Can pilates replace cardio workouts?
454234
no \nyou need to get your heart rate up
932584
It sure is. Anything that increases your heart-rate is considered a good cardio workout. Just remember that a cardio workout should be no less than 20 minutes.
724864
Pilates - you don't even need to go to the gym to do them, pilates is a great way to tone and firm muscles without adding bulk - you will get lean muscles mass. There may be a class offered in your area or there are tons of videos that you could get: Denise Austin, Crunch, 10 Minute Solution, Mari Windsor, etc.
272394
Cardio and resistance training exercises, like Pilate's. Doing more reps. with less weight. The idea is to get LONG LEAN muscle without adding bulk. Also, FULL range of motion with the resistance training, so you are working the entire muscle rather that just parts of it.
683094
The best thing I have found for toning is two day per week of Ashtanga Yoga and two days per week of pilates! Ashtanga, however is NOT for beginners, so make sure you take care if you do it. Another avenue for you could be Bikram, or "Hot Yoga". It's a very active yoga done is a hot room.
464646
Crunches of all types for your abs.  Squats, plie squats, and lunges are all good for thighs.  Walking or running for cardio.  Pilates is also great for toning abs and thighs.  I have a DVD called Pilates for Abs led by Ana Caban which is a fantastic ab workout.
977700
I'm not fond of exercise so I'd suggest breaking up your workout into several shorter periods.\n\nMy sister does her treadmill stuff at night while watching her favorite soap opera that she records while at work.
281609
I have been a dance teacher (ballet, jazz, etc.) for 8 years, and have studied Pilates. Pilates is a wonderful way to strengthen your body, if you are just starting out, a basics class would be best for you. My opinion on straight legged sit ups is if you have a bad back, do not do this exercise. I never do straight legged sit ups, because I personally don't find it beneficial and it does bother my back... if you are looking to increase flexibility, straighten your legs out in front of you, and reach towards your toes, remembering to relax and breathe out (do not bounce or force your head to your knees). If you want to strengthen your core (abdomen) crunches are best, especially on a medicine ball, but ensure you execute the movement correctly with proper breathing. If you ever take an exercise class and there is an exercise that hurts you or makes you feel uncomfortable, do not do it. Ask the instructor for an alternate exercise or a modified exercise that will keep your body injury free.
696173
Yes i have the complete series of the Windsor Pilates. I really do like it and its a great challenge. It harder than it looks and its a great work out. Its a great change from doing the typical fitness stuff. Give it a shot you may fall in love with it!
528117
cardio, crunches, pilates, swimming is probably one of the best ways, not just floating around but actually swimming laps since you're using everything you got.
1184265
omg do pilates\nits a miracles
190825
nothing! i have been doing it myself and it's the same as you. don't expect pilates to make you slender. it is for posture, breathing and flexibility. it has long term benefits but they are not so obvious to you. you have to combine it with some weight exercise as well.
771579
both, do cardio and a little bit of toning
180571
Up your protein intake and do pilates.
59599
For the best results you should incorporate cardiovascular exercise with weight training and abdominal work. Exercising aerobically burns fat and calories, and decreases the amount of fat that lies over the abdominal muscles. Many times people do hundreds of sit-ups and never see a change in their bellies – that’s because unless you reduce the fat that covers the muscles, you can’t see the definition underneath. Excellent choices for aerobic workouts are swimming, interval training, and speed walking. You should ideally work out four to five times during the week. Strength training is also important because you need strong muscles in order to power your aerobic training. Additionally muscle burns more calories than fat and takes up less space, too. The final part of your program is the abdominal work itself. Traditional sit-ups are fine but try moves with a twist for an extra boost in metabolism. Pilate’s moves are great for tightening abdominal muscles as is belly dancing. There are a variety of moves and routines you can incorporate into your schedule to move you closer to your ultimate goal of six-pack abs.\n\nDetailed article on building abs: http://www.newagey.com/physical-fitness/six-pack-abs-without-supplements/
1006875
A few good examples are running on the treadmill, using the elliptial machine, or exercise bike. About 30 minutes a day is a great cardio workout!
1073600
I bough a pilates dvd from wal-mart called pilates for dummys. great dvd.  also if you have a y or city pool swimming is great for all over body toning.