[nikos]

Actually took time to watch a paid tv ad for the Winsor Pilates that works the smaller muscle groups, with the outcome of a more toned look. I thought during the biking off season, that this might work well. Does anyone here use this program, how are the results,.

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[Natophelia]

Pilates is fantastic, but you have to make sure you get a reputable teacher, etc. In it's 'true' form it's great, but it's become such a fad lately that you have to watch out. Is Winsor a form, program, or a machine?? If it's a machine, I wouldn't buy one without learning more about Pilates first. Not that it would help you with the physicality of it, but you could do an internet search for 'Joseph Pilates'. The closer to the originator's program, the better.

(edit) Darn! Tried to add to this and goofed. Anyway, I did a search for Winsor Pilates, and it looks alright. I'd be willing to bet it's not nearly as great as it is professed to be, though. I'm a bit iffy about exercise videos of any kind, especially yoga and Pilates, because there isn't anyone there to help you if you're doing something incorrectly. I'd buy it as a beginner, but for anything beyond that I'd find a good class! I've always been dissappointed by videos.

Sorry if I sound as if I'm spouting my opinions as fact! I just have definite ideas concerning Pilates, as it's often used in a dancer's training :)

[cowgirl]

Pilates and yoga may help with muscle tone, but I think they suck the wind training out of you. I used it for off season training last year and went for a hike with some friends thinking that I would be in shape. You would have thought I had never exercised a day in my life the way I was huffing and puffing. Had trouble keeping up with the group. Luckily they were patient.

[gun-n-gal]

I tried Pilates a couple of months ago, my back hurt so bad after the first class I dropped out. A know other people who have taken it, and they all say the right instructor makes all the difference. Most of what you will get out of Pilates is strength and flexability. I like to take kick boxing in the off season, you get a good workout aerobically and get strength training at the same time.

[kec]

I love winsor pilates, after 3 kids it has really helped get my "core" back together. It was really tough at first, but I'm now amazed at what I am able to do. I've never been so flexible in my life. Still have some weight to lose, but I've never been stronger. I love to do it on off days when I'm not really up for a real intense workout.

Right now you can get the basic set for $9.95 which is a steal.

A couple place to check out for other reviews are...
http://www.winsorpilatesreviews.com
http://www.fitnessinfomercialreview.com/winsor_pilates2.htm

[Guest]

Anything that gets people exercising is a good thing.

However....

There is definitely different qualities to pilates instructors. Since the courts ruled that pilates was not patented or trademarked to any particular group (Joseph Pilates, the founder and creator of pilates), every group got their hands on the methodologies involved and modified it to sell their own product. There are definitely some forms of pilates that are of a higher quality than others. Winsdor I would turn my nose down on anyday.

Stott is a bit better than Winsdor. The best pilates will definitely come from the people who certify through the Joseph Pilates methods. They know enough about physiology and anatomy and how movement affects muscles to where I would definitely put them up there with physical therapists. And it takes quite a bit of time and study to get to the point where you can teach it.

But if you're just looking for any old pilates, and you just want the general workout, Winsdor would be adequate.

Koffee

[iowarose]

Hi, I just wanted to add my support for Stott - I have several of her tapes and think they're good routines. I'm not a fitness professional, so look to others for expert advice. If you want to check out other pilates tapes, a good place to look is www.collagevideo.com. You can look at previews of all the tapes and read user reviews too - FWIW.