Does Pilates Really Work?

First of all there is no such thing as spot reduction. The first place you gain weight is the last place you will lose it. As far as losing your pregnancy weight, that will happen with a combination of diet and exercies. Make sure you are eating 4-6 well balanced meals per day. Do functional exercises that train the body as a whole. The more muscles you use, the more calories you will burn. Remember it took 9 months to gain the weight, so give yourself at least that amount of time to take it off. Don't forget everything inside needs to go back to normal. If you have any more questions, I am a Certified Personal Trainer who has a lot of experience with Post-natal clients, including myself. K. Miller ###-###-#### ext.222 or ____@____.com

YES, YES, YES!!! I have done Pilates for about a year and my husband has for about 2 or so and it is amazing for your core (abs, butt, etc..). I am currently pregnant and still doing it and everyone I see at the studio raves about how much it helped them through labor. I have seen other pregnant women in there who have since delivered and lost their baby weight and are toned back up very quickly.
My husband and I both take lessons with Luis Caro at Body Endeavors (across from the New City YMCA on Clybourn and Halsted). If you are interested, I would give him a call (he can also tell you about classes, semi-privates (grab a girlfriend and save $), and privates). Privates aren't cheap but I will say it's a good way to start so you have the specific attention on you so you learn how to properly do the excercises (which are very focused and easy to not do properly) - then maybe go to a class. Call him at: ###-###-#### (his cell, but it's for clients). I actually referred my dermatologist to him after she had her second baby and she's been going to him for 6 months now!

I know that feeling. I did prenatal Pilates at Frog Temple in Bucktown and I really enjoyed the classes (I finally gave them up at 37 weeks). I got the Windsor Pilates DVDs for Christmas and now it's just a matter of finding the time/energy to do them. They cost $60 for a set of 3 (I requested them based on the reviews from amazon.com) so they're substantially cheaper than the classes will be (classes run around $10-$12 each). BUT of course you need to be motivated enough to do them on your own - sometimes that only happens if you sign up, pay the money, and then feel an obligation to show up. Of course, that has it's own set of challenges when you have a 6 month old around!

Frog Temple on Damen is amazing.