13 Things To Know Before You Take Pilates Classes

Pilates is a unique form of exercise that combines mobility, strength, and flexibility. While many fitness enthusiasts swear by Pilates to stay in shape and improve their physical well-being, there are a few important things you should know before you sign up for your first class and enjoy a full body workout.

Whether you are a complete beginner or want to experience pilates at a new level, here are 13 things to consider.

1. Benefits of Pilates

Doing Pilates can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. It is a system of exercise that focuses on your breath, posture, and strength training. From having classes at pilates gyms to pilates clubs with a pilates trainer – this type of physical activity offers countless opportunities for personal growth and well-being.

Moreover, classical pilates can help you achieve improved coordination, increased flexibility, better balance, stronger core muscles, and improved posture. Not only does pilates promote physical health but it also helps to calm the mind and reduce stress.

2. Types of Pilates Classes Available

Pilates is an incredibly rewarding form of exercise, and you will never be bored trying out different classes! Depending on your availability and pilates goals, there are various classes that you can choose from. At a pilates studio, you can learn from a pilates instructor, pilates trainer, or pilates gym to maximize your pilates practice.

Alternatively, pilates clubs may offer classes at reduced rates, increasing the overall accessibility of learning pilates. There’s something for everyone! Ultimately, the best thing about taking classes is the range of options that ensure everyone gets to experience the health benefits of this dynamic stretching method.

3. Wear The Right Clothing

Pilate exercises are some of the best workouts to tone and strengthen your body. But it’s important to dress appropriately if you’re attending sessions at a pilates gym or pilates club.

Your pilates trainer will appreciate it and you’ll end up having an even better workout. Specifically, look for clothing that stretches with you — tight yoga pants are the most popular choice for pilates enthusiasts!

Also, be sure to wear something comfortable on top like a tank top, t-shirt, or breathable shirts. And come prepared with socks and slippers too! The right outfit can help put you in a focused state of mind while also protecting you from potential injuries during your pilates workouts.

So, if you truly want to get the most out of your pilates class experience, make sure to dress properly before heading off!

4. Consider the Cost

Learning pilates comes at different costs from pilates studio rentals and pilates gym memberships to classes offered by pilates clubs or private pilates instructors.

Before committing to any one option, it is important to weigh the pros that each provides, as well as the costs associated with joining.

Private pilates trainers may provide exclusive skills, attention and tailored routines specific for your needs, but at a significantly higher cost compared to pilates studio rentals or gym memberships.

Below is a list of some of the top FREE online trainers that you could start training with:

Move With Nicole

Kristen Antzoulis

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what suits your needs best while keeping in mind that getting into pilates isn’t only about money – it’s also about dedication and commitment.

5. Knowing Your Limits & Modifying As Needed

Pilates is an awesome way to stay fit and healthy, but it’s important to know your limits. If you are ever feeling uncertain or uncomfortable during a class, talk to your pilates trainer about modifying the movements for your particular levels of strength and flexibility.

It can be intimidating when starting out – many classes in a pilates studio, pilates gym, or pilates club can seem overwhelming – but taking the time to customize the workout to meet your abilities means you’ll get the most benefit whilst avoiding potential injury.

Listening to your body and knowing how far you can push yourself while still staying safe is key. Having knowledgeable ‘spotters’ on hand in pilates clubs is also incredibly beneficial if you need extra support!

6. Setting Realistic Goals

It’s always exciting to start attending a new pilates class, especially when you have big plans for your pilates journey. Whenever you do decide to begin taking classes, it is important to make sure you are setting realistic and achievable goals.

Whether taking group classes at a pilates studio or pilates gym or hiring a certified pilates trainer for private classes, making small goals regularly will help ensure that you get the most out of each session and stay motivated throughout your pilates journey.

Joining local pilates clubs is another great way to stay motivated and committed to your long-term pilates goals. So whether you’re just starting out or are an old pro, setting yourself realistic goals can help build core strength – both physically and mentally – as well as enhancing overall wellness.

7. Eating A Balanced Diet & Staying Hydrated

Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is essential for pilates practitioners! As pilates will typically involve a higher level of physical activity than your average workout, you must fuel your body with the proper food.

Additionally, taking regular breaks to drink lots of water throughout each session can help you stay energized and perform at your best! No matter if you’re doing pilates at a studio, gym, club, or even one-on-one with a trainer – make sure that you take many healthy snacks for energy, and plenty of fluids, and vitamins to keep your body healthy. It will help make every pilates class an enjoyable experience!

8. Stretching Before & After Each Session

Doing pilates is one of the most effective ways to build strength, flexibility, and overall wellness. No matter if you practice pilates from the comfort of your own home or head to a pilates studio, gym or club for a professionally guided pilates session, it’s important for practitioners of pilates to always remember the importance of stretching before and after each pilate session.

Stretching both before and after helps to prime the muscles for physical activity and helps reduce the risk of injury. Many trainers can offer instructions on how to properly stretch legs, arms, and core muscles in preparation for each pilates session.

Afterward, taking time to stretch following each class will help improve circulation while minor aches and pains will begin making their way out of your system. It’s a great way to give your entire body some special attention after all its hard work!

9. The Importance Of Breathing While Doing Pilates Exercises

Classical pilates is all about breathing! Proper breathing and breath control is essential when doing pilates exercises. A pilates instructor will always emphasize the importance of proper breathing to ensure that your pilates workout is as effective and safe as possible.

Not only does breathing help keep you calm while engaging in the exercises, but it also plays an important role in allowing your muscles to relax and release tension.

Inhaling deeply at the right times can increase the effectiveness of most pilates exercises by improving coordination, flexibility, and strength. So, next time you do pilates make sure to pay attention to your breath because it’s essential for getting the best results from your pilates workouts!

10. Developing A Regular Routine At Home

As a pilates enthusiast myself, I highly recommend developing a regular routine at home. Even if you are unable to attend classes at your local studio or gym, there are so many resources available to help you stay fit and healthy in the comfort of your own home.

With an array of pilates clubs, videos, trainers, apps, and training sessions available online and offline, you can easily find pilates moves that work best for you and fit into your daily schedule with ease.

Below is a list of the top pilates apps that you could start using at home:

By implementing pilates techniques into your daily routine at home, you can continue to challenge yourself and find great success with this amazing exercise!

11. Choosing The Right Pilates Instructor

When looking for the right pilates instructor, it’s important to do your due diligence. You want someone with a pilates certification and has experience in teaching pilates, as that will help you get the most out of your workouts.

Look for pilates instructors who understand the technical aspects of pilates such as proper form and body alignment, and can teach you how to do all of the moves safely and correctly.

Also, find a pilates instructor whose enthusiasm and style resonate with you so that the entire experience remains enjoyable for you. With a certified pilates instructor by your side, pilates will deepen your connection to both body and mind.

12. Basic Pilates Equipment

If you’re just starting out, there is some basic equipment that every enthusiast needs to be mindful of.

The Wunda chair is a great piece of equipment for anyone looking to challenge themselves and go deeper into their practice. Other equipment such as foam rollers, barrels, circles, and bands can all be used to spice up your routine and work on weak areas. And don’t forget the standard equipment like the mat and magic circle – both provide support to help ensure correct posture during each exercise.

Having the right equipment ready at all times means you can spend more time focusing on your form and avoiding any injuries while still seeing great results.

13. Mat Vs. Reformer Pilates

Pilates is a great workout for those looking to improve their fitness level, with two different kinds of mat-based training.

Mat Pilates provides a comfortable setting filled with cushioning mats for pressure points, while Reformer Pilates offers more intense equipment-aided training. Reformer Pilates uses elements such as stationary foot bars, springs and pulleys to help increase resistance and intensity when taking a class.

Both mat and reformer Pilates offer unique workouts that are tailored to individual needs and abilities; no matter which type you choose, you will be sure to feel the amazing benefits quickly!

Conclusion

Pilates is an incredible exercise that can help you to become stronger, more flexible and improve your overall wellness. With the right knowledge of how to properly practice pilates techniques, you will be able to maximize the benefits of this amazing workout!

Whether you choose to do pilates at a studio or gym or prefer practicing in the comfort of your own home – make sure that you are aware of these 13 important things before starting out on your journey with Pilates.

With dedication and commitment, there’s no limit as to what kind of results you could achieve from incorporating Pilates into your lifestyle!