you decide to try them.

Best Wishes

Marie

sydney · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 129 Location:

Hell-o ladies,

Its about time for the new year, Sandra I hope your knee is better. Are you up for a new challange?

Rickie how about you? Are you ready to go again?
I know that this year has got to be a fresh start for me. I'm ready, if you guys want to go at it again.

Sydney

Sandra · Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 83 Location:

Hi everyone! Happy holidays.

Hey Sydney
Sure I'll continue the challenge with you for the new year. I'm not rebounding everyday. I'm still doing cardio but not only rebounding. Using my treadmill and bicycle (I really enjoy doing them.
I have arthritis in my knee. It's feeling a whole lot better. I'm not limping anymore. No more discomfort or swelling. I have to go see a rheumatologist. Oh, what fun.
How have you been?
Where is everyone? Well, with the holidays and all. It must be pretty hectic. But I'm still working out. Hope everyojne is getting something in. Talk to you later.---Sandra

jaybee · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 92 Location:

Sandra,
I am getting 'something in' as you said. Difficult when family are home at this time of year but 'the sales' confirm intention to get fit and in shape!
I am up for the challenge/makeover. I find that when I rebound I forego the pilates stretching..............probably best to alternate?.........but I seam to find the cardio addictive..........what about you??
Julie

Prema · Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Location:

hi ladies,

it's been hectic over the holidays. no aero pilates workout for me. but i am going to try to get back to it!

prema

sydney · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 129 Location:

Hey Prema, I know what you mean, about the holidays. I'm going to hit it Friday on mine I can sure tell a differnce in my body I sure feel alot flabber. Can't wait to start the challange again.

Sydney

mrsbob · Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 103 Location:

Hi girls! I'm starting back up tomorrow too! The holidays are over and it's time! I am having some lower back pain from the rebounding though...it's not going away and I haven't rebounded for a couple of weeks...not sure what that's all about...but I don't have an excuse for not doing the reformer workouts.

Tomorrow my new dvd for lower body arrives....I'm hoping I love it!

Well, until tomorrow....see ya all later!

Sandra · Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 83 Location:

Hi everyone!
Julie
I love doing cardio. If I don't do any resistance training I try to get in cardio at least 5 times a week (always try for 7). I find what I do, is if I can't get in a full pilates workout I'll do the 10-min workout plus rebound/treadmill/bicycle (whichever I'm in the mood for). I like to alternate cardio routines. It is somewhat addicting.

Prema
We've all slacked off a little. but it's the new year. Let's begin again.

Mrsbob
I too need to invest in the upper and lower body workouts. Let mee know how they are. Hope your lower back is feeling better.

Sydney
Have you heard from Rickie? I'm ready to get back in full gear.

We should begin either 01/01/08 or 01/02/08. what do you all think?
Sandra