STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Metric · Gucci

Pilates?

Kitty · Hermes

Pilates is the best -- it will literally transform your body and posture. I do it 3-4 times a week.

Are you doing mat or the reformer? I am assuming this is a mat class, in which case just wear fitted work-out clothing and you can go barefoot or with shoes (i've seen both, but personally just go barefoot). You will use a yoga mat. You may also use balance balls, etc. depending on the class.

atlgirl · Gucci

Pretty much what Kitty said. I do a Pilates class 2x a week. I have a lot of upper back / neck pain with Fibromyalgia and it is amazingly helpful for that, as well as other benefits.

I wear yoga pants and a tank top. Even in cold weather I usually go to class with just a light jacket & flips, as I will get quite warm once we've started. I do the classes barefoot. We use weights, resistance bands, and balance balls. I own the weights & band, but there are typically enough balance balls there for everyone so I don't have to lug one from home.

Have fun!

ETA and I use my regular yoga mat for class.

-- Edited by atlgirl at 13:34, 2009-01-19

blubirde · Chanel

I take a pilates class once a week and it's awesome. A group of us (4 girls) take a mat class every week. We've been doing it for about 6 months and you can really see the difference in all of our bodies. It's pretty striking. I wear socks but most people go barefoot. We use yoga mats in class but they're provided for us (she cleans them before and after every class though). We also use the tower, which is a bolted to the wall thing but again, that's there and we don't have to bring anything.

I bet you'll really like it. I used to have back problems (old injury thing) and now the only time I'm ever in the slightest discomfort is when I have to miss a class.

sydney · Kate Spade

I love it - barefoot, most dont wear socks. I bring at mat I picked up at target cheap

jacL · Coach

I have been thinking about taking a Pilates class at my gym as well. Do most gyms have mats available for general use (I would buy my own if I decide that Pilates is for me, but if not, I don't want to be stuck with a mat that I don't need)?

fairywings · Dooney & Bourke

I'm a huge fan of Pilates as well. I've been taking it for almost a year and it's worth every penny. I do use a yoga mat because you spend a lot of time laying down and you want something under you. I wear socks but if you have a tendency to slip, I would advise against them. My gym supplies everything from yoga mats to bosu balls but I guess it really depends on the gym. Also, I highly recommend NOT wearing shorts because leg spreading is constant and it can be really uncomfortable. I wear yoga capri pants that aren't too loose around the leg.

Kelly · Hermes

jacL - I'd ask the person at the desk at your gym. I joined a gym over the weekend and went to yoga there for the first time last night. On the class schedule and on the website, it said to bring your own mat. But when I got in there, I was the only one who had brought my own!

-- Edited by ttara123 at 10:12, 2009-01-21

atlgirl · Gucci

There are a lot of differences (at least, IME) in the moves / positions for yoga and pilates. Yoga IME is a lot slower, more focus on the breathing, and the postures are really very different. Most of my mat pilates classes are done lying on the floor and are done at a much faster pace than yoga. I have a love/hate with the pilates because I always know I am going to get my a** whupped in pilates, but I love the results. Yoga makes me feel a lot calmer and more focused when I'm done with a class, but it doesn't sculpt my body anywhere near like pilates does.