5 Important Things To Know Before Starting Pilates
The first time you
take any new fitness class can be a little intimidating. Meeting new people,
wondering if you will be able to do the exercises, or wondering what everyone
else is like at the exercises in the class. Maybe it’s the exercise names that
you’ve never heard before. FEAR NOT! We
all have to start somewhere.
If you’ve wanted to
try Pilates classes but something has been holding you back, now’s your time to
sign up for your first one. Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body, no
matter your fitness background. You’ll improve your posture, focus on bodily
alignment, and get a great workout.
Whether you’re on
the mat or a reformer, you can snag the same benefits. A
2016 study
found that
eight weeks of Pilates classes improved abdominal endurance, flexibility, and
balance. Other studies have shown that when doing Pilates for chronic low back
pain, it was able to show greater improvements in pain and functional ability
compared to usual care and physical activity. Plus, Pilates has become popular with top
professional athletes from all over the world, and A-list famous people.
Want to know what
the hype is all about? Here’s everything a Pilates newbie needs to know to
enjoy their first class.
1. There are two
different kinds of Pilates classes: mat classes and reformer classes.
You’ll be tackling
a class that’s based on either a mat, to cushion pressure points, or a machine
called a reformer, which is a sliding platform complete with stationary foot
bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance to help tone the body. Know
which one you’re getting into before you commit to your workout, which is
typically 45 minutes to an hour long.
Both options focus
on the concept of control rather than cranking out endless reps or muscle
exhaustion. In Pilates, your muscles are working to lift against gravity and
(in the case of the reformer) the resistance of the springs or bands, with the
ultimate goal of strengthening and isolating the right muscles. Your goal
should be to take your time with the exercises, focus on the task at hand, and
connect your mind with your body and your breath.
Regardless of what
class you choose, make sure to let your instructor know you’re a beginner. This
way, they’ll be able to keep an eye on you throughout the class and offer
modifications, adjustments, progressions or regressions.
2. You’ll feel your
muscles burn during class, and you’ll probably be sore the next day.
While you may not
be crushing high-intensity exercises like crossfit or lifting heavy dumbbells,
the mostly bodyweight routines that Pilates classes offer can be pretty
intense. If we look at the Hundreds exercise for example, a abdominal focused
movement that involves less than two inches of constant movement, it will make
your abs burn. You can bee given modifications so that you can perform each
movement with good form and with differing levels of difficulty (another reason
to introduce yourself as a beginner before class starts).
Being able to focus
on small movements means that you’ll work on the muscles that each exercise
intends. That means you may be dealing with muscle soreness after
your workout. Being sore the next day doesn’t mean you’re out of shape; it just
means you’re challenging your muscles in new ways or working muscle groups that
don’t usually get much attention. This is common!
3. Wear comfortable
clothes
Even if you
typically prefer loose-fitting workout wear, you’re going to want to wear comfortable
clothes for Pilates classes, that allow your body to move. Tighter clothes can
be better, so that the instructor can see your movements. You can wear legging with
a tank top or fitted long-sleeved shirt.
As for footwear,
you can either be barefoot or wear socks for your session. If you’re going to
go for socks, find yourself a pair with rubber detailing on the soles so you
don’t slip on the mat or machine. A barefoot or socks-only approach will also
help you navigate in and out of the straps on a standard reformer with ease.
4. Every studio has
different lingo they use in class. Look to regulars for form help when you’re
not up with the terms.
Every exercise class
from aerobics to CrossFit has its own set of terminology, Pilates
included. For Pilates, know that your “powerhouse” refers to the centre
of your body, where all of your power comes from to execute movement.
“Peel through your spine” means slow movement from vertebra to
vertebra. Don’t worry: You’ll get used to it with time.
In the meantime,
look to regulars who catch on to the instructions quickly. The best way to do
this? Put yourself in the middle of the room. Whether it’s on a reformer or a
mat, planting yourself in the centre allows you an optimal view of all of the
action. It is generally easier to see and follow the instructor from the middle
of the studio. You can also try to follow the other regular participants. A
good instructor will be watching the room intently and getting up from their
mat to make adjustments with people. This is how you can learn moreeffectively.
5. Pilates should be
a part of a well-rounded fitness plan.
As with any fitness
programme, your body needs time to adapt and change to new movements. Hence, it
is always good to take a day or two off from Pilates to allow your body to
recover. In that time you can still exercise, but by doing something different.
Pilates stretches,
strengthens, tones and aligns your body all at the same time. It also
complements other exercise/sport/fitness programmes because it prepares your
body to move better in every way. Adding it into your routine will help you
lift heavier weights, run faster, swim with better form, achieve a better golf
swing or even help you recover from back pain.
If you’d like to learn more then click
here.
Feel free to call us on 02892 666959, or email info@gavnoble.com to talk with someone who can help you.
0 Comments