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Pilates/Questions Answered by Expert Lynda Lippin
| Subject | Date Asked |
| lying bicycle | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: Lynda I have been researching exercises to recover my belly from several pregnancies, and bicycle ... A: While it may feel ok, this is really not a good idea. First, you need to strengthen your back and ... | |
| Foot Straps for Allegro Reformer | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: I have an Allegro reformer (which I love!) and just purchased the box and a foot strap. Where is ... A: The foot strap does go in the area by the springs. The box can be moved back to sit on top of the ... | |
| pilates machine | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: I was left a Pilates Premier XP buy a dear friend that has passed.Do you know where I can find ... A: The manual is available as a pdf download here: ... | |
| muffin top | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: i have lots of flab over my upper tummy and lower tummy i tried doing crunches but it didnt help can ... A: First, you should love yourself however you think you look. Your body is beautiful and you can be ... | |
| Weightlifting and pilates routine. | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: As a complete beginner to working out, I am looking for a routine that can give me good size gains ... A: Now, I never give out training routines to people I haven't met, because only when I can see you ... | |
| Pilates and MS | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I am 46 y.o. woman with kyfosis and scoliosis for many years. Never have really done something about ... A: Your story is so inspiring! Congratulations on finding Pilates and following an exercise path which ... | |
| Pilates after bilateral hip replacement surgery | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: Almost 13 years ago I had bilateral hip replacement surgery after being prescribed large doses of ... A: Tina Sarkey http://www.tinasarkey.com/finalprojectlinkpages/bio.html has the most rehabilitation ... | |
| Pilates after THR | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: Can you recommend a practitioner experienced/specialized in dealing with titanium thighs? I was ... A: I think you have several options here. One is to have your former instructor contact your surgeon or ... | |
| hysterectomy for prolapse | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: I had a vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse on August 26, 2009. I had a cystocele and rectocele that ... A: If your surgeon has cleared you to exercise you can start now, but do not start without his go ... | |
| hysterectomy for prolapse | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: I had a vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse on August 26, 2009. I had a cystocele and rectocele that ... A: Pilates is the perfect exercise for you after this surgery! With a strong focus on pelvic floor and ... | |
| Pilates and blood pressure | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: I am a 36-year old man with mitral valve prolapse. I take a low-dose blood pressure medication ... A: I don't know where you read that Pilates is isometric, because it's not! In any movements you will ... | |
| Abdominal hernia | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: I have a student who has a upper adominal hernia, where the hernia is trying to escape between the ... A: First, the upper abdominal hernia is NOT by the breastbone, but around/under the diaphragm (which is ... | |
| Pilates after total hip replacement | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking for an instructor to help me put together a modified Pilates program. I'm 55, 5'5'' ... A: Scary but all too familiar... I am actually in NYC teaching through the 15th of October. Email me ... | |
| Pilates after total hip replacement | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking for an instructor to help me put together a modified Pilates program. I'm 55, 5'5'' ... A: Having worked with many post-hip replacement clients I can say that you are not the only one wanting ... | |
| Tightening up | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I am a 50 year old guy. In spite of lifting weights and running, I am starting to sag. Is this ... A: It sounds like your main concern is "sagging". You say that you are lifting weights and running but ... | |
| Pilates Certification | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I have been a member of a fitness center since 2002 and regularly attended their Pilates classes. I ... A: It is good that you decided to ask before jumping into a Pilates certification program. I suggest ... | |
| fat ab | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: It does not matter what my overall shape is, my ab is always fatty, even when I was very young. I ... A: Let me start by saying that some women are just prone to a belly pooch. I have one, I have read ... | |
| Thin with belly | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I am 16 years old. 5 Feet 10 inches, and 61 Kgs. (Underweight) I used to be 57. I joined gym , and ... A: As a teenager you are not yat fully developed and your weight will likely distribute itself more ... | |
| fat calves | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I am overall thin on my upper body, but I have huge calves. The only thing I heard to have slim ... A: While some of your calf size is unfortunately due to genetics, there are certainly exercises you can ... | |
| pilates exercises affecting labour | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know your oppion on whether doing pilates before and during preganacy could have a ... A: Pilates is fine without restriction to start before pregnancy and through the first trimester (in ... | |
| pilates exercise for upper body | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: Can you please tell me the name of the pilates exercise where you push yourself off the ground a few ... A: This is not a classical Pilates mat exercise (except as a variation on the push up where you hold ... | |
| Some confusing questions. | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: Respected Sir, I am working out very hard on my abs sections and want answers to some ... A: Regarding losing pounds from your midsection, the way to do that is by eating correctly. Here is a ... | |
| Pilates and ab excercises | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: Could you tell/describe me some Pilates excercises to improve my lower abdominals tone and shape. ... A: I need to start by saying that there are no "lower" and "upper" abdominals. The abdominal muscles ... | |
| hip replacement and pilates | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: I've been a life long exerciser, mostly running and free-weights the last 25 years. In my early ... A: I have worked with many people before and after total hip replacement and they have all done ... | |
| Pilates training | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I am new to Pilates. How can I tell if I have the right trainer, that is, whether she is qualified ... A: A great question! First, you should always be able to ask about your teacher's qualifications. ... | |
| scoliosis | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: what do recommend for scoliosis? A: This question is a bit broad to answer! How severe is the scoliosis, where is it,has it gotten ... | |
| pilates and weight training | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: I am fit and 50. I have a bowflex machine and have been doing weight training for several years. I ... A: No, it is not counterproductive to do both, especially when creating strength around your joints is ... | |
| Opening a Studio | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: I am new to Pilates and love it! I was looking into opening a studio, but not instructing. The ... A: For used Pilates equipment I would keep an eye on Craig's List in your community. That's really the ... | |
| Gym Attire | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: Should men wear underwear while working out at the gym, whehther it be cardio, a pilates class(or ... A: Yes, it is crucial that men wear underwear when exercising. Why? From a health perspective you can ... | |
| investigating becoming a pilates instructor | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: I started pilates a year ago and I'm thing about becoming a pilates instructor. I like the ... A: OK, try Clare Dunphy for Peak Pilates ... | |
| pilates | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions. Is it necessary to do pilates for 45 minutes or 1 hour to get results? ... A: While even 20-30 minutes of exercise is better than nothing, I find that anything under 30 minutes ... | |
| investigating becoming a pilates instructor | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: I started pilates a year ago and I'm thing about becoming a pilates instructor. I like the ... A: I am listing what I consider to be 3 of the top Pilates certification programs in the US who have ... | |
| cant feel exercises working stomache or thighs | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: i have been doing pilates for about two months and was wandering when doing the stomache exercises ... A: It sounds to me like you are either doing the exercises at home with a book or dvd or are in large ... | |
| Pilates | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: Can men wear a t-shirt with shorts to pilates class? A: To be blunt, it depends on the shorts. Not too short, not too many pockets, no belts. Make sure ... | |
| Peak for a Balanced Body User | 12/21/2008 |
| Q: I have been teaching on Balanced Body equipment for some time and recently had the opportunity to ... A: First, you don't need to brace the Peak jump board (that's a BB thing only). Just screw it in and ... | |
| IM=X Pilates | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: I was interested in opening an IM=X Pilates studio, but saw that you were not impressed with their ... A: I think you have some of my answer already based on the fact that IM=X was so keen on getting you ... | |
| injury | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: injury affected pelvis, including separation of pubic bone. currently rotated, back left pelvis ... A: First, have you seen a doctor for this injury? It sounds like you could use some physical therapy ... | |
| 2 cervical discal hernias | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: I have been a pilates instructor for 4 years. I have a client: 34 yr old Female 2 ... A: First, have you seen her since the first session? How did she feel? That will give you some basis ... | |
| reformers | 11/28/2008 |
| Q: I have just started taking pilates classes on the Stott V2 Max Reformer. I love it and am thinking ... A: Balanced Body sells an Allegro reformer with tower for $3695 ... | |
| Best Reformer to Purchase | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I both love our pilates private training and want to purchase a reformer. If size ... A: My number one reformer would be the Balanced Body Studio reformer with Revo foot/spring bar (that's ... | |
| Reformer and Pregnancy | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: Is it safe to do the jump board on the Reformer equipment during pregnancy? A: First, no exercise should be done without your doctor's approval. Given that, most reformer ... | |
| pilates instructor training - physical requirements | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: I've been taking Pilates for about a year now, and have benefited from and enjoyed it so much that ... A: I am glad you love Pilates enough to want to teach! It truly is a great form of exercise. I can't ... | |
| how to start pilates instruction? | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I'm accounting, but I feel ready to change my profession and be a Pilates instructor. Since I was ... A: I would first approach any pilates studios, gyms, yoga studios, spas, and fitness studios in your ... | |
| Spastic pelvic floor syndrome? | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: I was just wondering if you could give me some information on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. I'm a 27 ... A: As you have learned, the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are quite important, but most people don't even ... | |
| stomach fat | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: if you develop a wrinkle in the middle of the lower stomach are you losing belly fat? ANSWER: Dear ... A: You need to do some basic abdominal exercises to tone those muscles. Pilates will help as well. ... | |
| stomach fat | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: if you develop a wrinkle in the middle of the lower stomach are you losing belly fat? A: If you are losing weight and not doing any exercise then when you lose the fat the excess skin will ... | |
| Pilates | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: i am Pilates student. I would like to know different equipment and mat exercises to be given to a ... A: Are you a Pilates client or a teacher training student? If a client, you should be with a teacher ... | |
| Exercise drawbacks | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if high-intensity exercise is really better for you than low-intensity? It seems ... A: First, let me ask you a question. Which is more newsworthy, someone having a heart attack while ... | |
| poor posture and muscle tightness | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: Ever since I was a child ive had a very poor posture: rounded upper spine and forward shoulders. ... A: I am sorry to hear that you are in discomfort and I commend you for writing in to see what you can ... | |
| Reformers. | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: I recently started looking for a reformer to have at home so I could do more often what i have ... A: The Allegro is just fine! I had several in my studio and you can do all the same exercises on it as ... | |
| pelvic floor | 3/30/2008 |
| Q: Lynda, Hi! Referring to the answers you gave me on 3/11 and 3/13, here are a couple of follow up ... A: 1. Standing in spin is good; it should help strengthen. 2. A towel folded and placed under hips ... | |
| Thank you for your referral! | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: Linda- I am the owner of Body Mind and Soul Pilates in Chatham, NJ, and have read your answers ... A: When I did a web search for Pilates in the Elizabethtown area and saw what you specialize in I knew ... | |
| pelvic floor muscles | 3/14/2008 |
| Q: I am 48 and have 6 children, all vaginal birhts. After the last delivery I began to experience ... A: Without being too harsh my experiences with IM=X pilates have been all bad. I have retrained ... | |
| pelvic floor muscles | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: I am 48 and have 6 children, all vaginal birhts. After the last delivery I began to experience ... A: You brought a number of things up that are definitely affecting your pelvic floor strength. Before I ... | |
| pelvic floor muscles | 3/11/2008 |
| Q: I am 48 and have 6 children, all vaginal birhts. After the last delivery I began to experience ... A: Your situation is, unfortunately, all too common. First, some basics... Lie on your back with your ... | |
| Lessons vs owning a reformer | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: I've been taking private and duet pilates lessons twice a week for about 4 months. Because of the ... A: I've been doing/teaching Pilates for close to 20 years and my workouts on my own still pale in ... | |
| herniated disc | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a pretty bad herniated disc in my lower back. Having surgery is the last thing on my mind. ... A: I assume you are doing some form of physical therapy for the disc? I have had great success with ... | |
| exercising after pilates | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: I have just started pilates and was wondering if i should exercise after at the gym? either running ... A: It partially depends on whether you are doing equipment or mat Pilates, and on whether you are doing ... | |
| shoulder injuries | 1/12/2008 |
| Q: Greetings. I am a 22 year old female, and my right shoulder has always been very easy to ... A: You definitely need to begin gently strengthening your shoulders, chest, upper back, and arms to ... | |
| Los Angeles Pilates Studios - experience with back injuries | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: I am 35 years old and suffered debilitating pain from a herniated disc about 8 years ago which once ... A: As you well know not all Pilates is equal and badly taught Pilates could definitely make things ... | |
| exercise and running and weights | 12/27/2007 |
| Q: i have a flat behind... will running and exercise/weights make it stick out more.. or will it just ... A: Exercise generally should help build and tone your butt, giving you more bulk and definition. Try ... | |
| Pilates | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: Which do you feel is a better workout, the Reformer vs. The Stamin Studio Barre workout? Thanks a ... A: To start at the end of your question, the MVe chair is amazing. I own two and work with ... | |
| leg | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: "ok funny story i was putting my hands in my pant pockets and always my left leg thigh go snap snap ... A: Joints can crackle, do not worry unless you feel pain after. But with all the lacrosse and running ... | |
| Pre- and Post-C-section Pilates and BB IQ questions | 10/8/2007 |
| Q: I'm about 14 weeks pregnant and will have my 3rd C-section near the end of March 2008. Thanks to 2 ... A: The IQ reformer is great and will hold up. Balanced Body sells only great quality equipment and ... | |
| Herniated Disk and Pilates | 9/11/2007 |
| Q: I am 35 and in good shape. I had successful herniated disk surgery 1.5 years ago and have done ... A: Yes, you need to modify your pilates routine given your back history. If you are doing a group ... | |
| pilates sessions | 7/29/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering how many times a week should someone do pilates in order to see results? Thanks A: It partially depends on whether you do other forms of exercise. If you are an avid exerciser then ... | |
| Keeping my vaganal area tighter. | 7/16/2007 |
| Q: My viginia seems to be getting looser as my boyfrined and I have sex. He also has been noticing that ... A: Like all other muscles of the body your pelvic floor muscles also need to be exercised. Here are ... | |
| tight lower body | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: Every part of my lower body is tight. Pelvis, hamstrings , claves quads etc. I have been told that ... A: You're welcome again! You need to do both. The Pilates will help, but you need to do extra ... | |
| tight lower body | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: Every part of my lower body is tight. Pelvis, hamstrings , claves quads etc. I have been told that ... A: You're welcome and thanks for following up. Regarding the stretches, please look at the other two ... | |
| tight lower body | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: Every part of my lower body is tight. Pelvis, hamstrings , claves quads etc. I have been told that ... A: The answer to your question lies in your statements, "i have tried stretching which initially makes ... | |
| Flexibility | 7/7/2007 |
| Q: I am 14 and i noticed you are a pilates golf trainer, so i am looking for one thing. shoulder turn. ... A: Better shoulder turn is crucial for your golf swing and requires great stability and mobility in the ... | |
| Pilates Equipment | 6/28/2007 |
| Q: I have recently decided to buy a pilates machine and am wondering if you have any advice as to what ... A: In your price range the best piece would be the Balanced Body Allegro Sport Reformer ... | |
| hernia and pilates | 6/26/2007 |
| Q: I've recently been told l have a inguinal hernia. After seeing a specialist and been told there's ... A: The problem in Pilates lies in your technique. If you tend to bear down and really tighten your abs ... | |
| pilates during pregnancy | 6/23/2007 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions. First, is it safe for pregnant women to do pilates on a machine? Also, ... A: Sorry I missed that. Pilates will help keep you toned during pregnancy and strengthen all the ... | |
| pilates during pregnancy | 6/23/2007 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions. First, is it safe for pregnant women to do pilates on a machine? Also, ... A: Equipment Pilates is completely safe during pregnancy, provided that you work with a teacher who ... | |
| info. on golf specific reformer work | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: After rehabbing an old hip flexor injury with a certified Pilates trainer using an Allegro reformer, ... A: You can order through the PhysicalMind Institute ... | |
| info. on golf specific reformer work | 6/3/2007 |
| Q: After rehabbing an old hip flexor injury with a certified Pilates trainer using an Allegro reformer, ... A: My friend Mike Wright wrote a book for the PhysicalMind Institute on Golf Pilates for Pilates ... | |
| core abdominal excersises | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: I have a severe neck injury where C1 and C2 slip in a scissor motion pinching my spinal cord ... A: One of the great lies about abdominal exercise is that it all must be done by lifting your ... | |
| Rebounding injury? | 5/18/2007 |
| Q: Last year, I purchased a rebounder – not yours. I wanted to determine if I actually wanted one ... A: I personally do not sell the Pilates rebounder, so no offense taken there :-). I think your problem ... | |
| Exercise | 5/11/2007 |
| Q: If I have about 45 mins to an hour at least 5 days a week, what is the best way to split the time to ... A: Your grandkids should be proud. 3 days a week I would do about 25-35 minutes of cardio and 20-25 ... | |
| IQ BALANCED BODY | 4/28/2007 |
| Q: I am interested in the BALANCED BODY - IQ reformer and i have SOME questions: 1) I know the Allegro ... A: Balanced Body makes great equipment and they do not put things out on the market which will not ... | |
| Shoulder Dysplasia | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: I have shoulder dysplasia, is there certain exercises i should be doing & certain ones i should stay ... A: Exercise is great for you to keep the shoulder mobile and prevent more degeneration. Since ... | |
| Rebound exercise | 4/23/2007 |
| Q: Is it true that people can lose 150 calories by doing rebound exercise for 2 minutes? What if I ... A: While it would be lovely if that were true, it isn't. That would mean that in 20 minutes you would ... | |
| choosing a reformer | 3/21/2007 |
| Q: I'm shopping for a reformer and I am wondering about the CALM Studio Reformer. What is your opinion ... A: I went and took a look at the CALM reformer and in my opinion it is not comparable to a good ... | |
| Pilates and strength training on consecutive days? | 3/13/2007 |
| Q: I know you are supposed to rest for a day in between strength training (for me, this means lifting ... A: Generally you want at least 48 hours in between weight workouts (which usually works out to skipping ... | |
| Are there modified pilates positions? | 1/31/2007 |
| Q: I had to look up what an anterior tilt is. I think that this may be my situation. I remember that ... A: Assuming that you have no back or spine problems, the pelvic tilt as you describe it is very common ... | |
| Are there modified pilates positions? | 1/30/2007 |
| Q: I worked with an instructor a few years ago who told me that my pelvic bone was naturally rotated ... A: Before I can answer you question I just need a clarification--which pelvic bone is rotated forward ... | |
| pilates | 1/18/2007 |
| Q: I'm a pilates begginer how does palites work. A: The Pilates method of exercise (originally called Contrology) was invented by a man named Joseph ... | |
| pilates | 1/9/2007 |
| Q: I am a 38 year old female, who recently lost 52 pounds.I still have about 25 to go. My problem is my ... A: Pilates will definitely help tone your abdominal muscles. You should also do some cardio every day ... | |
| Pilates for Addiction Recovery? | 12/22/2006 |
| Q: That is too funny that you know and have already been in contact with Suzanne! I'm a newbie ... A: You're very welcome! Have you read my article on Pre/Post Operative Pilates Training for Total ... | |
| Pilates for Addiction Recovery? | 12/22/2006 |
| Q: I am a writer currently working on assignment for Pilates Style Magazine. I’m hoping you can help me ... A: There is some research on the value of exercise generally in substance abuse treatment. Since there ... | |
| I need to know if this is Possible? | 12/5/2006 |
| Q: I've been Noticing My GirlFriend's Vaginal Area getting a little Larger Lately, to the Point where I ... A: YES it is actually common among female athletes & exercisers and I have heard of this many times. ... | |
| body shape | 12/2/2006 |
| Q: Over the summer I noticed that one side of my body is fatter than the other side. It did not used to ... A: Do not be freaked out--we are all like that! Nobody is exactly symmetrical from one side to the ... | |
| build abs | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: I heard that exercising without getting sore for 2 days is better than nothing, but not good enough. ... A: It sounds to me like you want to get stronger without actually feeling your muscles working, and ... | |
| pilates | 11/20/2006 |
| Q: i cant seem to let my abs do any of the work. + any advice A: Most of us have very tight neck and shoulders for a variety of reasons. One problem is that since ... | |
| Flexibility | 11/3/2006 |
| Q: I'm an 18 year old, and am quite flexible (although never a gymnist or similar). I find that my ... A: A few things to think about regarding your abs-- 1. They are not just front to back muscles, but in ... | |
| pilates reformer reccomendations | 10/29/2006 |
| Q: Are any of these lower to mid-priced reformers worth buying? I see some from Allegro and Aero for ... A: Your instincts are right here. Any reformer with bungees instead of springs will not provide enough ... | |
Lynda Lippin
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I currently work as the resident Pilates and Fitness Teacher at the exclusive COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay Resort in Turks and Caicos. After 20+ years of experience as a Pilates teacher and personal trainer I can answer any questions relating to Pilates and strength & flexibility training. I am knowledgeable about exercise and sports and am a certified Pilates for Golf instructor. Finally, I have years of experience working with clients who have back/neck pain, disc injuries, stenosis, rotator cuff injury, osteoporosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, Parkinson`s, MS, fibromyalgia, CFS, RSD, osteo & rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, hernia, spinal cord injury, exercise after mastectomy and abdominal surgeries, pregnancy, joint replacements, and spine surgeries. Visit my blog: http://www.pilatesgoddess.com
Experience
I have been doing Pilates since 1987 and teaching Pilates since 1989 (back when there was no Pilates certification) and was certified by the Pilates PhysicalMind Institute in 1993. I became an ACE certified personal trainer in 2000, the same year I was accepted as a Certifying Pilates Teacher for PhysicalMind. In my career I have worked with Physical Therapists, chiropractors, personal trainers, and physicians to help their patients regain functional strength and mobility faster after and during illness and injury.
Organizations
American Council on Exercise, Pilates PhysicalMind Institute, American Council on Exercise
Publications
PhillyFIT Magazine, JerseyFIT Magazine, PhysicalMind Forum, Main Line Life, Personal Fitness Professional, blogcritics.org
Education/Credentials
1988-1995 Graduate School for PhD in Philosophy
1993 Pilates Teacher Certification
2000 Pilates Teacher Training Certification
2000 ACE Personal Trainer Certification & joined ACE faculty
2003 Pilates for Golf certification
2004 Pilates for Gait Training, Pilates for Osteoporosis, Nutrition
Awards and Honors
Winner Best of Philly 2003 Pilates Studio from Philadelphia magazine.
Past/Present Clients
I keep my clients' information confidential as many are high profile in business, sports, music, and film/TV.
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