how to work Pilates into a regular workout routine

[dotseurat]

Hi,

I've been working out/weight training for almost three years now. I have hit a plateau, but I'm working past it by taking all these different classes at the gym- cycling (WOW crazy good cardio workout), kickboxing, and different body conditioning classes. When I can't get to classes, this is how my schedule looks:

Saturday - full weight training (or hour long body conditioning class), 45 min cardio (elliptical)
Sunday - 45-50 min on elliptical
Monday- full weight training, 45 min cardio (elliptical)
Tuesday- 45 min cardio & abs
Wednesday- full weight traning, 45 min cardio
Thursday- 45-50 min cardio & abs

So...what I need to know is...how does pilates fit into all of this? Should I just incorporate a couple of pilates exercises into my workouts, or find a way to substite pilates with something else in my workout? I really don't think pilates could actually substitute for weights, and it most certainly couldn't substitute for cardio...so what do you suggest?

I'm really looking to tighten up and tone. I'm pretty muscular but there's still a bit of jiggling going on. My problem areas, as with most women, are the lower body including abs. My upper body is crazy thin and toned - go figure!!

Any advice is appreciated. I'd also love a suggestion on which video is good to start with.

 

[shaunda91]

You could substitute your abs routine with pilates. I recently bought the Winsor Pilates series and the 20 min workout is a killer on the abs. Basically the whole routine involves using your abs. I hear this is true of all pilates mat excercises.
Shaunda

 

[thesocalled]

You could try integrating Pilates into your workout just a little bit - perhaps 45 minutes one day a week. It's awesome... try getting the book The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. It explains everything you'll every need to know about the REAL Pilates Method and how to do the exercises on your own. Definitely worth it.