[Quaganoca]

You know, at first I was sore. The neck concerned me but that's fine now.

I was also sore just below my rib cage which I thought was great because I felt that meant that I was getting a good workout.

But even though I definitely feel the pull during the workout I'm not sore later. Have wondered if that means I'm not going at it hard enough.

[wpFWNoIt]

I'll try to be as brief as possible. One of the exercises in the Winsor Pilates is absolutely impossible for me to do:

You start out lying flat on your back with your arms straight above your head. You raise your arms straight up from your shoulders and then continue to raise the rest of your body up reaching to your toes. I can only come up a third of the way maybe less.

The option for that is for people with back or neck problems which I don't have. You sit up with your knees bent. Holding behind your knees and not letting go you lean back straightening your arms as much as possible and then come back up using your "power house" not your arms.


If I don't raise my arms first as you are supposed to, I can do it. But I feel like I'm using my shoulders or arms for momentum and not working the abs.

How should I do this one in order to keep progressing to the point that I'll be able to do it correctly?

Can anybody advise me? Or did I make sense?

[Drugmachine]

happy,
Purple hugs posted a link to a site where you can keep a record of your measurements and it also you info on your lean body mass, fat mass, etc. You might want to check it out and record your measurements if you're going to start Pilates again.


http://www.mybodycomp.com/members/login.asp

[apatteopipt]

Just started the exercises I also can't get the legs anywhere near straight up. Also having trouble breathing correctly hopefully I'll become more coordinated with time. I feel like I'm doing something though I've got a lot to learn.

[casinochniks]

Good to hear!

[Leaters]

Hello firelady!
I also had a hard time for the first coule of weeks, but it gets much easier. After you get past the initial learning stage, it actually becomes very relaxing. Once I learned how to do all the exercises, I closed my eyes and focused on the breathing. Then, after you get the breathing down, you can just focus on the soothing and relaxing feeling it gives you. I just love it! I am now doing the hour session, but often times do the shorter session to calm myself. Good luck!!

[krasniyluch]

I got the video. Can't do the legs straight up either BJ. I'll report back in 20 days and again after 20 days of doing the exercises correctly (if that ever happens).

[skupaemauto]

FrogAttack Great advice!

Ev, thanks, tomorrow I'll try it with my knees bent. I really want to get to the place that I can do this like the trainers on the video do. They just make it look so easy!

[LianneForbess]

You're still getting a workout. Generally, muscles only get sore when they haven't been worked in a while.

[RSAccountssy]

I haven't gotten my tape yet but I am taking before measurements I hope everybody also posts to compare.

BJ I'm glad it seems to be going well for you. Are you sore after the workouts? You're doing the 20 min set? I'm watching my mailbox.

[johnlohanmclee]

Okay, this has been driving me crazy! Does anybody know what Mari means when she says "Pull your rib cage in."? I don't know if I'm getting this right.

And why does my neck tremble on some of the exercises? I hate that part. The double leg stretch is the worst.

[k1ePRlda]

Good for you! I think you'll find that it's so easy to get started and one you will stick with.

[Neitteloxesia]

firelady, I've definitely seen some improvement in the 11 days I've done it!

[brulpcoersero]

Ditto what happy said! I can tell I'm getting my legs straighter than before.

[Qeiafib]

Hey BJ-
I didn't really count the days that I did it, so I'm not really sure how soon I got results, but I could definately tell my tummy was smaller. The leg series definately helped with my saddlebags. I wish I would have measured myself before I started. You've encouraged me to start doing it more often, so I'll definately measure this time. Let me know what your results are after 20 days. I'm sure it will encourage others also!

By the way, congrats on the 11 days! You're doing a great job!!!!

[Malinguenem]

Hey BJ! I've been doing winsor pilates for a couple months, and I was the same way when I started. It takes a little bit of time, but trust me, it gets easier. The only little piece of advise I can give you is to breathe out when your arms go past your head. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but it's worth a try! So as you stretch out and extend your arms behind your head, close to the floor, breathe in. When your arms are over your head and you have to start using your abs to pull yourself up, breathe out. I don't know why it helps. Maybe it just gives the support you need in your core. Also make sure you're taking the deep breaths that mari tells you to. Let me know how things go! I really need to start doing the dvds more often. Maybe this will be the boost I need! Good Luck!

[alias]

Guess what! I can now do this exercise just like you're supposed to! What an awesome feeling!

I love Winsor Pilates! I borrowed a friend's and have now purchased my own.

[FrassyLap]

Okie dokie... u all sound hyped on this winsor pilates, so I just went to ebay and ordered two tapes. One a 20 minute workout, the other just for abs. I am looking forward to it!

[Donlupedron]

Well, I'm not sure if I've got the right exercise or not, but there are two different ways I'm thinking..

One is, bend your knees a little which will make it a little easier, until your core gets stronger.. but do the rest the way it is supposed to be done.. Two is, continue to do it the way you are, and as you get stronger, try and integrate your arms more each time..

Also, I don't know if you are focusing on your breathing or not, but "to me" it is important that you inhale on the down and exhale on the up.. be conscious to not holding your breath,, and try to do a count of 4 for each way. The breathing may help because of the way your body is moving.

[kvitacencia]

So BJ, how often are you doing pilates? I try to do it at least 2 days a week, but am not sure if it will be enough. Do you think it's too much to do it everyday?
Well, I've started doing it again. Two days last week and one day so far this week. I do the hour session because I find it raises my heart rate a little more. I also feel more challenged, since I did the shorter session for a couple of months. I already feel my abs getting stronger and I'm definatley more aware of my posture. I forgot how much I liked winsor pilates!! Thanks BJ for the motivation! Don't forget to let us know how you're doing!