What can you expect from a Pilates for beginners class?
Perhaps the first thing you should know is that it isn’t a bunch of women lying on a mat squeezing their pelvic floor – it can be quite tough, and it’s not just for girls!
Before joining a Pilates class, you don’t need to be a certain level of fitness, everyone is here for their own reasons with their own goals, and we welcome anyone new with goals of their own too… As long as you can get up and down from the floor, you can do Pilates.
My tips for Pilates beginners
Having taught Pilates for nine years and practiced it for even longer, I’ve watched many beginners become lifelong devotees. Every student finds their own unique value in the practice, so to ensure you have the best possible experience, here is my personal advice for navigating those first few classes.
Start with the breath
Each time we begin a Pilates move, we inhale to prepare, and exhale as we move.
And just like with yoga, we work in harmony with the breath but conversely breathing out through the mouth. If you can make your inhale and exhale last for a count of four, for example, that would be how long it takes you to sink down into a squat and then rise to the count of four as you inhale.
It’s completely up to you how long you make your inhale and exhale, which is why everyone ends up finishing at a different time, and why I suggest a move is performed 4, 6 or 8 times. It’s completely personal.
It’s slow movements…
Pilates doesn’t have a ‘flow’, like yoga and it is not a race against the clock like HIIT – put any thoughts of bashing out as many reps in the time as possible out of your head – this class is about performing slow movements in time with the breath, prioritising your form over reps. In fact, I’d be willing to bet you’d find 20 squats at a very slow speed tougher than 20 fast ones…
And when you are moving slowly, you can really concentrate on how you’re holding your body and making sure you’ve got control of your core (and yes, that includes your deep core within the pelvis).
Listen to your body
Not feeling strong? Just listen to what your body is telling you. You should aim to feel like you’re putting effort into each move, without feeling pain. I demonstrate different levels so you can challenge yourself, but if you don’t feel up to it, you can simply step it back a level. As long as you feel it in the morning I’m happy!
Equipment
The most basic equipment you need for a beginners Pilates class is clothing you can comfortably move in and maybe tuck into your waist band. I have all the equipment you may need, so if you need to borrow something just let me know and I’ll make sure you have it.
Typically, we use thicker mats than in yoga, block, small firm trigger point balls, small inflatable Pilates balls and exercise & booty bands. You can read more about the gear you could buy in last month’s blog, ‘Getting back to basics with yoga and mat Pilates equipment’.
Practice and patience over performance
Regular Pilates practice is key to building strength and better posture. It takes time to make a difference to a lifetime of habits like slouching on the sofa or hunching over a laptop/mobile phone/hob! Be patient and be kind to yourself and over time you’ll find that your everyday movements become more intentional and easier to execute.
Ask me anything
My classes are informal, and you can raise your hand or speak out if you’re unsure of anything or need me to check your posture. I will be keeping any eye on beginners and do go around the class checking on everyone, offering adjustments and advice, so please don’t be silent, you’re among friends.
Join me in Pilates for beginners every Tuesday and Wednesday
On Tuesday mornings I teach Pilates for All, an excellent class for beginners, seniors and those returning to exercise. We focus on posture, strength, balance and flexibility using functional Pilates-based exercise.
Wednesday evenings are the stronger Pilates FLEX classes. Again, we focus on posture, strength and flexibility for everyday life, differentiating for those who currently exercise or have greater mobility.
If you’d like to ask any questions about Pilates, you can message me, or contact me via social media.
Looking forward to seeing you in class – Jayne 🙏