Random Pensées

There is a football team, I can't remember which one, that has added pilates to their workout regimen. Their injuries are down significantly and the coaches all said the players are performing better.

Continue. It's good for you.

Just you wait, there's more pain to be experienced tomorrow. You may hurt now, but tomorrow you'll find out that there are muscles in your midsection that you didn't know existed.

I highly recommend Pilates mat work. You'll feel a lot stronger. For me, I feel a lot taller when I'm done with a workout and more graceful, which is not something I normally feel because I'm a born klutz.

I don't know if she told you the story behind Pilates, but Joseph Pilates was a sickly kid and these were the exercises he invented to help himself get well and stay well. He was a nurse in WWI England and when the Spanish Flu epidemic hit his hospital, the patients under his care---who had been doing those exercises and strengthening their cores---were the ones who survived, while the flu ravaged the rest of the hospital patients. You're not only working muscle groups that usually get skipped over, you're working your respiratory system in a way that enhances its functionality. Your lung capacity will increase, and with it your entire body will work better.

And what's really great about it is that you don't sweat while you're working out! Which, any way you cut it, beats cardio!

I can't recommend it enough. Stick with it!

I agree with the preceding comments. Pilates (once you get past those unfortunate biblical connotations) is great for you: it strengthens and tones your core; improves your balance and flexibility; and builds muscle while working your heart.

I have some Pilates DVDs just waiting for my little sprout to be born.

From what I've seen, it's a very beneficial workout.

I so desperately want to be flexible. *evil grin*

It's the most amazing workout around. How do you think Madonna stays so well preserved? Ha - as if you needed *that* much inspiration.

LOL

:-)

In addition to the background that Kathy gave you, I can tell you very basically why Pilates is so good. Weight lifting is strength training that shortens your muscles. Pilates is stregth training that lengthens your muscles. Both are needed, but Pilates will give you a better foundation as it works from your core. Keep up. It's worth it.