This 4 video course Pilates class, literally changed my life! From the first day of working out, I could stand up and sit again without my back aching, which was something that had been happening to me for about a year or so. Even after just one week of exercising my friends and family noticed changes on my posture and body in general, which is amazing. Thank you so much and looking forward to your new videos!
Wow, this is absolutely wonderful to hear. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know, and more importantly thank you for trusting me to help you. I couldn't be happier for you, back ache is something most people will have to deal with at some point in their lives, so I applaud you for taking action to help yourself. Keep up the great work! Two to three times a week will keep those aches at bay. have a great day, Rachel
@@corvus6270 That is fabulous news! Thanks for letting me know. I've just filmed two more workouts for the channel so I will get them on as soon as I can. Have a great day, Rachel
This four-part fundamentals group is great! I found it after discovering this channel four months ago. I love all the classes, but these sessions really help me understand how I should be doing things finally! It would be great to have these pinned on the homepage somehow so they stand out to people new to pilates.
I am loving the clarity of the instructions, no confusing jargon and easy to follow, I've been trying some of your introductory videos for a week now and really noticing a difference. Thankyou.
Must try for beginners!! You will not regret it. ***** Hi Rachel, I'm from colchester, essex. Thank you so much for posting these videos. I have been meaning to try Pilates for a long time, my physio recommended me to, as I have fibromyalgia & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. Because of my condition & the lack of exercise I have gained weight. Since we are in lockdown I thought it was the perfect time to try them & I love them. I wish I would have found & started them sooner. I have noticed such a difference with more core strength, I had an emergency C-section 5yrs ago & struggle with lower back pain, so this is starting to help. I do struggle with some of the exercises because of my lower back pain but I know this will get better with time. thanks again.
Hello Sylvia, I am so glad you have foubd these videos helpful and that you have had the time to take care of yourslef during lockdown and really get intotoe method. Pilates is so beneficial for your conditions and I am so very happy that you are finding it helpful. I know it's been a long time since you wrote but I do hope you have continued your Pilates journey with me. Sending best wishes, Rachel 😊
I am so pleased I found your videos, I looked at quite a few beginners Pilates videos before I found you but I think most instructors have a different definition of beginner to mine! I have completed your full beginners series a few times now and already can feel myself getting stronger and less achy. My posture has improved, it's making me a better runner and I am even mastering the breathing! Thank you so much, Rachel - you are actually changing the life of this 61 year old woman!
Hello Yvonne, I was going through this video today and found your comment, how lovely to hear how my pilates vidoes are benefitting you. I hope you have gone fron strength to strength since you wrote it! Do pop in to my live session if you're free and say hello on the chat. I'd love to hear from you 😊
Thank you so much for sharing these videos. I'm an absolute beginner and despite doing lots of walking, I'm horrified at how inflexible I am after many sedentary years at a desk. I've wanted to try pilates for a while but have struggled to find a beginner class in my area. I've worked through the videos, gradually adding each one and I'm really enjoying them. I know it will take time but I can feel the benefit - or at least I can feel the muscles I forgot I had!
Hello Phil, that's good to hear. The beginner series is perfect for you both to get started with, and I would also recommend you try the standing workouts as they increase balance and coordination which are all vital as we get older. Keep going and best wishes to you both, Rachel
Wonderful! I am so pleased you are starting with these as they are a great way to slowly build your practice as well as learn about pilates and how it benefits your body. Well done, looking forward to seeing you back here soon 🤗⭐️
Welcome Ingrid, I'm sorry you're having to self isolate but I commend you on being proactive and looking to start something new. Who knows, it could change your life for the better in the long run. Stay in touch, I'll be increasing my output too as I too am self-isolating now the UK has gone into shutdown. Wishing you well, Rachel 😊
@@ingridhaacke8486 Wonderful! This is the perfect time to look after yourself, and try new things. Thank you for joining me, and do let me know if you need any advice or help. I'll be keeping an eye on the channel daily. Take care and stay safe, Rachel 😊
@@ingridhaacke8486 That is wonderful!!! Well done you and the quick reply is because I am just online! Keep up the good work and let's continue our Pilates journey over the coming weeks. Take care, Rachel 😊
Just found you! Thank you for explaining the breathing so clearly (I gave up a class a year ago because of it) I am now on a mission to improve my core strength and sort out my awful posture made worse from this lockdown. 'See you' again tomorrow. Thank you again
This was recommended to me. But i have SEVERE neck injuries currently and it seems everything I do hurt it. I had taken reformer pilates for about four years, but not for years. My muscles are wasted do to inactivity from a complcated serious injury.
Love your very clear instructions I’m just starting this my question is when doing the pelvic lift the bridge do I relax my gluts or tightened them as I lift up and through! I keep tensing my gluts ever time I I exercise and I’m in pain with a very tight psoas major hip flexor on my right side and I need to do some work to support my bursitis in my hip. I’m doing daily hip flex exercises and lower spine rotation but need to get on top of my issues. Like I say I notice that every time I do a pelvic lift I am squeezing my gluts is this helpful to my psoas or should I be relaxing them but use the pull up from from hips. If this makes sense ? Thank you Jo
Hello Jo, great question. So with your tight Psoas I would suggest that it is inhibiting your pelvic curl and what we want to try and do is allow the full movement of the pelvis, articulation of the spine and as a result you will get a stretch into the psoas as well as strengthening the glutes.The fact that you are aware you are squeezing the glutes sounds like a natural reaction to the pain you're feeling, it's what our bodies do to try and protect oursleves. To break it down, when you tilt your pelvis the glutes and hamstrings should be relaxed, when you start to peel the hips up your hamstings will activate and then your glutes. That's good but you want to avoid the deliberate squeezing. The first thing I would suggest is you take a look at my video Pilates for Painful Hips as that has some rehabilitation exercises in it including starting with a psoas release which I think will be very helpful for you. You can find it here: th-cam.com/video/Vp_YF1mhCs8/w-d-xo.html I would recommend you add this into your weekly regime. Best wishes, rachel
I really enjoy your Beginners Sequence videos and am glad there is no music in the background. Do you also have a video for neck strengthens exercises?
@@TheGirlWithThePilatesMat Hi Rachel, I finally got round to doing the first 2 parts today and really enjoyed it. Your instructions were easy to follow and I can feel my core has had a workout. My plan is to keep keep doing these two till I'm confident in not watch the TV screen. Then I will move onto the other parts. Thank you! 😀 Regards Mark
@@GuideDownDenied Hi Mark, great to hear from you! Well done for doing the first two parts, and I'm delighted you enjoyed doing them. That is s good plan, work on them until you can do them just by listening, then move forward. That way you'll develop a great technique which will put you in good stead for the future. Keep me posted on how you're doing. Kind regards, Rachel
Thank you so much for your videos - during lockdown I was missing my twice weekly Pilates class and then I discovered your workouts. I really enjoy them and am feeling much more flexible after all that sitting around!
Hi Ann, Thank you, it is so easy to get out of routine in these difficult times, so regular exercise is so important. So pleased you are enjoying them, do spread the word! Rachel
Excellent! And yes I would recommend it as it really helps with the physicality of the roles you will play. Best wishes and I hope Pilates is now part of your lifestyle 😊
My first time ever doing pilates very much a beginner don’t even have a mat. This is my second day trying Pilates and enjoying it only managed this first video and the second one so far. Have a question I have pain just above my bottom think its called coccyx was wondering if there is a video that would help me to take the pressure of this as must be tight please. Thank you for these videos and look forward to hearing from you thanks 😊
Hello Carrieanne, thanks for your message and delighted to hear you have tried the first two videos. With your pain, is it in the tailbone area? That would be your coccyx and I would advise anyone with discomfort there to modify the exercise so you don't feel the discomfort.Or if it's above your bottom, it could be the sacrum area which I would give you different advice for. Perhaps yo could tell me which exercise yo get the pain on and where exactly you feel it and I'll do my best to advise you.
@@TheGirlWithThePilatesMat thank you so much for replying have Googled it and I believe it's the sacrum area that is hurting when doing the Pilates. Have stopped doing the Pilates at the moment until I knew if there was something I could do but would love to have ago again will await your advice thank you.
Hello, I want to do this every day and am concerned because I have been sedentary, sitting at a desk for many hours. Plus, I have arthritis in my hip, knees and ankle. I will give this one a try and see how I do. If you have any thing to say for us sedentary workers, and with arthritis if we want to do this on a regular basis. Many thanks.
Hello Nancy, starting any exercise when you have been sedentary for many hours can be rather worrying, but you have chosen a good workout to start with.Pilates is very helpful for people with arthritis as it is low impact and contains stretching as well as strengthening exercises, all of which will be very beneficial. For sedentary workers I would also encourage the Standing workouts on my channel, if you were able to do one of those per day- some are as short as 10 minutes and then follow the video you have chosen I think that would be very helpful for you and help you feel much better. Take care, Rachel
Hello Patricia, you are welcome. So sorry to hear of your back pain, it must be very difficult for you. Do take it slowly and see how your back feels after the session. If you have any doubt so please see a medical professional. Take care and let me know how you get on. Best wishes, Rachel 😊
Patricia Ortega Have you tried acupuncture for your sciatica, a friend of mine had sciatica for years, was limping all the time. She went to a new GP who told her to try acupuncture, she had quite a few sessions, I can’t remember how many, but she is now totally free of pain. Hope this might help.
Thank you so much for your content. The isolation has resulted in my wife finally introducing me to pilates ('it'll help your golf swing'!)...... and we start the day with you on our mats!
Hi Andrew, how brilliant! Your wife is absolutely right, daily Pilates will most certainly help your golf swing and when we all come out of isolation I'll be delighted to hear how your handicap has improved! Great to hear you start the day with me, I'll be adding more videos very soon. Keep up the pilates and do thank your wife for introducing you. Best wishes to you both, stay safe and well, Rachel 😊
Hi Jennifer, it sounds like you are carrying a lot of tension in your upper body. So...what I suggest is you try nodding your chin down before you lift, this will help switch off tense neck muscles, also to draw your elbows in a little so there is less stretch through the shoulders. See how that works for you. I would also recommend trying to be aware of any tension as you lift and try and relax into it a little. You may be just be trying too hard which sounds odd I know but if you relax into it you'll find you'll get more out of it. Let me know how that goes. Very best wishes, Rachel 😊
Hi there! No, no need to warm up as part 1 is the beginning of the class and the exercises are appropriate to start the class with and prepare the body for what comes in parts 2-4. Do try them all together too , I have a playlist with al 4 that you may enjoy. best wishes, Rachel
Hello Javiya, sorry to hear you have back pain. May I recommend to you my Pilates for Lower Back Pain Relief video - you could do this daily as it contains gentle stretches to help with lower back pain. I also recommend you continue with my Beginners Pilates 1-4 programme as that will increase your core strength which in turn will help relieve the pain. Just take it slowly and listen to your body, if something does not feel right for you then avoid it. Hope your back feels better soon, Rachel
Hi Rachel, just wanted to say ive been doing your videos for about 1 week now and am really enjoying it, i was just wondering how many hours a day i should be doing it, ive been doing about 30-45 minutes a day for 5 days a week weekend off is this to much or not enough. Thanks jade
Hello Jade, And welcome to our Pilates community 😊 Great to hear you are enjoying the videos and thanks for your question. A great one! My recommendation is up to an hour a day if you have the time, more than that is not necessary, the most important point being you keep up the consistency.of regular practice. That's where you will really see the results. Pilates is a waiting game! Slowly but surely, you'll start top feel stronger, walk taller and just generally feel good in your body. Five days a week is excellent if you can keep it up, if you miss one don't worry though just come back to it when you can, and do rest. Weekends off are fine! You deserve it after your hard work! Stay in touch and keep up the great work! Rachel 😊
Hi Rachel, I am doing your beginner's videos now since 5 days. I have a question regarding the pelvic curl. The lifting for me seems come mainly from the hamstrings and glutes and the glutes seem to fire particularly strongly in the top position. IN top position I do not feel much activiation in the abs. Is that how it should/could be or should there be a strong ab activation all the way through? I would appreciate your input. Love the videos, very well explained and extremly helfpul. Feeling much better already!
Ive just tried your no 4 workout, and my balance is so bad, I’m fairly flexible considering...... so the idea of your classes is to repeat them and do approx an hour a day, I find the half hour fits in well with my morning before work routine, do have more course? As we strengthen and get better at the exercises?
Just tried this first session as a complete beginner. Should I stick with this first session for a while before moving on, and should I be doing this more than once a day? Thank you
Hello Liz, Well done for starting your first session, you're on the journey to a fitter, healthier body. You would be absolutely fine moving on to Parts 2-4 of the beginners videos as put together they will give you pretty much a full beginners class. The main thing to remember is to take your time, if you don't understand an exercise go back and try again. And stick with it until you feel really confident and familiar with each of the movements. I would recommend you do these sessions 2/3 times a week if you can fit them into your life, and always start with Part 1 as that warms your spine up. Getting familiar with the breathing and the movements will give you confidence in your abilities and the repetition will help you build strength and flexibility in your body. Keep going and do pop me a message if you need any help or support. Best wishes, Rachel 😊
Hi Tara, thanks for the feedback and really glad you approve of it as good for beginners. I've double checked the sound for you but I can't find any problem at this end, I'm wearing a radio mic and it's nice and clear on my devices. Perhaps double check the volumes on your device, and also on the TH-cam page? Maybe one of them is not turned up enough for you. Hope that helps, have a great day, Rachel
Hi Pat, Good question. And it really is your choice, if you have the time I would recommend you do Parts 1-4 all together daily. You'll feel fitter and stronger in no time. Best wishes, Rachel
Hello Elizabeth, so sorry to be so late in replying but thank you very much, I am glad you're enjoying the videos. The decor you can see is from a beautiful building in West London, it was built in Edwardian times and still has the original fireplaces, stain glass windows and terrazo floor. It was one of the places where I used to teach pilates classes before Covid. 😊
Good morning, am loving all of your video’s and have found you very motivating to get back to Pilates after a long break. I have a question. Is there an alternative to the exercises that require you to lift you head of the floor in a crunch position? I have a neck issue that prevents me from doing this but still want to work on the abs. Hope you can help. Thanks J
Hello Jude, I am sorry for the long wait for a response, it's been such a crazy year with this pandemic. For your neck issue thre are a couple of options you can try- the first is to nod your chin down before you lift as this will inhibit the muscles that can over tense and casue pain, it will also activate your deep neck flexors still with the hands behind the head to support your neck. The second option is to get a hand towel and lie on it with enough towel above your head so you are able to grab a corner in each hand. Then you lift into the crunch position by using your arms to raise your head, this will again inhibit the muscles that can over tense and it willbe less of a strain than withthe hands behind your head. If neither of those work for you due to your condtion you can leave them out entirely. Depending on the levl you wnat to work at I have made some videos for the core with no flexing of the upper body which you might like to try. Here are the links to them: th-cam.com/video/nZ3yJBNmfco/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/k1ykjGkGgMI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/fFTadfrzxtI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/rV0oDrNKAwA/w-d-xo.html Best wishes, Rachel 😊
Hi Farrel, I'm absolutely delighted to hear you're gonna try this. Take heart, that this is especially for people like you who are new to Pilates. Let me know how you get on, and anything else that would help. I'm also happy to answer any questions. Have a great day! Rachel ;0)
You're welcome Harley, and welcome to the channel. Great to have you as part our online community. Let me know if there is anything special you would like to see as I make a list of requests and work my way through them.In the meantime, enjoy the workouts and let me know how you enjoy parts 2, 3, & 4. Have a great day, Rachel 😊
@@harleywainie Hello Matt, I do indeed, it's the same name as this channel- The Girl with the Pilates Mat. If you look at my intro film, and click to expand the words, you should be able to see the links to all my social media pages- FB, Twitter and Insta. Take care out there, Best wishes, Rachel
The Girl With The Pilates Mat haha, found you earlier actually. Following you now. I’m a cyclist but joints play up and muscles very tight. And only 37 haha
@@harleywainie Excellent! Cycling is a great sport but like many sports it does overuse some muscles hence the tightness and stiff joints. But that's where Pilates comes in, it's a great way tpo cross train and support your cycling. There's two films on the channel that would be especially good for you post cycling- 10 minute Pilates Leg Stretch- Great for Runners and Cyclists and Pilates Deep Stretch & Core Workout- 10 minutes to stretch legs, hips and challenge your core. Alongside that any of the Pilates workouts will be good for building your core strength and easing the joint pain. I have a new one coming soon which will be great for you age- more challenging and dynamic- hope to get it uploaded in the new day or two. Stay safe, Rachel 😊
Hello there, I can see your new to the Pilates Method. The warm up of the body is part of the initial sequencing so if you follow the video from start to finish doing all the exercises you will be warmed up. Hope that helps. I do recommend you follow all 4 tutorials and listen to the instructions as that will help you understand how this method works. Best wishes, Rachel
Thanks you Shawna! 😊 I have a great selection of leg workouts for you. Here are 3 I would recommend: th-cam.com/video/uEqxFIAtewg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/gX23jrqY_nk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/PWbRI5PqV2I/w-d-xo.html And remember you are beautiful as you are, cellulite is natural and it improves with good hydration and good muscle tone. Take care and let me know how you enjoy the videos 😘
Hello Maahi, this is a tutorial series to help beginners to Pilates understand the technique. If you want to take a more flowing class and you have the experience I recommend you try my 10 Minute Full Body Pilates class on the channel. Best wishes, Rachel
This 4 video course Pilates class, literally changed my life! From the first day of working out, I could stand up and sit again without my back aching, which was something that had been happening to me for about a year or so. Even after just one week of exercising my friends and family noticed changes on my posture and body in general, which is amazing. Thank you so much and looking forward to your new videos!
Wow, this is absolutely wonderful to hear. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know, and more importantly thank you for trusting me to help you. I couldn't be happier for you, back ache is something most people will have to deal with at some point in their lives, so I applaud you for taking action to help yourself. Keep up the great work! Two to three times a week will keep those aches at bay. have a great day, Rachel
@@TheGirlWithThePilatesMat Your videos have become my daily workout! Thank you so much... :)
@@corvus6270 That is fabulous news! Thanks for letting me know. I've just filmed two more workouts for the channel so I will get them on as soon as I can. Have a great day, Rachel
This four-part fundamentals group is great! I found it after discovering this channel four months ago. I love all the classes, but these sessions really help me understand how I should be doing things finally! It would be great to have these pinned on the homepage somehow so they stand out to people new to pilates.
I am loving the clarity of the instructions, no confusing jargon and easy to follow, I've been trying some of your introductory videos for a week now and really noticing a difference. Thankyou.
Wonderful Kerri. I hope you have gone from strength to strength 😊
Must try for beginners!! You will not regret it. *****
Hi Rachel, I'm from colchester, essex. Thank you so much for posting these videos. I have been meaning to try Pilates for a long time, my physio recommended me to, as I have fibromyalgia & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. Because of my condition & the lack of exercise I have gained weight. Since we are in lockdown I thought it was the perfect time to try them & I love them. I wish I would have found & started them sooner. I have noticed such a difference with more core strength, I had an emergency C-section 5yrs ago & struggle with lower back pain, so this is starting to help. I do struggle with some of the exercises because of my lower back pain but I know this will get better with time. thanks again.
Hello Sylvia, I am so glad you have foubd these videos helpful and that you have had the time to take care of yourslef during lockdown and really get intotoe method. Pilates is so beneficial for your conditions and I am so very happy that you are finding it helpful. I know it's been a long time since you wrote but I do hope you have continued your Pilates journey with me. Sending best wishes, Rachel 😊
I am so pleased I found your videos, I looked at quite a few beginners Pilates videos before I found you but I think most instructors have a different definition of beginner to mine! I have completed your full beginners series a few times now and already can feel myself getting stronger and less achy. My posture has improved, it's making me a better runner and I am even mastering the breathing! Thank you so much, Rachel - you are actually changing the life of this 61 year old woman!
Hello Yvonne, I was going through this video today and found your comment, how lovely to hear how my pilates vidoes are benefitting you. I hope you have gone fron strength to strength since you wrote it! Do pop in to my live session if you're free and say hello on the chat. I'd love to hear from you 😊
I'm glad I went back to your "oldest" Videos. That really helped me a lot.
It helps to much that you tell how to breath. ❤
Thank you so much for sharing these videos. I'm an absolute beginner and despite doing lots of walking, I'm horrified at how inflexible I am after many sedentary years at a desk. I've wanted to try pilates for a while but have struggled to find a beginner class in my area. I've worked through the videos, gradually adding each one and I'm really enjoying them. I know it will take time but I can feel the benefit - or at least I can feel the muscles I forgot I had!
That is wonderful Louise, I hope you have gone from strength to strength 😊
At nearly 60, my wife and I are enjoying your videos
Hello Phil, that's good to hear. The beginner series is perfect for you both to get started with, and I would also recommend you try the standing workouts as they increase balance and coordination which are all vital as we get older. Keep going and best wishes to you both, Rachel
Thank you Rachel🌸 I am using these beginners exercises part 1 to 4 a lot and can distinctly feel some improvement. So good..
Wonderful! I am so pleased you are starting with these as they are a great way to slowly build your practice as well as learn about pilates and how it benefits your body. Well done, looking forward to seeing you back here soon 🤗⭐️
Having to self isolate for 2 weeks and thought I'd try something new. This is going to be my new exercise program. Thank you.
Welcome Ingrid, I'm sorry you're having to self isolate but I commend you on being proactive and looking to start something new. Who knows, it could change your life for the better in the long run. Stay in touch, I'll be increasing my output too as I too am self-isolating now the UK has gone into shutdown. Wishing you well, Rachel 😊
Thank you. Trying to make my life a bit more interesting. Looking forward to the new me😎
@@ingridhaacke8486 Wonderful! This is the perfect time to look after yourself, and try new things. Thank you for joining me, and do let me know if you need any advice or help. I'll be keeping an eye on the channel daily. Take care and stay safe, Rachel 😊
@@TheGirlWithThePilatesMat loving it thank you. Just did my second run through of your 4 part beginner's class. Really enjoying it
@@ingridhaacke8486 That is wonderful!!! Well done you and the quick reply is because I am just online! Keep up the good work and let's continue our Pilates journey over the coming weeks. Take care, Rachel 😊
Just found you! Thank you for explaining the breathing so clearly (I gave up a class a year ago because of it) I am now on a mission to improve my core strength and sort out my awful posture made worse from this lockdown. 'See you' again tomorrow. Thank you again
👍
You got this! Well done Sharon 😊
In side bending of leg in yoga we exhale and inhale to come in neutral positon
This was recommended to me. But i have SEVERE neck injuries currently and it seems everything I do hurt it. I had taken reformer pilates for about four years, but not for years. My muscles are wasted do to inactivity from a complcated serious injury.
Amazingly perfect! I really needed BEGINNERS mat pilates which no one offers but you!!
Glad you liked it!! Thank you 😊
Love your very clear instructions I’m just starting this my question is when doing the pelvic lift the bridge do I relax my gluts or tightened them as I lift up and through! I keep tensing my gluts ever time I I exercise and I’m in pain with a very tight psoas major hip flexor on my right side and I need to do some work to support my bursitis in my hip. I’m doing daily hip flex exercises and lower spine rotation but need to get on top of my issues. Like I say I notice that every time I do a pelvic lift I am squeezing my gluts is this helpful to my psoas or should I be relaxing them but use the pull up from from hips. If this makes sense ? Thank you
Jo
Hello Jo, great question. So with your tight Psoas I would suggest that it is inhibiting your pelvic curl and what we want to try and do is allow the full movement of the pelvis, articulation of the spine and as a result you will get a stretch into the psoas as well as strengthening the glutes.The fact that you are aware you are squeezing the glutes sounds like a natural reaction to the pain you're feeling, it's what our bodies do to try and protect oursleves. To break it down, when you tilt your pelvis the glutes and hamstrings should be relaxed, when you start to peel the hips up your hamstings will activate and then your glutes. That's good but you want to avoid the deliberate squeezing. The first thing I would suggest is you take a look at my video Pilates for Painful Hips as that has some rehabilitation exercises in it including starting with a psoas release which I think will be very helpful for you. You can find it here: th-cam.com/video/Vp_YF1mhCs8/w-d-xo.html I would recommend you add this into your weekly regime.
Best wishes, rachel
I really enjoy your Beginners Sequence videos and am glad there is no music in the background. Do you also have a video for neck strengthens exercises?
Going to start this one tomorrow. Just completed my first lesson on another video and I can already feel my core has had a workout.
Excellent, glad to hear it. Do let me know how you get on. Best wishes, Rachel
@@TheGirlWithThePilatesMat Hi Rachel, I finally got round to doing the first 2 parts today and really enjoyed it. Your instructions were easy to follow and I can feel my core has had a workout. My plan is to keep keep doing these two till I'm confident in not watch the TV screen. Then I will move onto the other parts. Thank you! 😀
Regards
Mark
@@GuideDownDenied Hi Mark, great to hear from you! Well done for doing the first two parts, and I'm delighted you enjoyed doing them. That is s good plan, work on them until you can do them just by listening, then move forward. That way you'll develop a great technique which will put you in good stead for the future. Keep me posted on how you're doing. Kind regards, Rachel
Same here
Thank you so much for your videos - during lockdown I was missing my twice weekly Pilates class and then I discovered your workouts. I really enjoy them and am feeling much more flexible after all that sitting around!
Hi Ann,
Thank you, it is so easy to get out of routine in these difficult times, so regular exercise is so important. So pleased you are enjoying them, do spread the word!
Rachel
Been told to do Pilates for acting. Very good and easy to follow!
Excellent! And yes I would recommend it as it really helps with the physicality of the roles you will play. Best wishes and I hope Pilates is now part of your lifestyle 😊
Enjoyed it thank you is it ok to have one hand resting on wall wen trying to balance 🙋🏼♀️👍
Absolutely!!
My first time ever doing pilates very much a beginner don’t even have a mat. This is my second day trying Pilates and enjoying it only managed this first video and the second one so far. Have a question I have pain just above my bottom think its called coccyx was wondering if there is a video that would help me to take the pressure of this as must be tight please. Thank you for these videos and look forward to hearing from you thanks 😊
Hello Carrieanne, thanks for your message and delighted to hear you have tried the first two videos. With your pain, is it in the tailbone area? That would be your coccyx and I would advise anyone with discomfort there to modify the exercise so you don't feel the discomfort.Or if it's above your bottom, it could be the sacrum area which I would give you different advice for. Perhaps yo could tell me which exercise yo get the pain on and where exactly you feel it and I'll do my best to advise you.
@@TheGirlWithThePilatesMat thank you so much for replying have Googled it and I believe it's the sacrum area that is hurting when doing the Pilates. Have stopped doing the Pilates at the moment until I knew if there was something I could do but would love to have ago again will await your advice thank you.
Thank you so much. My body really needs this kind of workout. 💙
Hello, I want to do this every day and am concerned because I have been sedentary, sitting at a desk for many hours. Plus, I have arthritis in my hip, knees and ankle. I will give this one a try and see how I do. If you have any thing to say for us sedentary workers, and with arthritis if we want to do this on a regular basis. Many thanks.
Hello Nancy, starting any exercise when you have been sedentary for many hours can be rather worrying, but you have chosen a good workout to start with.Pilates is very helpful for people with arthritis as it is low impact and contains stretching as well as strengthening exercises, all of which will be very beneficial. For sedentary workers I would also encourage the Standing workouts on my channel, if you were able to do one of those per day- some are as short as 10 minutes and then follow the video you have chosen I think that would be very helpful for you and help you feel much better. Take care, Rachel
Thank you. I am going to try these. I have been in so much pain in my back and have sciatica. You were extremely thorough!!!!
Hello Patricia, you are welcome. So sorry to hear of your back pain, it must be very difficult for you. Do take it slowly and see how your back feels after the session. If you have any doubt so please see a medical professional. Take care and let me know how you get on. Best wishes, Rachel 😊
Patricia Ortega
Have you tried acupuncture for your sciatica, a friend of mine had sciatica for years, was limping all the time. She went to a new GP who told her to try acupuncture, she had quite a few sessions, I can’t remember how many, but she is now totally free of pain. Hope this might help.
Thank you so much for your content. The isolation has resulted in my wife finally introducing me to pilates ('it'll help your golf swing'!)...... and we start the day with you on our mats!
Hi Andrew, how brilliant! Your wife is absolutely right, daily Pilates will most certainly help your golf swing and when we all come out of isolation I'll be delighted to hear how your handicap has improved! Great to hear you start the day with me, I'll be adding more videos very soon. Keep up the pilates and do thank your wife for introducing you. Best wishes to you both, stay safe and well, Rachel 😊
Love this, really easy to understand, but the last exercise hurts my neck and shoulders, how can I fix this?
Hi Jennifer, it sounds like you are carrying a lot of tension in your upper body. So...what I suggest is you try nodding your chin down before you lift, this will help switch off tense neck muscles, also to draw your elbows in a little so there is less stretch through the shoulders. See how that works for you. I would also recommend trying to be aware of any tension as you lift and try and relax into it a little. You may be just be trying too hard which sounds odd I know but if you relax into it you'll find you'll get more out of it. Let me know how that goes. Very best wishes, Rachel 😊
Thank you very much Rachel great exercises for a complete beginner 💕
You're so welcome!
I very much enjoyed this video. I will be joining a Pilates group in the new year.
Wonderful!
Thanks! Really good for beginners. How many times a week do you suggest I do this exercise?
Hello Meg, as these are quite simple and short you could do them 3-4 times. Hope that helps 😊
Hi how should we be inhaling please?
Into the belly or laterally?
Great explanation of the neutral stand, I did it wrong.
Hi, thanks for the tutorial. Do I need to do a warm up before starting this routine..?
Hi there! No, no need to warm up as part 1 is the beginning of the class and the exercises are appropriate to start the class with and prepare the body for what comes in parts 2-4. Do try them all together too , I have a playlist with al 4 that you may enjoy. best wishes, Rachel
I have back pain which is best pilates for me
Hello Javiya, sorry to hear you have back pain. May I recommend to you my Pilates for Lower Back Pain Relief video - you could do this daily as it contains gentle stretches to help with lower back pain. I also recommend you continue with my Beginners Pilates 1-4 programme as that will increase your core strength which in turn will help relieve the pain. Just take it slowly and listen to your body, if something does not feel right for you then avoid it. Hope your back feels better soon, Rachel
Hi Rachel, just wanted to say ive been doing your videos for about 1 week now and am really enjoying it, i was just wondering how many hours a day i should be doing it, ive been doing about 30-45 minutes a day for 5 days a week weekend off is this to much or not enough.
Thanks jade
Hello Jade, And welcome to our Pilates community 😊 Great to hear you are enjoying the videos and thanks for your question. A great one! My recommendation is up to an hour a day if you have the time, more than that is not necessary, the most important point being you keep up the consistency.of regular practice. That's where you will really see the results. Pilates is a waiting game! Slowly but surely, you'll start top feel stronger, walk taller and just generally feel good in your body. Five days a week is excellent if you can keep it up, if you miss one don't worry though just come back to it when you can, and do rest. Weekends off are fine! You deserve it after your hard work! Stay in touch and keep up the great work! Rachel 😊
Fab!! Very articulate, clear and precise instructions. Love it💜💜
Thank you so much
Now to go search for a mat🤔
Hi Rachel, I am doing your beginner's videos now since 5 days. I have a question regarding the pelvic curl. The lifting for me seems come mainly from the hamstrings and glutes and the glutes seem to fire particularly strongly in the top position. IN top position I do not feel much activiation in the abs. Is that how it should/could be or should there be a strong ab activation all the way through?
I would appreciate your input. Love the videos, very well explained and extremly helfpul. Feeling much better already!
Great for beginner's ,the videos are so helpful 😍
Glad you like them, thank you Jayne 😊
Ive just tried your no 4 workout, and my balance is so bad, I’m fairly flexible considering...... so the idea of your classes is to repeat them and do approx an hour a day, I find the half hour fits in well with my morning before work routine, do have more course? As we strengthen and get better at the exercises?
Great job.awesome, thanks 👍
Glad you liked it!
Just tried this first session as a complete beginner. Should I stick with this first session for a while before moving on, and should I be doing this more than once a day? Thank you
Hello Liz, Well done for starting your first session, you're on the journey to a fitter, healthier body. You would be absolutely fine moving on to Parts 2-4 of the beginners videos as put together they will give you pretty much a full beginners class. The main thing to remember is to take your time, if you don't understand an exercise go back and try again. And stick with it until you feel really confident and familiar with each of the movements. I would recommend you do these sessions 2/3 times a week if you can fit them into your life, and always start with Part 1 as that warms your spine up. Getting familiar with the breathing and the movements will give you confidence in your abilities and the repetition will help you build strength and flexibility in your body. Keep going and do pop me a message if you need any help or support. Best wishes, Rachel 😊
@@TheGirlWithThePilatesMat thank you so much for your help x
@@lizhealey2740 You're welcome Liz 😊
Thank you. Very easy to understand.
You're welcome, thanks for watching Brenda. More to come in 2020!
Day 4 and I'm loving it!
Great to hear Sheila! Keep going, you're doing brilliantly1 Best wishes, Rachel
Great for beginners, only issue is lack of full sound - is it just me ?!
Hi Tara, thanks for the feedback and really glad you approve of it as good for beginners. I've double checked the sound for you but I can't find any problem at this end, I'm wearing a radio mic and it's nice and clear on my devices. Perhaps double check the volumes on your device, and also on the TH-cam page? Maybe one of them is not turned up enough for you. Hope that helps, have a great day, Rachel
The sound is very muffled for me too
Super - thank you!!!
Thank you too! And you're welcome 😊
Fantastic
As a beginner, should We do parts 1-4 all together or one each daily.
Hi Pat, Good question. And it really is your choice, if you have the time I would recommend you do Parts 1-4 all together daily. You'll feel fitter and stronger in no time. Best wishes, Rachel
The Girl With The Pilates Mat parts 1-4
Really enjoying your videos in the lockdown. Fascinated by the decor in your room - is it an old stately home?
Hello Elizabeth, so sorry to be so late in replying but thank you very much, I am glad you're enjoying the videos. The decor you can see is from a beautiful building in West London, it was built in Edwardian times and still has the original fireplaces, stain glass windows and terrazo floor. It was one of the places where I used to teach pilates classes before Covid. 😊
Good morning, am loving all of your video’s and have found you very motivating to get back to Pilates after a long break. I have a question. Is there an alternative to the exercises that require you to lift you head of the floor in a crunch position? I have a neck issue that prevents me from doing this but still want to work on the abs. Hope you can help. Thanks J
Hello Jude, I am sorry for the long wait for a response, it's been such a crazy year with this pandemic. For your neck issue thre are a couple of options you can try- the first is to nod your chin down before you lift as this will inhibit the muscles that can over tense and casue pain, it will also activate your deep neck flexors still with the hands behind the head to support your neck. The second option is to get a hand towel and lie on it with enough towel above your head so you are able to grab a corner in each hand. Then you lift into the crunch position by using your arms to raise your head, this will again inhibit the muscles that can over tense and it willbe less of a strain than withthe hands behind your head. If neither of those work for you due to your condtion you can leave them out entirely. Depending on the levl you wnat to work at I have made some videos for the core with no flexing of the upper body which you might like to try. Here are the links to them:
th-cam.com/video/nZ3yJBNmfco/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/k1ykjGkGgMI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/fFTadfrzxtI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/rV0oDrNKAwA/w-d-xo.html
Best wishes, Rachel 😊
Starting tomorrow morning ☺☺
Yay! Good for your Hazel...let me know how you get on. Best wishes, Rachel 😊👏
Gonna try this!!! I'm really a beginner, very beginner! Thank you for posting this kind of video >___<
From : your new subscriber
Hi Farrel, I'm absolutely delighted to hear you're gonna try this. Take heart, that this is especially for people like you who are new to Pilates. Let me know how you get on, and anything else that would help. I'm also happy to answer any questions. Have a great day! Rachel ;0)
If you have any specail exercise for back pain then pla tell me
Hello Javiya, please try my video called "Pilates for lower back pain" and see if that helps you. Best wishes, Rachel
Very good thanks
You're welcome Harley, and welcome to the channel. Great to have you as part our online community. Let me know if there is anything special you would like to see as I make a list of requests and work my way through them.In the meantime, enjoy the workouts and let me know how you enjoy parts 2, 3, & 4. Have a great day, Rachel 😊
The Girl With The Pilates Mat do you have an Instagram account or something.
Kind Regards
Matt
@@harleywainie Hello Matt, I do indeed, it's the same name as this channel- The Girl with the Pilates Mat. If you look at my intro film, and click to expand the words, you should be able to see the links to all my social media pages- FB, Twitter and Insta. Take care out there, Best wishes, Rachel
The Girl With The Pilates Mat haha, found you earlier actually. Following you now. I’m a cyclist but joints play up and muscles very tight. And only 37 haha
@@harleywainie Excellent! Cycling is a great sport but like many sports it does overuse some muscles hence the tightness and stiff joints. But that's where Pilates comes in, it's a great way tpo cross train and support your cycling. There's two films on the channel that would be especially good for you post cycling- 10 minute Pilates Leg Stretch- Great for Runners and Cyclists and Pilates Deep Stretch & Core Workout- 10 minutes to stretch legs, hips and challenge your core. Alongside that any of the Pilates workouts will be good for building your core strength and easing the joint pain. I have a new one coming soon which will be great for you age- more challenging and dynamic- hope to get it uploaded in the new day or two. Stay safe, Rachel 😊
Brilliant. Thank you.
Della Galton You’re welcome Della, I’ll be uploading a new workout next week which I think you’ll like. Have a great day, Rachel
Thank you :)
You're welcome Della :0)
Love
No warming up???
Hello there, I can see your new to the Pilates Method. The warm up of the body is part of the initial sequencing so if you follow the video from start to finish doing all the exercises you will be warmed up. Hope that helps. I do recommend you follow all 4 tutorials and listen to the instructions as that will help you understand how this method works. Best wishes, Rachel
Youre so dope! ♡ Also, can you make a glutes and thighs video? I want to get rid of my cellulite🙁🙂
Thanks you Shawna! 😊 I have a great selection of leg workouts for you. Here are 3 I would recommend:
th-cam.com/video/uEqxFIAtewg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/gX23jrqY_nk/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/PWbRI5PqV2I/w-d-xo.html
And remember you are beautiful as you are, cellulite is natural and it improves with good hydration and good muscle tone. Take care and let me know how you enjoy the videos 😘
4 years ago today!!
And what a journey! Happy Anniversary 😊
Awesom but take proper class Pls so that we all can do with d flow with instructions ??
Hello Maahi, this is a tutorial series to help beginners to Pilates understand the technique. If you want to take a more flowing class and you have the experience I recommend you try my 10 Minute Full Body Pilates class on the channel. Best wishes, Rachel
اي مترجم ذكي حط ترجمة على الكوتش. صرنا بس عم نقرا بدون ما نشوف وين عم تدلنا وشو نعمل.