A lot of my clients are very concrete. Much like Pilates they want precise, direct, clear instructions...not just with the exercises but with all of life! One questions I often hear is, "how much Pilates should I do and where does it fit in within the recommendations for strength and cardio." If cardio is recommended 5 days a week and strength training 3 days can Pilates replace a day of strength training? I consider it an adjunct to all of life and a method that can be practiced every day time permitting. It helps with cardio by improving breath and alignment and it helps with strength as a model of core conditioning. Any other answers for the client who needs a specific plan of attack and doesn't want to spend their life exercising? Thanks!
ALWAYS CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY NEW EXERCISE PROGRAM (there.... I said it). Tiffany, I am in the camp that enduring cardio can be counterproductive. I am now strongly in favor of interval training. It is both time efficient and metabolically stimulating, as well as physiologically activating at a cellular level. Do internet searches on "Peak 8", "Tabata Protocol", or "P.A.C.E." to get a sense of short, high intensity intervals, alternating with short rest periods. These are all doable in nearly any mode you care to apply them to; running, cycling, floor exercises. The secret is HIGH intensity (max) for anywhere from 20-60 seconds. This saves LOTS of time when applied to a week's workouts.
Thank you Layla. Great ideas---I too love the research supporting HIGH intensity intervals--it definitely works the body differently and like you said, efficiently. I will share the research with my clients. I believe it was a recent Pilates Style that also high-lighted the HITT method. Thank you again for your insight!