The pilates workouts are all about engaging the core to stabilize while doing various movements. Some work strength in other areas too but there are many that really focus on core strength. The machine uses springs to add resistance although some exercises are harder with less resistance because of the need to use muscles to stabilize the sled (the moving platform) part of the machine. There are an unending number of different exercises so I've yet to be to class where I didn't have something new introduced. I'm already noticing a difference in my core engagement and have noticed the lack of it since I haven't been in over a week.
Here's a decent video that shows a few moves.
Missed this the first time around. Congratulations on passing the Bar. Pilates is awesome!
At the risk of jinxing myself I'll tell you my good news story with pilates. I grew up on farms and doing all the physical activities that are required with farm work. When I went off the college and then subsequently started my career in engineering (desk job), I went from being very physically fit to, well not so much. By this time I was a weekend warrior and young (late twenties), thick-headed and invincible. My core was a soft dough-boy mess, and my back would "go out" sometimes at the slightest provocation. Most of the time I could still function and work around my house and play in the mountains, but when my back went out it was bad. I'd be walking crooked and in pain or laid up in bed for several days. This went on for many years. I had gone to chiropractors with mild success at temporarily relieving symptoms. I just delt with it thinking it was my cross to bear, and that it was some old farm injury coming home to roost. Well, it got worse and the frequency of "back-going-out" happened more often. Just skating off the ski lift could make it go, and then my ski day was over before it started.
My wife, whom I was dating at the time, mentioned palates to me and suggested we take a class together. At that time, 90s, pilates was targeted to women, and like yoga, used to slim down and stay in shape after childbirth. But my back was killing me, and I did a little research and pilates was indicated to strengthen the core which helps to prevent back strain. I somewhat skeptically went to pilates class. There were no machines, just floor work in this class.
Long story short - It worked wonders on my back. And I enjoyed getting my core back in shape, it just made everything else in life easier. I also took up yoga, and I haven't had any of those back issues since. Now the jinx part is, I'm not as religious about doing either as I used to be and as I should be, so just mentioning I've had no back problems since will surely hex me
I took a pilates class in Johannesburg South Africa once that used the machines. Both methods seem to work.
Good luck, and thanks for posting this thread; it's reminded me to get back on the horse before the back goes out again
I'll have to find another way.
