Training & Nutrition - Does anyone do Pilates?

I have been doing pilates for a couple of weeks and enjoy it, but I notice I feel the burn in my legs long after I ride my bike. Am I missing something. I never felt this with weights.

I've taken a few pilates classes and I think the thing about pilates is it works different sets of muscles in completely different ways than weights do. It probably takes a while for your body to adapt to this, hence the burn.

Just what I was going to say- since it's a new activity, it'll probably be tiring at first, but as you adapt and build up strength in the legs for pilates and continue the cycling, you'll find the fatigue will dissipate over time.

Koffee

Koffee and Sistinas, thanks for replying.

I am glad I am not doing something wrong. I like the pilates a lot because it doesn't aggravate my knees, and since I started cycling and doing pilates I haven't had any knee pain and want to make sure it stays that way.

Could I get away with just doing the Pilates, or should I continue to do both?

Do them both- let your body adjust to you doing more than one activity. Crosstraining is always good for the body. It makes you stronger!

Koffee

Thanks Koffee, I appreciate the sound advice.

Cyclochica-

Just to take this one step further- I just started taking yoga again, and my legs have been getting so tired from yoga classes. However, I do know that as time progresses, and I become stronger, so will my legs, and I won't have that burning sensation in the legs anymore.

I am also going to start with pilates, as I own 2 pilates reformer machines, and as an instructor, it is a great class to teach one-on-one or in a group setting. I'll be getting certified in pilates if all goes as planned in November.

Koffee

I have noticed a serious improvement in my ability to spin. And my legs must be getting stronger because Sunday I knocked out 17 miles and I wasn't dying when I was done. I was tired and my legs were fatigued, but the burning sensation wasn't prolonged like before.

Koffee, good luck on your certification for Pilates, keep me posted on how it goes.

Hi ya Koffee and Cyclochica... I have tried pilates and really enjoy it. Great work out...but now can't find classes that coincide with my schedule. But i have found yoga classes that I can get to. Great stretching! Can't say enough about stretching... seems as I get older, the better stretching seems to be for my bod!
Plus, biking neglects the upper body so good to get other activities in to push the body in new directions.

hey Bbmoozer, there are some great Pilates tapes out there that you can do at home since you can't find a class that fits your schedule.:p

The Crunch Pick Your Spot Pilates is a good 30 minute tape, and I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the Stott Pilates and Windsor Pilates tapes. Leave the Denise Austin tape on the shelf. You can order all of them from www.collagevideo.com

Joy,
My wife bought a Pilates "machine" about 5-6 years ago.
http://www.staminasales.com/staminasales/artbin/productimages/webstore/55-4300.jpg

I started using it after I saw the changes in her fitness.

Cycling only works some of the bodies muscle groups. The Pilates works every muscle group but doesn't overwork them. You get strong but not "pumped up" like some body builders.

Just like yoga, Pilates is not just for women. Guys can benefit from it too. ;)

Ron,

What kind of machine is that in the picture you posted? I just love the fact that the Pilates doesn't cause my knees to feel strained when I am done. I tried Yoga, but it was just too passive for me.

Originally posted by cyclochica
Ron,

What kind of machine is that in the picture you posted?
It's a Pilates Performer(tm), made by Stamina Products.
Here (http://www.staminasales.com/staminasales/StaminaStore/showproduct.cfm?ProdID=55-4300) is their website. They also have videos, a stand to raise it off the floor, and other accessories. Ours is on the stand so it is raised off the floor about 10".

This (http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?nest=%2Fasp%2FIsItemNumberRedirect.asp&search=SQ&frames=y&referrer=QVC&txtDesc=pilates&Submit4=Go) is where we bought ours. Not the same model but similar. Here (http://home.mindspring.com/~rhorne/pilates.jpg) is a picture of ours.

We bought the smaller model for my 77 year old mother-in-law. She uses it every day.



I hear what you're saying. "You let your wife watch those shopping channels?"
The answer is a definite YES!! She watches what she wants and allows me to buy whatever I need (or want) at the LBS. Can't complain about that arrangement.
:beer:


Joy, send me a PM if you want more information.