Pilates

The first time you take any new class can be a little daunting. For some reason, Pilates seems to have a reputation of being full of people who can already do the class – and you’ll be the one who can’t. Maybe it’s the exercise names you’ve never heard of (what’s this ‘Pilates Hundred’ thing??!)

If you’ve wanted to try Pilates but something’s been holding you back, now’s your time! You’ve found us! We promise we’ve got your back – and how do we know? All of our Pilates teachers have been where you are now – some even coming back from injury with the help of Pilates. We’ve been there – which makes us know we can support you too.

Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body, no matter what level of fitness you have (nothing? not a problem, honest!). Posture, alignment, strength and flexibility are all great results you can expect from a class – as well as a core workout too!

But what exactly is it?

Pilates is a form of low impact exercise (that means no jumping around!) that aims to strengthen muscles all whilst improving your posture, strength and flexibility. You can do Pilates with or without equipment – just expect moves to involve slow, precise movement using your breath to control too. Most exercises are done either lying or sitting down, kneeling or perhaps standing. But no worries, there is plenty of time between each move to get there – no jumping up and back down every 5 seconds. Whatever your level though, expect your teacher to give the class plenty of options and modifications. Just as no body is the same, not everyone in class will need the same option. Your teacher will ensure the class is the right level for you.

Will the class be hard (and will I be able to move the next day)?

Whilst you won’t be crushing high intensity workouts, you’ll be using your bodyweight during exercises and that can be challenging too. Take the Hundred, a core-focused move that involves less than 2″ of constant movement will definitely make you know you have abs! Don’t worry, though, you’ll get options to make sure you keep good form – and that you can get out of bed the next day. You may, though, discovery muscles you didn’t know exists – just saying!

If the exercises use small movements, will it work?

You don’t have to work hard if you use the right muscles. Focusing on the smallest movements with good technique means you work the muscles each exercise intends. There’s plenty of time in class to ask questions too and make sure you feel it where you are supposed to.

Isn’t Pilates just a core workout?

Yes it’s true that Pilates focuses on core and trunk but that doesn’t just mean abs. It’s important you know that the entire trunk – abdominals, hips, thighs and back – will get a workout, as well as arms, legs and shoulders too. Expect a workout that uses the entire body, a little bit at a time.

How will I remember all the moves?

Whilst every teacher may teach something slightly different, there are an established set of Pilates moves (34 designed by Joseph Pilates, the founder of the movement) that are common in lots of classes. Including the Hundred (a breathing exercise that also targets core strength and stability); leg circles (strengthening the hips and core) and even rolling like a ball (massages the spine and opens up the back).

How long before you see a benefit?

Joseph Pilates once said ‘ In 10 sessions, you feel a difference; in 20 you’ll see the different and in 30, you’ll have a new body’. Expect to start feeling some changes in the first month – so do give it a bit of time to work. Remember, you couldn’t ride a bike after the first time you got on!