Pilates recommendations

[Missiscipi]

I just got cleared to workout again by my orthopedic dr. I have two herniated discs and a torn mcl. I can't bend my knee yet and getting it to bend is priority. I have stuff to do to get that done. I hope. He says no restrictions except no lifting over 20 lbs and don't do stuff that hurts. I was thinking Pilates and then eventually Tonique and BUTI. Ballet beautiful is on my radar too. Probably barre too. So to my question- favorite Pilates dvd or online workouts for an advanced exerciser (but new to Pilates but a quick study) and favorite barre workouts (not new to barre).

[TinierTina]

If you can modify some of the obvious floorwork (such as planks, pushups, side planks) in light of your hernias, and you don't want classical pilates, necessarily ... and can consider the benefits of a standing, unsupported barre-like workout ....

I've quickly become a little too beginner for this one; recently, because of my knees ...

If I modify greatly, I can still do it ... [maybe it's not exactly advanced ... maybe I cannot give advanced recommendations as I am intermediate at general exercising ...]

You can try:

Zenga Power and Strength by STOTT Pilates - with PJ O'Clair ...

[videofit]

I've just started taking Pilate classes but have had DVDs for ages but never used them. Now I feel more confident. Getting the form correct is the most important thing and I find that difficult to coordinate with the breathing. It will just take more practice. Very few reps of each move but don't be fooled!

I like Stott Pilates Core Challenge because there is a short chapter where she talks about form and breathing.

I also have a couple of 10 Min Solution Pilates DVDs. I can do all chapters or just add on upper body or abs or lower body to another workout.

[beyond.omega]

Is it possible for you to take some private sessions at a certified studio? Or at least a mat class? Pilates is a great exercise but is kind of form sensitive, especially when the injury is acute. Its really good to learn it from a teacher who can correct you before you have to deal with the consequences of bad form.

If you need DVDs, you might check out Classical Pilates Technique With Consideration for the Neck and Back.

[Gancho Girl]

Originally Posted by beyond.omega

Is it possible for you to take some private sessions at a certified studio? Or at least a mat class? Pilates is a great exercise but is kind of form sensitive, especially when the injury is acute. Its really good to learn it from a teacher who can correct you before you have to deal with the consequences of bad form.

This.

And to be honest, if I had someone ask about joining a mat class who gave your injury background, I'd only be willing to take them for privates to start with.

Quick study or not, if you're new to Pilates then you're new. A beginner. And getting the form takes time. Trying to speed up the process gets you nowhere.

[mwelters]

I have herniated discs and my specialist informed me to take Pilates classes to strengthen my core. I was very fortunate to find a studio close to my house and Rhinda my instructor was a nurse in a former life. I took my MRI results to her and she suggested Duo Reformer classes (which included the Chair) for a month then mat classes if I progressed well on the Reformer. The Duo classes were so much fun and I learned so much about my body. I got strong quickly and mat classes just added another element. Fortunately for me Rhinda's prices were reasonable and I took 3 years of classes in her studio. She closed the studio due to her health and I continued on my own.

Please check out any Pilates classes in your area and then check out the instructors to see is they are aware of even basic anatomy. Your back and knee will thank you.

[Jane P.]

I agree with the above. You need the personal touch from an experienced instructor. Once you've gained some additional strength and muscle memory, you can practice on your own.

[Aunt Famous]

Rozy:

I agree that a Pilates studio would be a great place to start, especially with the nature of your injuries. As with everyone else, I would encourage getting some professional guidance, and as you know, you certainly don't want to make everything worse.

That being said, there wasn't really a Pilates studio in my town, so I am largely self-taught in Pilates. (I will occasionally go to studio classes on vacation, and yes, I have been told that I have excellent form.) I find that the more Pilates I do, the harder it becomes. And I have never dealt with injuries while doing Pilates, which makes my situation different from yours.

A great form DVD is Rael's 27 (you should be able to find it with that title), but I found it too dry to do on a regular basis. Some other suggestions for you are Jules Benson's Total Core Pilates, Molly Tittle's Quick Cut Pilates, the Pilates for Men set, Andrea Speir's Perfect Pilates Body, and 10MS Pilates. Pilates Anytime ($18/month) has a wide range of workouts, at all ability levels and with a lot of props, and that's where I get all of my reformer workouts.

Good luck as you recover.

AF

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