Tips for Pilates beginners
If you just considering to start
If you are only “on the way” to Pilates studio (even just mentally) let me congratulate you – you are on the way to health, happiness and balance in your life!
Quite often people, considering to start Pilates or those who tried 1-2 times go confused and can’t understand why everybody, including movie stars, top football players, models are so fascinated about it…
Let me open the curtain and give you some tips – how to choose the studio and survive the first mental battle “I’m not doing much/not sweating/paying more than for fitness/etc…
1. Choosing the studio
Since Joseph Pilates (the creator of the method) had many students (now called Pilates Elders), who continued to teach and develop Pilates method, each of them, depending on the background and the style Joe was working with them individually, developed a little bit different styles -now you can find on the market, though keeping the original Pilates principles clear. In a Pilates world we respect the teacher who continue the Pilates lineage and are keeping the Method close to its origins -this way you will benefit it the best. So, on your first lesson teacher should make a posture assessment (it its private) and explain about Principles: at least breathing, core engagement, alignment, coordination, concentration and precision.! Don’t hesitate to ask about teaches education and school - if they are really Pilates people, they would be happy to share about their school, Mentor and advantages of the Pilates.
2. Price
Depending on its private or group session – price will vary. Mat classes normally are pretty affordable, when privates can look more scary. Also, price will depend of qualification of your teacher and what he can actually give to you (keep in mind, that teacher in a gym/big fitness club after a 2 days teacher training taken from a book, will less likely be able to give you same level as a teacher who devoted 2-4 years studying Pilates method with a good school or Pilates Elder). The Pilates instructors and passionate practitioners always say that the investment is worth it, as Pilates is your “daily rehab” as master teacher Kathy Corey says, - it prevent you from injuries and gives you balanced and healthy body. When I was starting to do Pilates personally I had many questions and few privates in the beginning helped me to understand what and how to do, what is my body issues, so later on I could join the group and focus on my personal goals in each exercise.
3. Trust you teacher
Follow the instructions and believe me – those small pre-Pilates classes, when you are learning how to breath, align and properly execute the movements - are the most important and they will bring you to the great results very soon.It’s never a problem for a teacher to load you fully, but if your body/mind is not ready the results will be just wasted calories instead of realigned and healthy body.
4. Be persistent
I recommend to join at least 5 sessions, better 5-10 to understand about the method and its benefits. People who suffers from back pain or recovering after the injuries definitely feel the effect immediately, when for generally healthy people the effect may not be so obvious (“no pain, no game” concept followers). Advanced Pilates kicks much stronger than any gym load, just believe me at the moment. Once you ready – you will be taken to the high level! If you are professional sportsman or dancer - you will see great improvement of your technique due to increased body awareness and better body integration.
5. “Is Pilates for me?”
Sometimes when we see pictures on a Facebook or Instagram with people performing advanced Pilates movement on the Cadillac or reformer, you may think - “O, no, I will never be same strong/flexible, etc…”And immediately forget this thought;) Pilates - is for everybody! Initially it was developed (and mainly famous) for rehabilitation and general physical conditioning. It can be adapted for injury recovering, for pregnant women, for kids, for athletes, for older people -and absolutely everybody can benefit from it!
Give it a try and it may become your new passion in life!