Starting pilates may or may not be something you have previously considered trying but no matter who you are, how old you are or what level of fitness you have- pilates is suitable for almost anyone. Pilates is a series of low impact movements that exercise your body and have less risk of injury than pretty much any other form of exercise out there. It involves controlled movements that help to improve strength, balance and flexibility.
We have put together 4 top tips to get you started with pilates to make sure you know what to expect from pilates sessions and to maximise your results.
1. Be in it for the long haul
Our first tip is to be prepared for a long term journey to success. Like anything, great things take time, and with any form of exercise, to see the best results you need to be consistent and committed. ‘In 10 seasons you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference and in 30 you’ll have a whole new body’ a quote taken from Joseph Pilates himself, the creator of classical pilates.
Ultimately, like anything, the more time you put into something, the better results you will achieve and the faster you will see the results. So the more pilates sessions you participate in per week, the faster you will see better results.
2. Dedicate a space to pilates
We recommend that when you do any form of exercise it is best to identify a good location that provides you with enough space to effectively complete all of the necessary movements. One way you can check you have enough space is by lying down and stretching your body out as far as possible, extending your limbs to ensure nothing is going to be a hindrance during your pilates workout.
Also, with any activity that requires mindfulness we suggest you ensure that during your pilates session you have minimal noise and distractions. This is important because although pilates is very much about improving muscle strength, balance and posture, the best results involve an excellent connection between your mind and body.
The reason why mindfulness plays a huge role in the effectiveness of this routine is because it is crucial in improving your stress management, relaxation and overall mental wellbeing through better self control and confidence.
3. Wear the right clothes
Our next top tip involves wearing the right clothes for your pilates workout. If you are unsure what to wear, we suggest something that enables you to move around freely, preferably sports leggings because shorts can rise up during movements making the pilates moves more difficult and uncomfortable. Just remember that you are going to want to remain as cool and comfortable as possible.
Footwear wise, many pilates experts recommend wearing no shoes all together and opt for simply socks or bare feet. This is because shoes can prevent proper foot alignment.
4. Choose a great instructor
Our fourth, and probably one of the most crucial tips is to choose a great instructor. This is because if you join classes that you are not comfortable with or an instructor who you do not feel a connection with, you will not receive the best possible results. One online pilates provider we recommend is Pilates Works who provide a range of online and in studio classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced level clients. Pilates Works are dedicated providing the best possible results every time which you can read about in their client’s testimonials on their site.
Overview
It is a great starting point for any fitness journey, it aims to build muscle from the inside and strengthen parts of the body that have become weak through lifestyle, injury, sport, overuse or underuse. We hope our top tips have helped give you the confidence to get started.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
