What You Need to Know Before Your First Pilates Lesson
Many of us have practiced Pilates at least a little; Pilates-style exercises can be found in many workouts that include yoga or bodyweight exercises. But it’s quite another thing to go into a real Pilates studio and be face to face with the famous reformer.
I first had this experience recently, in a class where we divided the time between exercises on the floor and with two objects: a tower, which is a set of wall straps and crossbars, and a reformer, a sliding seat with springs and straps. (You can do similar exercises on each type of equipment, and my impression is that the reformer is perhaps a little overrated.)
Here are some things you will want to know when you first try serious Pilates, with or without equipment:
- Wear nice socks . You are not doing Pilates with your shoes on. You can go barefoot (depending on the studio), but otherwise wear or take socks with you. Models with grippy dots on the sole are ideal.
- There is a special terminology for everything . The reformer is not a “Pilates machine” and you will probably be corrected if you call it that. The ring you hold between your knees for exercise? Some studios call it the ring, while others call it the “magic circle.” Pay attention to the words your instructor uses.
- Learn to engage your core . At the beginning of the lesson, the instructor told how exactly to do this. (This includes how you breathe and how you contract your abs, and, oh yes, you have to do Kegel exercises at the same time.) Note, because this action underlies (ha!) Many other movements.
- Form is the key to success . Instructors expect precision in how you move and where you place your feet. They will help you pull this off, but make sure you think about form before worrying about anything else.
If you can, start with a beginner class because there is a lot to learn when it comes to equipment. It is not difficult, but it is better if the instructor has time to explain how to adjust the springs or straps on the equipment, rather than trying to figure it out by looking at the person next to you.
Have you tried Pilates? What should newbies know about this? If this is your first time thinking about trying Pilates, what will make you feel more comfortable?