I love pilates. It is very good for toning, and strengthening and really works your core muscles. I think that is the diff between pilates and yoga, and yoga seems to be more meditative and spiritual. But it also works and tones well.
I have a Pilates CD I like....very basic but a good little workout called Pilates for Dummy's.
Its a great exercise for someone like me, with bad arthritic conditions. Its very important for us. But works well for all!!
I love Pilates - I've been doing it for about 3 months now. Definitely helps with core strength and toning. Don't be fooled by the "more mature" ladies that you tend to get in classes - they are rock hard!
Love pilates. Really good for my bad back. Yoga is a bit more 'spritual' which isn't really my kind of thing. Plus it tends to require a little more flexibility which in my experience can lead to more injuries.
Hope you find a good class. Think you'll really enjoy it. I certainly do!!
ooh interesting. I've been wondering about this too. I went to a class a few years back but didn't go again because I was by far the fattest person in the class and I was so selfconscious.
I'd love to give it another try to try to strengthem my lower back and hips but can't afford classes as I'm not working at the moment. I wondered about getting a DVD but wondered if I'd do myself an injury without proper tuition if you know what I mean.
I have the Darcy Bussell Pilates DVD and it's really good. I also go to the odd class which I think helps with my technique when I'm doing it on my own but generally it's really easy to follow and I've not done anything injury wise yet!!