I'm a beginner and just finished the 10 intro lessons. I feel as if I'm building muscle, but don't feel like I'm getting my heart rate up enough or burning enough calories. Do you have a weekly schedule I should follow to insure I'm getting a full body workout? Or do I just need to be patient as I work up the levels?

Great question Sue! Welcome to PA and congrats on finishing your first ten lessons. You are building muscle, but it's also true you may not be getting your heart rate up enough to sufficiently challenge your cardiovascular system It is important to do this, so adding in 3-4 days of aerobic exercise would really round out your exercise program. If you haven't been doing much walking or vigorous exercise, first check with your Doctor, then work up to it slowly. a half hour of brisk walking several times a week can really speed up the process where you'll notice changes in your body and general wellness Keep up the great work!

I often compare the three elements of fitness (strength, cardio and flexibility) with the three elements of diet (protein, carbs and fats). Just as a healthy person needs all three elements to make up a rounded diet, you need all three to comprise a complete fitness diet. It is interesting that a people often fault Pilates for not providing a cardio workout, but I have never heard anyone criticize jogging for not providing a flexibility workout!! Just as it wouldn't be healthy or enjoyable to eat the same one thing day after day, the same thing goes with exercise. Variety is wonderful!