i just started doing MTV pilates every day. i know it will help to tone my muscles, but i don't know if it will help me burn fat. it's nice to have toned muscles, but it's also nice to be able to see those muscles!
212048
I want to try pilates too!!
609957
A friend of mine did and I saw results in her. You have to be really dedicated on going cause it's not a fast "work you to the bone" work out center. It's gradual and fun too I guess
671294
Pilates strengthens your core muscles, not the outermost muscles such as abdominals. Pilates does tone your muscles, and works around the center(core) but it won't give you flat abs.
383020
Well, I lost 20+ pounds in about 2 months on the Medifast diet.  It really does work.  As for ab exercises, you can't beat pilates, they really work great!
286486
actually, exercises like that will strengthen your abdominal muscles, but it won't get rid of the fat. The best way is to watch your diet, and do exercises that burn a lot of calories, as opposed to trying to work on one part of your body.
653570
I suggest an excellent book called "The Miracle Seven" by John Peterson. It explains a very safe and weightless system for toning and strengthening your muscles that was actually used by Charles Atlas (a popular weightless body builder from the 30's). I know what your thinking "That's weak", hey I thought the same way until I did a full 20min workout. I have never sweat so much in my life. For someone who is overweight and just beginning I truly believe this is a great way to start.
640182
I think pilates is very boring! If you want a fun workout try turbo jam, I love it!!
137237
For me motivation just wasn't the key.  I used to be 100 pounds overweight and I never exercised.  No way was I motivated to start.  I had to look at it differently, like a job or a chore, and just set a time that I was going to do it and then get up and DO IT, no excuses, no matter what.  Believe it or not, it works.  (heck, I did lots of other things that I don't want to do because I have to do them, why not add exercise to the list) A year and a half later, I LOVE exercising.  I look forward to it and feel like a slug if I don't do it.  It's just habit now, part of my day that I enjoy.  There just was no possible way that I was going to feel motivated to exercise almost every day when I had been sedentary for so long, but making it part of my routine really did the trick for me.
243083
Yes, I started taking Pilates about 2 months ago and I have noticed big results. Pilates is different from Yoga in that you are doing a more active exercise, although a lot of the poses are the same. You should be consistant with you exercise routine, I go twice per week in addition to two days of yoga per week. Pilates builds your core strenth and helps with circulation.\nAs with any healthy lifestyle, I suggest when starting Pilates that you cut out all sodas and drink only water for about 6 weeks. You'll notice a big change there as well!
112619
are you burning fat or building muscle?\n\nIt depends on what you are doing.  It sounds very good for building muscle..not the best for burning fat.\n\nIt is a tough workout none the less!!  Keep it up!
432682
Tae-Bo is the best.  I own Winsor Pilates, but the pace is too slow; it doesn't present a challenge.  It does help strengthen your core and improve your posture, it's good for days when you just don't want to do anything.  Tae-Bo is great cardio, burns a lot of calories, really tones your body, and you feel more powerful.  I recently purchased Bootcamp Elite series with the weighted Resistance bands and it's wonderful.  Your arms will tone, abs, legs, and butt.  Try it you'll love it.
303912
Have you tried bellydance? I love the bellydance tapes by Veena and Neena Bidasha. They help tone in areas difficult to tone with regular exercising plus make you feel great about yourself. You can buy their DVDs pretty much anywhere online like Overstock or Amazon for about $12 or $13. I'd recommend the "Basic Moves & Fat Burning" one if you've never done bellydance before.
191291
i would say if you're 100% motivated to lose the weight and are willing to make some drastic changes to your diet, then yes curves would help...i went in to a curves and was not impressed with the set up...i would say the best route to go is to eat every few hours...not huge meals just snacky type size...stay active go for walks, go swimming, take yoga or pilates whatever floats your boat...make sure you go to your doctor before starting any physical activity.
312745
You definitely have to try a Pilates class or get a Pilates DVD or VHS and work out to it. I have been trying to get rid of my belly fat for the past 3 years (since my son was born). Since I started going to a pilates class in February twice a week I have noticed a HUGE difference in the shape of my stomach, butt and legs. I am 5'6" and started out at 130lbs and now weigh 121 lbs. I have lost 9 pounds in 3 months and I can wear clothes now that I wouldn't have a couple of months ago. I also try to watch what I eat and drink water, water, water!!! There is no magic pill or supplement that is going to make you get rid of your weight...you just have to be willing to work hard for it. Trust me..I wasted three years on all of those stupid little tricks that we all hear about and got nowhere. Stay focused and work hard!! Good Luck!!!
360523
Pilates - you don't even need to go to the gym to do them, pilates is a great way to tone and firm muscles without adding bulk - you will get lean muscles mass. There may be a class offered in your area or there are tons of videos that you could get: Denise Austin, Crunch, 10 Minute Solution, Mari Windsor, etc.
229963
Hey, I hear ya.  Start doing some cadio to uncover the layer of flab; then do crunches for the top of your abs, and leg raises for the lower part of your abdomen.  And keep going on the diet.  The 30 minutes of cardio 3 or 4 times a week are just as important as the crunches and leg raises. ok?  goodluck:)Oh, you can do the cardio and the crunches together.  Just alternate days; that's what I do.:)
6466
Absolutely! I'm overweight also and have found Yoga to be an excellent workout. It works on your muscles and helps you to tone them very quickly. It's much better for us due to less stress on the joints in our bodies. It's fairly low impact, but you still get a great workout!!!! You'll love it!