FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Written by Josie McKenlay @ http://vitalflow.tv (Online Pilates Videos)
Will I get bulky? I used to go to the gym, but I avoid strength exercise now as parts of my body have become bulky. Will Pilates do the same?
No. You are stretching and lengthening muscles throughout your workout. In the gym, each machine tends to focus on one muscle group at a time. Pilates is a whole body workout, with all the muscles of the body engaged in a symbiotic and highly effective manner. You can expect a more streamlined shape.
Will I lose weight?
The only way to lose weight is to take some form of cardiovascular exercise (e.g., walking briskly, running, swimming, trampolining) and to eat a balanced, healthy diet. However, Pilates will give you a leaner, more toned look and because your posture will improve, you will look taller and slimmer. This will be a great motivating factor to get you into a healthier lifestyle.
I have had three children in five years and my body is a mess. Not only is my stomach wobbly, but I suffer from stress incontinence. Help!
Pilates is perfect for you. It will get to work on the pelvic floor, which will help with the stress incontinence. It will also work on the deep core muscles (transversus abdominis), drawing back the lower abdomen, building incredible internal strength. I would however advise you to see a doctor regarding the issue of stress incontinence.
How often should I do Pilates and how long before I see results?
For maximum benefit and quicker results, I would recommend that you do Pilates 2 to 3 times a week. According to Joseph Pilates: "In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new body." Of course, as with everything, the more you put in, the more you'll get out and some people pick it up more quickly than others.
My partner and I are just too tired at the end of a day to face the time and effort involved in travelling to the gym. He's been at work all day and I would have to find a babysitter. We would also like to do something together. Can men do it? How could Pilates help?
Pilates is ideal. It was invented by a man and many sportsmen use it now as part of their fitness regime as in addition to the obvious benefits of exercise, it also improves concentration, co-ordination and balance in the body. Once you know what you are doing, all you need is mat. You save time and money by not having to get someone to take care of the children and no travel involved! Unlike a visit to a gym, where you come out feeling exhausted, you will feel revitalised.
I commute and unfortunately have to drive. My lower back aches and my neck and shoulders are sore. Why is this? How could Pilates help me?
Sitting is the worst position for your spine, especially since most of us do not sit correctly. Add to this the stress of the daily commute manifesting itself in your shoulders up around your ears and tensed up, you could be heading for all sorts of back problems. Therapists and doctors are advising anyone with back problems, whether from daily abuse, poor posture, trauma or any other condition, such as scoliosis, to try Pilates. If you have to sit, whether behind a desk or wheel of a car, then the increased body awareness, shoulder, pelvic and spine stability, strong core muscles and improved posture will at least go some way to alleviating the symptoms. Of course, regular Pilates will help prevent such health issues and injuries.
I have been told that I must take some form of exercise to help reduce my blood pressure. I'm confused as to which one to go for. Any ideas?
Pilates would be a great start, although some form of cardiovascular exercise should be pursued under the guidance of a good instructor. In Pilates, you will learn to focus the mind on the present, you will learn to breathe efficiently and effectively, which will help reduce stress (and therefore blood pressure) and fatigue, aid sleep and relieve depression and anxiety. For this reason, it can also help with other health issues thought to be brought on by stress, such as IBS.
