Pilates DVD Recommendations

HI K.,
I'm also a certified Pilates instructor and I agree with the other instructors - you need to really learn how to do the basics properly so I would suggest a couple of private sessions or at least a mat class or two with a good instructor. Or see if your ob/gyn can write you a prescription for Physical Therapy (should be able to for your "issue") and then find a PT who does Pilates. As for videos, I also really like Stott and the Gaiam line is good also. Careful of pushing too hard too fast to "feel the burn" or anything like that. In order to heal your deep pelvic muscles it's going to feel like you're not doing anything for a while...but you will be. good luck!

I am a certified pilates instructor, and I suggest that you go to stottpilates.com for some excellent DVDs on pilates. I'm sure there's even one geared towards pregnancy. Just be sure to really focus on the pilates principles (they will go over these on the DVD), otherwise you won't get much out of it. If the workout seems really easy, then you're probably not using the principles or correct form. If you can get a pilates ring, get one; it will help you focus on what you're working out. My last suggestion is that you take a class with a certified instructor just to learn how to get the connection with your "powerhouse" (core). A class or two may be expensive, but it's well worth learning the correct way. If you do take a class, find out how long the instructor's been teaching, when they were certified, if they're keeping up on continuing education, and if they have experience with pregnant clients.

Hi! I teach Stroller Strides which is done with baby in stroller but for Pilates I recommend a DVD that one of our members and fitness colleagues created. It's called 10 Minute Solution Parental Pilates. Its available at Amazon.com, Target's web site for $14.98.

Enjoy!

A.

ATP physical training and therapy in South Pasadena, CA is well known for their Pilates classes. They also sell DVDs, one particularly for pregnancy. I checked their website, but didn't see any other DVDs for Pilates other than the pregnancy one, so you might give them a call to see if they have more. www.atptraining.com. sorry, don't know of any other DVDs that I can recommend. good luck.

K.,

Pilates are awesome. I am taking lessons at pilates studio in Marina del Rey. It's called Angel City Body Kinetics. They offer private instruction on the reformer, gyrotonics, and mat classes. It's pricey, but I love my instructor. She is positive and supportive. I plan on taking one of their mat classes to compliment my privates. Their mat classes are small (no more than 8) and you need to reserve ahead of time for space. I think the mat class prices are 10 if you buy a package or 15 if you buy them separate.

Hi K.,

It's me again...I just read another post from you and I noticed you homeschool. I just started homeschooling my son. It's funny some of the things that we have in common. That's fine if you can't take any classes right now...Dvds are great. I think you will really like doing Pilates and it's fun to start at home and laugh at yourself while you learn the stretches and postures. Then when you are a comfortable with the postures you should take a class.

P :>

I have been using Winsor Pilates ever since my first child was born five years ago. I love it. I don't know what it does for bladders though. One tip for Pilates is to go easy on your kneck. It can cause neck strain, the pillow recommendation they give is a good one to follow.

Hi K.,

Yes, having kids does take a toll, doesn’t it?  I’d suggest that you see a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health. I have worked with Jenny Johnson at Women’s Advantage in Torrance. Here’s the phone #: ###-###-#### and website: www.womens-advantage.com

I haven’t had the incontinence issues (not so far, anyway) but have had problems with my tummy muscles. I really like Jenny – she has two little kids, a PhD in P.T. and specializes in women’s issues. If she’s too far a way for you, call and ask for a referral; she’s really well connected in the field.

Hope this helps!
C.

I've not done any Pilates although many of my friends have and like it, so I don't have any suggestions about DVDs. However, I have used a rebounder (small trampoline) and found that I've been very successful in strengthening my pelvic floor muscles. I have three children and I leaked ... until I started bouncing regularly. It is also a fun thing for the kids and can get them exercising.

Try the Windsor Pilates DVD's. Also check out the exercise isle of Target for other good ones. You may want to buy a couple different ones so that you don't get bored. However, I must tell you that I have been doing Pilates for years and I exercise regularly and I still have the same problem you do. I only have the problem if I'm doing a lot of jumping though so I use panty liners on those days.

I like to Winsor Pilates DVD. I ordered them from the info-mercial but I think if you did a google search you could find it online. It's great for beginners and challenging when you get better. They have a quick 20 minute workout when you don't have a lot of time and a 1 hour workout when you do have the time. I saw great results.

K. M.

I recommend Winsor Pilates! You'll be leaner, stronger, and feel good!

Hi!
My husband just bought me a Pilates book/ DVD set from Borders and it was in the bargain books area- so cheap! It is by Dina Matty & Keft Burdell. It has a really simple modified mat you can do, or a beginner/ int. mat you can progress up to. I've enjoyed it so far!

Windsor Pilates is a pretty good DVD that I have used in the past.

I don't know if it's good for pregnancy, but my chiropractor recommended Power Pilates to me. It's great for all levels because it has a variety of routines that you can combine in different ways to get what you want out of the DVD in terms of length and difficulty. I had to order it. Google Power Pilates and you should find it. Good luck.

There are actually alot of exercise dvd's out that you can do while you are pregnant. One is Pilates During Pregnancy, you can find it one Amazon.com for about $20.
Really just be on the lookout when shopping I believe Ive seen some DVD's at Target and I saw one recently at Sport Chalet so they are definately out there. I hope this helped. Goodluck & God Bless!!!

I am a certified Pilates instructor. The reason why your midwife recommended Pilates is that when done correctly the PC and transverse abdominal muscles are engaged. It is important that you learn how to do this before attempting the exercises. If you don't, the exercises probably won't hurt you, but you will not get the result you are seeking. If you could possibly meet with an instructor or take several classes before attempting to use a DVD that would be my recommendation. I really like the Stott pilates method. They have a website and many DVD's to chose from.

Hi K.,
I don't know of any specific Pilates DVDs, but I have an awesome Yoga video that you can buy at Target. It's by Lamaze, Yoga for Your Pregnancy. It has a brown-haired woman on the front (Kristen Eykel). Yoga Journal helped to publish it. You can probably find it online also. After baby arrives, I HIGHLY recommend Mom and Baby Fitness (Yoga, Pilates, and Baby Massage) by Parents Magazine- you find this one at Target also. The cover has a brown-haired woman sitting with her son in her lap- both smiling. I did both of these videos and had a completely natural, beautiful, hands and knees delivery. Everyone, including my midwife commented in the delivery room about how much that Yoga helped with flexibility and endurance! I also suggest kegels, if you aren't doing them already. Do them all the time, day and night, whenever you think of it. Your CNM can tell you how to do them properly. I had a great recovery and my baby LOVED the post-natal video that I mentioned.
Good luck and God bless!!