What to expect from a Pilates class
Are you apprehensive about trying out Pilates for the first time or do you just not know enough about it to want to try it out?
Pilates has certainly grown in popularity over the years. I think this is possibly down to the fact that we’ve got ourselves into a fairly sedentary lifestyle with lots of screen time pulling us into non-optimal positions. This along with much more focus on living a healthier life has meant people have reached for this exercise format as it is simply fantastic for re-balancing us in both mind and body.
I only fairly recently did my Pilates qualification and I added it to my skillset as I’m truly passionate about helping clients live their best life, getting them in the best possible position for avoiding aches and pains and getting them feeling great too. But, you personally haven’t tried it out and you want to know more, so what are the benefits:
The controlled, progressive movements can help with re-shaping your body and building up your strength (not in a muscle building way!)
Better balance and coordination and in general a better awareness of your body and its capabilities
Improved core strength – not just of the superficial muscles but of the deeper ones that are responsible for spinal stabilisation and preventing imbalances elsewhere in the body
The focus is on lengthening the muscles, so you’ll feel more flexible, longer and taller – ultimately improving your posture overall
Great for your mental wellbeing – the concentration, focus and the calming nature of the breathing technique all contribute to a better mind/body connection. Doing Pilates has been shown to reduce stress and blood pressure
Good for your whole body, working on re-balancing your muscles, ensuring nothing gets over or under developed. This will also help prevent the likelihood of injuries
Low impact – no harsh movements on knees etc, so good for anyone with joint issues.
Ok, so you convinced me. Now, what do I need to know before signing up to my first course?
Look for a class that targets your requirements/ demographic – there are classes for all sorts of abilities and stages of life
If you have any ailments, aches or pains then speak to the instructor about it before signing up, to make sure they can accommodate you. Sometimes, it may be suggested that you have one-to-one sessions so that you get the attention you need. Instructors will do adjustments in class but there’s a limit to how much help they can provide to any one individual in a class environment
Try a one-off class before signing up. Most places will offer you the option to try a class (generally for a fee) before committing to a full course
Once you try it, don’t quit immediately. Give it the benefit of the doubt. You may not feel it doing a huge amount initially (it’s certainly no HIIT class where you feel like dying!) but trust me it works in the long run
If you can’t feel anything in the places you should, ask the instructor, as they may just need to slightly tweak your position
There’s a focus on the key principles (positioning, core engagement and breath) and ensuring you have a full grasp on that – may seem boring but it’s important, as this is the foundation the exercises are built on
I hope I’ve cleared up some questions and that we’ll see you starting Pilates soon! If there’s anything else you need to know then feel free to drop me a line.
Time for my shameless plug! 😉 I do a variety of classes for beginners and mixed ability (pre and postnatal to come). Please check out time/locations here – all bookable online.
I do also offer 121 exploratory sessions for just £20 where we can discuss your individual needs and I can suggest whether a group or personal setting would work best for you.
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