Pilates

RubyK

Do many of you include pilates in your weekly training plans? Have you found it helped your running? Has it helped with reducing niggles/injuries?

Thanks

tHE vAGGABOND

When I was training for Conn half, and had some knee/over use issues I did a 6 week course of Pilates and enjoyed it and it seemed to work [along with everything else] - as I have not had issue again.

MaroonTam

I did a couple of courses of Pilates (total was about 10-12 weeks I think)

To be honest, I found that:
Firstly, I was only doing one session a week - not enough by far
Sessions were very good, but were not giving me enough focus on areas I was needing to work.
Quality of the instructor is key, we had a stand in a couple of times and the intensity of those sessions was down at least 40% on usual.

For me, I found I needed to address specific weaknesses. So I went to get a core programme which emphasised the exercises I need.
Its too early in the process for me to pass judgment on that yet.

Also, as a bloke, it felt a bit weird at first as there is a perception this is a women's exercise class. This is not the case.

RubyK

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll give it a try. Have nothing to loose I guess by giving it a go

rainbow kirby

MaroonTam wrote: »

Also, as a bloke, it felt a bit weird at first as there is a perception this is a women's exercise class. This is not the case.

The pilates instructor that I had liked to pick on the one bloke in the class :eek:

Hanley

rainbow kirby wrote: »

The pilates instructor that I had liked to pick on the one bloke in the class :eek:

Was she hot??

Nules10

I have been doing pilates for the last 3 years. It does take a while to get into it. Don't give up after the first 6 week session, stick with it. I have to agree with the point someone made about the instructor. I have done classes where it was a general gym instructor who did the class and it wasn't until i went to another girl who specifically trained as a pilates instructor that i realised they MUST know what they are doing, otherwise it can cause you more damage. It is great for your posture and core strength. I swear by it.

tHE vAGGABOND

The pilates instructor that I had liked to pick on the one bloke in the class

I was the one bloke in my class full of attractive ladies..

So I found myself staring at a spot on the wall and focusing on it as if my life depended on it, as otherwise I would have turned into Fr Jack at P.E. time

So clearly I was "that psycho in the pilates class" :pac:

mitresize5

I do pilates over the winter, me and the local camogie panel .... its great

oh and I find it very useful training wise as well

Emer911

I've been doing pilates twice a week for a few months now. It's great for core strength, which I was sorely lacking.
I got a slight groin strain training for Berlin last year once I hit the high mileage. This was due to my posture 'sagging' once the body got tired. I was advised to focus on core strength to help avoid this in future.

I do agree with some of the other posters though, on picking the right class / instructor. The person I go to is super, really knows her stuff and pushes you to challenge yourself at every class. A few of the stand-in's I've experienced were not as good.

So go ahead, try it, and hopefully you'll enjoy it and will find it as beneficial as I've found it.


...word of caution - pilates is NOT a stretching class and it's fairly concentrated on the core, so don't ignore your stretching routines!

krankykitty

There's a pilates course offer on Citydeal.ie today.. Have signed up to try it out. Hoping it will help strenghten my back which is something that can niggle at me when jogging.

aficionado

Rathfarnham AC does Pilates and core strength workouts every Thursday at 6.30 in Bushy Park,
Been to a few of these and find them very good,
then some do 8 x 200m intervals after if you have the energy!

RubyK

Cheers guys and gals

I've been recommended an instructor who seemingly is very good, and knows her stuff, so I hope to sign up to a course soon.

Thanks!

shazkea

MaroonTam wrote: »

Quality of the instructor is key, we had a stand in a couple of times and the intensity of those sessions was down at least 40% on usual.

Nules10 wrote: »

I have to agree with the point someone made about the instructor. I have done classes where it was a general gym instructor who did the class and it wasn't until i went to another girl who specifically trained as a pilates instructor that i realised they MUST know what they are doing, otherwise it can cause you more damage. It is great for your posture and core strength. I swear by it.

Emer911 wrote: »

I do agree with some of the other posters though, on picking the right class / instructor. The person I go to is super, really knows her stuff and pushes you to challenge yourself at every class. A few of the stand-in's I've experienced were not as good.

This may be a silly newbie question but how do you know if the instructor is any good?
I'm due to start a course tomorrow eve to try and help me with injuries and core strength. To say I have no clue about Pilates would be an understatement...complete newbie so what should I watch out for?

Nules10

Hey shaz
Make sure the class is small enough so that the instructor can go around and check the positions you will be in. Usually max of 10/12 in a class. The smaller the class the better though. In the beginning they need to be walking around and checking that you are engaging your core through each of the exercises if unsure just ask them as this is so important. They should also correct your position if its incorrect. Best of luck with it let me know how you get on

metamorphosis

I have done Yoga and pilates flow with a great great instructor, just helped me with my posture and hip mobility. A huge difference exists that is clearly seen between a fitness instructor who has done an add weekend course to teach pilates to that of someone who has trained for a long time teaching and practicing it. I never ever teach it unless someone really really is stuck and needs cover. I just don't like the idea of teaching the class when I know I need to be working on the same aspects that the participants do.