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Hi Kim,,

Well, I have to admit that I've never done "Windsor" pilates, but I have done pilates.. I have also enrolled in a pilates class at school..

I had many questions for our instructor, on our first day, and some of them relate to this, so I thought I would share them.. One thing she did point out though, was that our program is a little more intense than Windsor because, with it being a school based program, we are also being taught to be instructors after completion.. So, we rapid cycle through all of it, in 16 weeks and with only 2 days per week of attendance, it will stand to prove a very tough workout..

Ok,, my questions and the answers she gave.

How long will it take to see results?
It's not a quick fix. Anything worth doing, is worth doing correctly. This is the real deal with pilates. Many of the moves are new to the body, and until you retrain your muscles to work correctly, you will not see any results. After that, then you can expect results, even if they are not "visible" within about 4-6 weeks.. Don't believe the infomercials you see that say "I lost a gazzilion pounds in only 3 weeks, because that's not going to happen". There is no method in the world of exercise that will produce those types of results.

Ok then, how long does it take for us to train our muscles?
This would be an individual basis,,, but typically it is about 3-5 sessions for that particular routine. Some people faster, others shorter. It also depends on past experience. The key is to not expect the same "feeling" from the workout as you have from other workouts in the past. You won't get a "burning" sensation, and if you do, then you can pretty much bet that you are doing it wrong.. instead you will feel like you can't catch your breath, or that it's been knocked out of you. When you start feeling this, then it is the closest bet that you are doing the moves correctly and your form is on target.

What about the soarness factor?? When or will we expect to be soar from this workout?
Same as seeing results. After 3-5 sessions with that routine, you will feel soar. Again, this is relative to past experience and proper form. It is also another reassurance that your form is correct.

What is the goal of the workout in general terms?
We will not be focusing too much on the hips and thighs, but rather your core. This includes everything from your hip flexors, up to your chest. Worst case scenario is that you will learn to use your abs rather than your lower back muscles in everyday activity. Best case scenario, is that you learn that, plus trim several inches off of your waist line. Get rid of love handles, and flatten your tummy.

My questions spurred many more questions that went into more specifics.. but this is the jist of it... She closed the presentation by saying:

"If you are in this class because you think you can lose 50 pounds in 16 weeks, then you are here for the wrong reason. However, if you are here because you want to strengthen your core, learn healthy living habits and have a foundation to continue in the process towards weight loss goals, then congratulations on making the right choices for the right reasons. You will lose weight, but there are miracles."

Hope this helps.. atleast a little??