I want to do pilates to help my back along with some martial arts eventually. Can anyone tell me the best way to start and anything that I should take not of?

The first thing, which you can do prior to starting Pilates, is that find the source from where you can get trained in this style. It can be your local fitness center, gym or even an online resource.

I dont like doing too much crazy activity and I just got a home gym that has pilates...Is this good for weight loss?

Pilates offer a great system for stretching the joints, so it's ideal for martial arts! The best way to start? Take a class at your local gym so that you have an instructor show you how to properly do the exercises.

Pilates is great for toning up the muscles. It's great for women since we don't require much muscle building workouts.

Of course this toning up and stretching will cause for weight loss also since it's kinetic activity.

I use a total gym at home and it comes with a great pilates system on board. Not just that, it's easy to use also, so this is a great place to start. You can always get a pilates exercise video afterwards for some tips and recommendations.

I haven't done pilates before, so I would like to get a DVD on it..but I'm not all that sure which one I should get first.

I work out about 5 days a week, strength train 4 days, and do a DVD for abs/hips 5 days a week too...I want to do pilates before all of the above exercises in the morning.

Suggestions? Please no slow and boring DVDs

I would suggest finding and taking classes with a local certified instructor, then you could ask him or her about what DVD you should get. The instructor also would help you get the forms of exercises learnt so you can do them correctly on your own with the DVD. The instructor also could evaluate you and tell you what you need to work on, sorry I don't know any DVD titles!

Windsor pilates, I have tried others but this one worked the best for me....the 20 min work out is quick and works effectively.

My cousin is a fitness freak. He always talks about pilates reformer equipment. What is this pilates reformer and how does it keep one fit? Please share your thoughts and experiences. Thanks.

Pilates reformer is a machine that provides finely tuned exercise resistance to develop good alignment,strength and flexibility.

Pilates Reformer is an apparatus that helps perform a pilates routine in a more controlled manner than on a mat. It is a much preferred gentle form of exercise offered by premium fitness centres across the globe. The advanced version of pilates comes in the form of equipment called Pilates Reformer.

On what principles does the pilates reformer work?

Pilates Reformer works on certain basic principles like concentration, mind-body control, precision, stabilising, breathing, alignment, fluidity and integration.

Apart from enhancing conscious control over mind and body, pilates offers focus with in the body and calms the spirit. It develops a strong core and enables the rest of the body to function efficiently.

It helps in body toning, improvement in strength and flexibility. It is also recommended as a form of post surgery physiotherapy or aid in recovery from back pain and joint pains.

I work out at home currently 4-5 times a week. I have strength training and cardio on alternate days. On all workout days, I have my DVD which combines strength training, cardio, and abwork. I wanted to add pilates. Just wanted to ask if it's smart and safe to do pilates before my usual workouts (in the afternoon) or is it better after? Or can I do pilates in the early morning and retain my regular afternoon workout? Thanks for your advice.

sorry reposting it here coz I think i posted it on the wrong forum....i think...

I work out at home currently 4-5 times a week. I have strength training and cardio on alternate days. On all workout days, I have my DVD which combines strength training, cardio, and abwork. I wanted to add pilates. Just wanted to ask if it's smart and safe to do pilates before my usual workouts (in the afternoon) or is it better after? Or can I do pilates in the early morning and retain my regular afternoon workout? Thanks for your advice.

Yes it is safe to do pilates in the afternoon. Treat pilate as your warm up exercises before goin to a workout in the afternoon. It is also good even if your doing pilates inthe morning. But make sure your body can still manage to this ecercise. For expert advice consult a gym instructor.

How many days in a week do we need Pilates?

Pilates is best to use for losing weight. It is well recommended to do Pilates 3 times a week. For the day, there are 2 ways to exercise using Pilates. First is doing a 30 min in moderate intensity then second is doing it for a 20 min moderate intensity and 10 minutes in high intensity.

Just a projection, how many pounds could we lose in doing Pilates?

It depends on how many days you will do pilates and your diet plan. Some people who have done pilates lose around 10 pounds in a month.