5 Helpful Things to Know About Pilates

Have you tried a Pilates class or private session before? If you want to try Pilates for the first time, or you’ve been told by a doctor or loved one you should try it, you might wonder what it’s like. A lot of people new to Pilates have no idea of what they are going to do. So if you are not sure what will happen in a Pilates studio, you are not alone. Maybe you heard somewhere that Pilates helps to strengthen the core muscles. Maybe you are trying to avoid surgery or find a method of exercise that does not cause pain. These are all good reasons to take Pilates. Here are some helpful things to know before you take Pilates. 

1. Pilates might seem strange when you first try it but a lot of the movements are based on everyday movements. Your first experiences with Pilates are about figuring it out and learning the exercises. You do not need to be perfect! Give yourself time to figure out what is being asked of you and put that information in your body. You don’t have to remember everything. With practice the movement will make more sense. Pilates might seem easy at first, but I promise you it’s not. You have to give yourself time to learn the movement and find what is safe for you. Then we will find the best way to challenge your body! Just give it time. Slow and steady wins the race.  

2. Modifications are there to help you find what is safe for your body. Using a modification does not mean you are not strong. Everyone is made differently and each person needs to preform the exercises the best way for their body. Modifications can help you work harder, if that’s what you need, to makes the exercise right for your body. If you use a modification for one class or one month, does not mean you will use it forever. Modifications are there to HELP you work better. 

3. Corrections are compliments. I like to help my clients work in the best way for their body. As a result I offer suggestions for form. I can be specific if you want, give basic suggestions or not bother you at all. I have found subtle adjustments help make exercises easier to do well, so I share that information with clients when I see it could be helpful. You do not have to take my suggestion at all! If you feel suggestions on form help you move better I am more than happy to share. I want you to stay safe in your movement and avoid injury. If I offer a suggestion to someone else you might try it for yourself to see how it works for you. We can always learn from each other. 

4.  If at first you don’t sweat, try, try again. Pilates is not cycling or a HIIT class. You may not be super sweaty or be sore for days. As I said in number one you are working on learning the exercises at first. There is potential for sweat and soreness later but know it is from a safe place. Once you learn how to perform the exercises well, there is more potential for sweat and soreness to come along. But Pilates shouldn’t severely hurt. You might be sore because you are working your muscles differently but I’m not trying to make you sore for five days. This process can take time. Be patient with it and keep trying. If you stick with Pilates and are consistent it will change you and your body for the better. Pilates is like building a house. You have to build the foundation first before you can get to the exciting parts like painting and decorating. This process can take some time. If you try to advance too quickly you will miss some of the crucial parts of the foundation. Just like you have to build the walls of a house before you can put pictures on the wall or they will fall flat. When studying Pilates, you learn the exercises. Then you learn how to do them well. Then you learn how make the exercises more challenging and you learn new exercises to add to your routine. I always encourage clients to try Pilates for a few months before they decide if it works for them or not. 

5. Pilates is a mind and body exercise. Joseph Pilates wrote in his book Return to Health, "Pilates is gaining the mastery of your mind over the complete control over your body.” Pilates helps you to coordinate your breath and movement. You have to think about what you are doing while you are doing it. Thinking about how your body is working to perform the exercises helps you to connect your body to the movement. A client once said “Pilates is the only exercise where I can completely focus. When I’m doing Yoga or walking on the treadmill I think about what I’m going to have for lunch. With Pilates I am 100% in my body and focused on the movement.” Pilates is considered to be meditative movement because it gets you into your body. You learn to listen to what it tells you and how to use that information. 

I hope this helps you feel more comfortable about trying Pilates for the first time! Want a quick and helpful exercise tip? Click here. Ready to try to try a class or private session with me you can sign up here.  Go try Pilates! It’s not scary and you can thank me later!