Pilates Question

[LostinVA]

My Mom lives in the sticks -- no gym anywhere close to her... but she would like to try Pilates. Anyone know of any good, legit at-home route to take? She's 61 and in good shape, btw.

[flvegan]

1. Do you mean something like DVDs?

If so, and I can easily stand corrected here, from what I hear, there are a few put out by the Crunch folks that are pretty good (and pretty cheap).

I'm not really into Pilates, so my opinion is only from what I've heard from others.

Also, at 61, she might consider getting a set of dumbells and doing some weight training. I'm not saying a full set up to 120 pounds, as that would be silly. Maybe up to 30 pounds for now. The benefits of strength training, especially for women, are amazing.

[patricia92243]

5. Thanks for the encouragement. I am 62 and did not realize weight training

was so helpful to us oldies. I will have to do a little more research on it.

Again, thanks.

[Katherine Brengle]

2. I have one--

Believe it or not, Pilates for Dummies on DVD.

It sounds stupid, but it is a totally decent routine, and they show variations to make certain movements easier or more difficult depending on flexibility and skill level.

It's about 45 mins long with a 30 min full body standing routine and a 15 minute mat workout.

[vikegirl]

3. I'd consult Collage Video

You don't have to buy from there, but they've got good descriptions of different fitness DVDs, broken down by level, length, emphasis, etc.

http://www.collagevideo.com

A lot of the videos you can buy cheaper elsewhere, like http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com but I'd scope out all the options at Collage.

Hope that helps! :-)

[flamingyouth]

4. Try Balanced Body

www.pilates.com They have lots of great DVDs for different levels and needs.

And whatever she does, she should augment her DVD purchase with a copy of Brooke Siler's book "The Pilates Body," which is awesome.

My mom is 64, a former ballet dancer who has a blown tendon in her right leg. Almost 10 years ago doctors told her she'd always need to walk with a cane. She started doing Pilates and now walks on her own with ease (she still needs a brace on her leg, obviously, but still...). She has a Reformer and Cadillac in her basement now and our whole family does Pilates now - even my dad. :D