A class at a gym or off dvd? (or any other options you can think of that are possible) I want to begin pilates because I want to become
- more flexible
- have better balance
- improve my strength
-Increase my joint range of motion
-Have a good posture/ flexible and stronger spine

I am a dancer and have bearly any flexibility and some of the things above. I really would like this to compliment with it without blowing my budget. Which option would be better for improving these objectives and financial wise?

It is always personal preference. Although, I do think financially the dvd will be cheaper in the long run. This is due to a one off payment. You can find some pilates and yoga studios that are relatively cheap compared to the others out there. You can usually purchase a ten trip card or something similar which is at a discounted rate. It is also useful to at least start by using the studios as you can get the technique down pat with a trainer there. It is the same as dance forms in this aspect.

I personally prefer pilates at my university gym and also bikram yoga Pilates has helped me over the years with my dancing and flexibility especially in the off season. Bikram has only just recently hit Australia and I love it!

Hope this helps a little
Bina xox

Better for meeting those objectives? Definitely a studio or a gym. Better for your wallet? Definitely a DVD. The thing is, a DVD can't tailor your workout to your needs, can't give you corrections, can't help you maximize your workout to give you what you personally need. It's kind of like learning ballet from a DVD. Sure, you can get a lot out of the basics, but there's nothing like being in class. So in your case, a combination of the two might be the best. Take classes whenever you can, and supplement it with your DVDs at home, so that you get the benefit of an instructor but don't have to break the bank to get a regular workout.

This is not really aimed at the OP because I don't think this was what you where asking.

To the following posters.
Would you try to teach yourself Ballet, or Irish from a DVD, I don't think so, or rather I hope not.

I'm a Ballet and a Pilates instructor in order to do either properly you need to be taught it, not just watch it.

I teach Stott Pilates, I like the way Monica is always looking out for variations on the traditional exercises and always keeping up with the current medical findings with anatomy as well.

I wouldn't say anyone method is better or worse than another one, any method is only as good as the instructor giving the class.

Hey all,

Tried a bunch, various types, love Bikram yoga.

In NYC they're plentiful but when I travel its sometimes tough to find a studio.

Sam

I've never had the option of taking classes at a gym. I've done both yoga and pilates by DVD and I like it. I would prefer to do that on my own. Now, if it's something that is a more upbeat/cardio workout then it's fun with friends.

But taking at least one or two classes is usually recommended because then the instructor can help you get the positions right so that you KNOW you're doing them correctly.

I do both Yoga and Pilates, I happen to do them via DVD/Online (there are many sites that you can get free workouts online) The reason I do this via DVD/Online is due to the fact that I travel all the time so I don't have the choice of taking classes unless I want to try to take classes in different cities every week. But to the point with doing these and with allot of the advice that I have received from this site I have improved my flexibility at least 10 times what I was at.

As a pilates instructor I must tell you that DVDs will not do you much good unless you are already very familiar with the fundamentals. You should have already been taking classes with an instructor for some time before you are able to maintain the correct alignment necessary to actually perform the exercises in the way that they were meant to best benefit your body. So spend the money, take some classes, and then buy some dvds if you must.

I am a dancer first... and a Pilates Instructor second. When I first started doing Pilates regularly in college my turns were better (triples and quads), my extensions higher (from not being able to touch my toes in a pike stretch to GORGEOUS), my balances out of this world.... It helped me so much that I push Pilates to all of my students. I received my Certification from a dancer so I have a slightly different approach to Pilates. I pay more strict attention to exercises that will immediately target what a dancer needs. If you can find someone who has a background in dance, it would be more beneficial for you.

I think classes are always better because you have a teacher who is guiding you, can correct you, and you get to interact with them and other members of the class which is a beautiful thing and only helps your own practice.

While I was a HUGE fan of pilates at one time...I have found the practice of yoga to be the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I found a teacher that I liked soooo much and was so good for my whole "beingness." I felt grounded, more accepting, and loved myself more which obviously made me more tolerant and loving of other people. It is a different side of exercise that I had never experienced before and the energy that you get from your teacher and the students in the room is amazing and powerful.

That being said, I don't always have the money to take as many classes as I want and I supplement with DVD's. I think if you have general knowledge and have experience with some real classes first, DVD's are a good alternative to help you reach your goal.

If you live in a big city! Top tip: Hot Yoga in London there are quiet a few. It can be expensive but worth it just google hot yoga maybe they have it where you live it really is live changing.xxx

Hot yoga or Bikram is available in London and manchester - for dancing and keeping turn out - pilates is good at danceworks in london and hatha yoga is a stress buster - dance works and pineapple studios doe great pay as you go yoga and pilates. Keep dancin and good luck.

Seeing as there are different methods of both, the style you do can have different main effects. Both are very good complements to dance.

With your desires, yoga and/or pilates can help with all those goals you listed.

I have a not too expenisve pilates class in my area that includes mat work, equipment work and yoga ball work that is specifically tailored for dancers.

Just from personal experience, I do yoga, and there is no way I'd be able to do it correctly from a DVD. Even in class with the instructor constantly giving tips and corrections, I still have issues I didn't even know about until the instructor comes and helps me specifically.