Pilates, Fast results? How often? How much? Options

[*Teenage Mutant Ninja Meg*]

I have a goal to feel comfortable in my new bikinis by March Break 2007, when I go away to Florida for a couple weeks. I've heard pilates give you fast results, but I have no idea how much to do, how often, or even WHAT to do! I'm more focused on getting a flat stomach right now, but I will move on eventually to getting toned thighs. Any help?

[marzipan]

I do pilates. It works well for me. I didn't hear that it gives you quick results, but if you do it regularly, it works like a charm. Buy a book on pilates. That's what I did.

[*Teenage Mutant Ninja Meg*]

Thanks! I'll probably buy a DVD or something... so I can do it as I go along.

[marzipan]

Oh, that works too. My swim coach showed us pilates videos when we did practice.

Pilates is very good for toning your muscles and giving you a leaner, taller appearance. You can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

[Shanti]

Well when you get to Florida....[which its gonna be super HOT!] You'll look better then some of these girls who decide to roam the beach with bikini's on and they know they shouldnt do it lol....But I do Pilates and it's great! I have the machine...it works wonders [you'd see it in an infomercial,although I got mine free lol] Good Luck!

[*Teenage Mutant Ninja Meg*]

Well when you get to Florida....[which its gonna be super HOT!] You'll look better then some of these girls who decide to roam the beach with bikini's on and they know they shouldnt do it lol....But I do Pilates and it's great! I have the machine...it works wonders [you'd see it in an infomercial,although I got mine free lol] Good Luck!

Haha, I know what you mean. I definitely don't want to be one of those girls. I just feel like an eyesore when I wear bikinis and I'd rather be more confident. What sort of machine is it?

[RCcola]

have you considered getting an instructor? its a little pricey but i hear it's worth it.

[*Zatanna*]

Pilates, if done right and done consistently is fantastic. It was a great help after I gave birth to my son. Although, I utilized it for toning and flexibility than weight loss, per se. Weight loss is all about the cardios.

--->Health

[parallel]

I do Pilates every day, and you can really tell a difference.
You have to be patient though...it's not like you'll have a flat tummy in like, 3 days.
Man I wish that could actually happen...

[dekkoxme]

Pilates doesnt give quick results but in time the results are amazing. I bought my pilates set at...i believe Target for around $20. It came with the pilates mat, 20 min workout that you only have to do 3 times a week, and a water jug. Its the Mari Winsor Pilates set...its a great workout.

[*Teenage Mutant Ninja Meg*]

thanks for all the feedback everyone!
i guess pilates work differently for different body types.
a lot of my friends say they see a difference in a weeks time!
i just bought a pilates package (dvd, booklet and a mat) for $14.99 so i'll start tomorrow.
aparently the dvd has a 45 minute work-out, is that too much to do everyday?

[ichigofan]

Pilates doesnt really give u results fast, its more to build muscle tone and definiton + Flexibility. When i started my yoga lessons my teacher recommended our class to take pilates as well an hour a day because it helps perform the positions and it helps build strength keep up the position. If u want to loose weight or tone ure body then join a gym but if u have the time take some pilates classes, their really fun but hard work