Can Pilates Replace My Weight Workout?

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You adore Pilates -- but can it replace a traditional weight workout? Learn how to best challenge your body during either workout choice.

Question: "Can I substitute Pilates for my traditional weight workout?"

Answer: It depends on the type of Pilates you’re doing and your fitness level and goals, says Helen Vanderburg, owner of Heavens Fitness and Foundation Park Health Club in Calgary, Canada. Pilates routines done on machines like the Reformer are more effective at building muscle than mat-based moves, which tend to be more endurance-based exercises, says Vanderburg. Newcomers to fitness will likely be able to tone up with Pilates alone, but as you gain muscle, you’ll need the added challenge of weights. For best results, incorporate both Pilates and weight-training into your workout.

Originally published in Fitness magazine.

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motherhouse1112 wrote:

i'm new to pilates & have a question. i'm using DVD's at home & i don't know the frequency of exercise with pilates. i know abs can be worked daily but are upper body & lower body supposed to be alternated to let the muscles rest?

4/8/2010 10:08:29 PM Report Abuse