Winsor Pilates

[MareMare]

Anyone try it? This girl at work told me that it helped her lose 3-4 inches off her thighs but she didn't lose weight. That's what I want. To lose inches in certain places but I'm not too worried about my weight. I've tried pilates at the gym before and it did burn. I just didn't keep up with it cuz I didn't think it'd be effective in the long run cuz classes were only once a week. My coworker is lending me the tapes to try it out. Just wanted to see what everyone else thinks!

[Amy]

It is a miracle! After my son was born, I did this. In 3 months I lost 30 pounds. I wasn't eating McDonalds everday and Ho Ho's but I didn't deny myself goodies. In 6 months, I went from a pant size of 12 to 4. I did it about 4 times a week, just the 20 min workout. Love it!

[debbie]

i like her and jennifer kries. pilates helps lean out muslces to retain flexibility. it's also great for your posture.
if you want more advanced later i reccomend jennifer kries.
normally i used to work out 5 days a week. 3 of them woudl be the cycling and the other 2 pilates. with light weights.
now i am officially the couch potatoe. i am sick so i am waiting for surgery. so i can get back out there. :)
lol
good luck good choice. :)

[Lara]

Hi. Like I said in another thread, I'm a certified personal trainer and nutritionist for 15 years. I fully endorse the Winsor Pilates and even own the set! They are worth giving a try. You can always do the class once a week at your gym and supplement with the tapes an additional 2 times per week. I believe Blockbuster has the Winsor Pilates for rental. You can see what you think and if you like them, buy a set.

Lara :)

[MareMare]

I'll definately give it a try for awhile. Just hope I'll keep up with it!

[debbie]

you need to do cardio for at least 20 minutes 3 days a week. that is whyi cycle too. then i do pilates with light weights. i have a cardio pilates as well. (for those rainy days) lol
but the cardio is important too. :)

[Caitlin]

I tried it for a couple straight weeks last summer, but after that I got really bored with it. I still do it off an on when I am too tired to do any heavy exercise. It does work, so if you are looking for a low impact workout, this may be your dream. Especially since they are advertising the new standing system for 10 bucks!

[MareMare]

The thing with cardio is I'm scared to lose weight in certain places. I just wanna tone up my body not necissarily lose weight. Would I still have to do cardio?

[debbie]

well the purpose of cardio is to raise the heart rate and natural endorphines. it depends on what type of cardio you do. like cycling will build leg muscle. aerobics will work all the muscles. so cardio is like a deck of cards. choose one you can stick with and that you want. but pilates is a good work out just now cardio.
it's very important for your heart, mind, and body to do some type of cardio. you won't lose the areas you want if you don't concentrate on those areas. see what i mean. but use those on pilates.
i know what you mean. i didn't want to loose my boobs so i cycle. lol lol
but i also do weights on my upper body and i am more firm. lol
so even it's it's 2 days a week is fine. try some cardio. waking fast is cardio too.
hope this helps. :)

[Lara]

The thing with cardio is I'm scared to lose weight in certain places. I just wanna tone up my body not necissarily lose weight. Would I still have to do cardio?
Hi MareMare--Cardio (aerobic exercise) is excellent even if your goal isn't to lose weight. Cardio improves cardiovascular (heart) and respiratory (lung) health. In laymen's terms, this means that as a result, your lungs use oxygen more efficiently and your heart becomes more efficient at a lower heart rate (during rest). Cardio exercise also helps reduce your risk of heart disease. And, let's not forget those endorphins that Debbie mentioned!

As far as losing weight with cardio, the time and frequency needed for cardio conditioning (20-25 minutes about 3 times per week) is less than what is needed for fat burning (at least 30 minutes 4-5 times per week). Therefore, your chance of burning fat is less unless you have a fast metabolism. If you start doing cardio conditioning and notice that you are beginning to lose weight, up your calories a bit on the days you do your cardio.

Cardio (aerobic) exercise is any exercise that increases your target heart rate for a set period of time and duration. So, like Debbie said, Pilates (if done at a fast pace) and walking can be considered cardio exercise. Heck, so can cleaning house if you do it fast enough. LOL. MareMare, if you decide that cleaning house will be your cardio of choice, I will sacrifice and volunteer my house first for your cause. :D . Just kidding. I hope this helps. :p

[dgirl]

I really know nothing about pilates, although I've heard about stars doing it. I'm looking for a new form of exercise since I've been having serious knee and ankle problems, to the point where I sometimes need a cane. I used to bike, stair climb and do the treadmill regularly and I lost about 25 llbs, but now I can't do any of those things and I'm gaining the weight back again. The only thing I can think of at this point is swimming, and the doctor approved it, but I'm worried that swimming 4 times a week will fry my hair (ah, vanity, but there it is). Is pilates something I should consider looking into? I basically need something that doesn't involve ANY bouncy impact on my joints. If you have any suggestions I'd appreciate it! TIA

[MareMare]

Hi MareMare--Cardio (aerobic exercise) is excellent even if your goal isn't to lose weight. Cardio improves cardiovascular (heart) and respiratory (lung) health. In laymen's terms, this means that as a result, your lungs use oxygen more efficiently and your heart becomes more efficient at a lower heart rate (during rest). Cardio exercise also helps reduce your risk of heart disease. And, let's not forget those endorphins that Debbie mentioned!

As far as losing weight with cardio, the time and frequency needed for cardio conditioning (20-25 minutes about 3 times per week) is less than what is needed for fat burning (at least 30 minutes 4-5 times per week). Therefore, your chance of burning fat is less unless you have a fast metabolism. If you start doing cardio conditioning and notice that you are beginning to lose weight, up your calories a bit on the days you do your cardio.

Cardio (aerobic) exercise is any exercise that increases your target heart rate for a set period of time and duration. So, like Debbie said, Pilates (if done at a fast pace) and walking can be considered cardio exercise. Heck, so can cleaning house if you do it fast enough. LOL. MareMare, if you decide that cleaning house will be your cardio of choice, I will sacrifice and volunteer my house first for your cause. :D . Just kidding. I hope this helps. :p

Thanks! By the way I looked at your avatar and I'm totally jealous of those abs! I don't know if I have all the time to do cardio. The girl at work who offered me the videos at work said she lost 20 pounds in 4 months ever since she worked on my side of the workplace. She also says she eats a lot of greasy food and I know she's a heavy drinker too. It's basically walking back and forth all day long for 8 or more hours straight. This girl is getting married in July and said she's scared to lose anymore weight cuz she might not fit in her dress ahaha so I guess walking is really good.

[MareMare]

I really know nothing about pilates, although I've heard about stars doing it. I'm looking for a new form of exercise since I've been having serious knee and ankle problems, to the point where I sometimes need a cane. I used to bike, stair climb and do the treadmill regularly and I lost about 25 llbs, but now I can't do any of those things and I'm gaining the weight back again. The only thing I can think of at this point is swimming, and the doctor approved it, but I'm worried that swimming 4 times a week will fry my hair (ah, vanity, but there it is). Is pilates something I should consider looking into? I basically need something that doesn't involve ANY bouncy impact on my joints. If you have any suggestions I'd appreciate it! TIA

Hey I tried the Winsor pilates last night and it was so fun. Surprisingly I'm more flexible than I thought. In the video they have the models doing the regular workout and one model that's doing a modified version for people who aren't as flexble or have neck back or knee injuries. You should maybe look online and try one video out and see how you like it. There's lots of videos. I tried the 20 minute complete body workout but plan on doing the abs one. Hope that helps!

[Lara]

I really know nothing about pilates, although I've heard about stars doing it. I'm looking for a new form of exercise since I've been having serious knee and ankle problems, to the point where I sometimes need a cane. I used to bike, stair climb and do the treadmill regularly and I lost about 25 llbs, but now I can't do any of those things and I'm gaining the weight back again. The only thing I can think of at this point is swimming, and the doctor approved it, but I'm worried that swimming 4 times a week will fry my hair (ah, vanity, but there it is). Is pilates something I should consider looking into? I basically need something that doesn't involve ANY bouncy impact on my joints. If you have any suggestions I'd appreciate it! TIA
Pilates isn't bouncy, but there are positions where you would be standing on one leg at times. Pilates is great at strengthening all the major muscles while increasing your heart rate without jumping and moving all over the room. Yoga is also something worth looking into because the movements are very slow--although still has positions where standing on one foot is required. Without me knowing the cause of your ankle and knee joint injuries, I recommend that you rent or borrow a Pilates video and see if it is something you can do a majority of. If not, swimming is definitely a great form of exercise. There are even shampoos you can use immediately after to remove the chlorine. I have my own pool and swim a lot over the summer. I read a long time ago to wet your hair with regular water, or even spritz it with spray on conditioners (non greasy kind) to fill the hair shaft so that the chlorinated water can't penetrate as much because your hair is already wet. That is what I do and it seems to help.
Let me know if this helps you.

Lara :D

[Lara]

Thanks! By the way I looked at your avatar and I'm totally jealous of those abs! I don't know if I have all the time to do cardio. The girl at work who offered me the videos at work said she lost 20 pounds in 4 months ever since she worked on my side of the workplace. She also says she eats a lot of greasy food and I know she's a heavy drinker too. It's basically walking back and forth all day long for 8 or more hours straight. This girl is getting married in July and said she's scared to lose anymore weight cuz she might not fit in her dress ahaha so I guess walking is really good.

Aww, thanks Mary! Big hugs to you! :p
Wow! Your friend eats like that and was able to lose the weight from walking all over??!! Just imagine what she would look like if she ate healthier! She is a good example of what increasing your activity can do. If you've led a sedentary lifestyle and then started adding daily activities, you will most certainly lose weight. For anyone that wants to lose a few pounds, try walking, jogging, dancing , or any cardio machine just 2 times a week and you will see something happen! Even if you are already active, adding something extra can make a difference.

[dgirl]

Pilates isn't bouncy, but there are positions where you would be standing on one leg at times. Pilates is great at strengthening all the major muscles while increasing your heart rate without jumping and moving all over the room. Yoga is also something worth looking into because the movements are very slow--although still has positions where standing on one foot is required. Without me knowing the cause of your ankle and knee joint injuries, I recommend that you rent or borrow a Pilates video and see if it is something you can do a majority of. If not, swimming is definitely a great form of exercise. There are even shampoos you can use immediately after to remove the chlorine. I have my own pool and swim a lot over the summer. I read a long time ago to wet your hair with regular water, or even spritz it with spray on conditioners (non greasy kind) to fill the hair shaft so that the chlorinated water can't penetrate as much because your hair is already wet. That is what I do and it seems to help.
Let me know if this helps you.

Lara :D

Hmm, probably the one leg thing would be a problem. Unfortunately we (the doctors and I) haven't been able to pinpoint exactly what the problem is, other than possibly some early arthritis. I'll remember those tips about protecting my hair though - I don't think I can get special swimming shampoos here but I'll wet my hair and apply a spray on conditioner beforehand for sure. Thanks!

[MareMare]

Aww, thanks Mary! Big hugs to you! :p
Wow! Your friend eats like that and was able to lose the weight from walking all over??!! Just imagine what she would look like if she ate healthier! She is a good example of what increasing your activity can do. If you've led a sedentary lifestyle and then started adding daily activities, you will most certainly lose weight. For anyone that wants to lose a few pounds, try walking, jogging, dancing , or any cardio machine just 2 times a week and you will see something happen! Even if you are already active, adding something extra can make a difference.
hee hee, I'll def do some more cardio jsut to help maintain adn to stay healthy. I have another question, after you're doing a certain exercise for awhile, you don't feel the burn for that long anymore, only during the workout. I've been doing pilates for 3 days now and i'm feeling a bit of the burn still cuz i'm new to it, and i plan on doing more reps as I go along, but I'm not gonna feel taht burn for days at a time anymore, is that bad?

[Lara]

hee hee, I'll def do some more cardio jsut to help maintain adn to stay healthy. I have another question, after you're doing a certain exercise for awhile, you don't feel the burn for that long anymore, only during the workout. I've been doing pilates for 3 days now and i'm feeling a bit of the burn still cuz i'm new to it, and i plan on doing more reps as I go along, but I'm not gonna feel taht burn for days at a time anymore, is that bad?
Hey Mare--That burn you feel is actually lactic acid and pH buildup. After a while, your body adjusts and you don't feel it--or as much. This doesn't mean that the exercise has stopped working though. If you are one of many people that are motivated by that "burn", adding a few extra reps or additional weight may do it for you. But again, just because you aren't feeling the burning sensation does not mean that the exercise is not working. :)

[Lara]

Hmm, probably the one leg thing would be a problem. Unfortunately we (the doctors and I) haven't been able to pinpoint exactly what the problem is, other than possibly some early arthritis. I'll remember those tips about protecting my hair though - I don't think I can get special swimming shampoos here but I'll wet my hair and apply a spray on conditioner beforehand for sure. Thanks!
Hey Dgirl--I hope your doctors are able to pinpoint the problems for you soon. That must be frustrating. Let me know if you hear anything else or if you have any other questions. :D

[MareMare]

Hey Mare--That burn you feel is actually lactic acid and pH buildup. After a while, your body adjusts and you don't feel it--or as much. This doesn't mean that the exercise has stopped working though. If you are one of many people that are motivated by that "burn", adding a few extra reps or additional weight may do it for you. But again, just because you aren't feeling the burning sensation does not mean that the exercise is not working. :)
Thanks! You've been EXTREMELY helpful. I hope you don't mind me asking you for future fitness questions!!!

[Lara]

Thanks! You've been EXTREMELY helpful. I hope you don't mind me asking you for future fitness questions!!!
Thank you. :). Please feel free to keep posting questions!!