| If you've never tried Pilates, this might be a good | | | | so that you are comfortable but not too comfortable! |
| month to start! It's September, the beginning of Fall, | | | | LOL. |
| enough time to form the habit of good health before | | | | Talking |
| the holidays blast us with sugar treats. Most everyone | | | | Each pilates group reformer class is different. |
| has heard about Pilates and its claims to increase | | | | Sometimes, the class could be very chatty, sometimes |
| abdominal strength, build a toned, lean body, give you | | | | very quiet and only the sounds of breathing/and |
| more flexibility, decrease your stress and even relieve | | | | machines squeaking will be heard. You can always |
| minor back pain. You know Pilates isn't just for | | | | ask questions, but try to keep the chatting to a |
| dancers--I mean, come on, David Beckham even | | | | minimum until you determine the mood and vibe of the |
| takes it! | | | | class. |
| I encourage you to start looking today for a studio, | | | | Time |
| class or pilates teacher who can give you your first | | | | Most pilates group classes are 60 minutes long. You |
| lesson! Once you find a class you want to try, just get | | | | can always come 5 minutes early to stretch out if you |
| yourself ready to move. Don't expect a yoga class - | | | | want but you might not be able to if another class is |
| the only similarity will be that you are in a big room with | | | | still in session. |
| mats and maybe some other small props...and often | | | | Breathing |
| there are the reformers if you want to work on the | | | | As with any physical activity, the breath is very |
| machines. | | | | important in pilates. The teacher will most likely talk |
| When new students come to my class I always | | | | about the type of breathing that will enhance your |
| spend a few minutes talking to them about why they | | | | abdominal muscle and pelvic floor recruitment, so listen |
| came to pilates, if they have any issues that I should | | | | up and don't be afraid to breathe in and out with |
| know about and explain that they should move at their | | | | audible breaths. Pilates often becomes a "moving |
| own pace. I encourage them to do this because I | | | | meditation" as you get more and more comfortable |
| always make my way around the room and give | | | | with the exercises. |
| individual advice where I can. | | | | Class Pace |
| Not all teachers are like me and many do stand at the | | | | Different teachers instruct their classes at different |
| front of the class basically telling people verbally what | | | | paces. If things go too fast for you at first, don't worry. |
| to do without any touch cues. Be prepared for this. | | | | Go at your own pace. Good teachers won't set you |
| Many classical studios teach with this approach. Don't | | | | apart from the others if they see you struggling with |
| be afraid...you won't be singled out or made an | | | | the equipment or moving through exercises for the |
| example for others to see how "not to do it". | | | | first time. |
| Here are some simple things to get you through your | | | | Equipment |
| first class, no matter where you take class. | | | | You will need to make adjustments to your machine |
| Shoes | | | | during the course of the class. Don't worry! You won't |
| Pilates is done without shoes. Many people are | | | | break anything. The instructor will most likely tell you |
| barefoot, but you can also wear socks. Try to get a | | | | exactly what to do. Just remember that everyone has |
| pair that have some gripping on the bottom. If you | | | | been in your position - even the teacher. |
| choose to go barefoot, give them a once over before | | | | Music |
| class - maybe even rinse them off with cool water. | | | | Most classes have some sort of music playing in the |
| Try not to get a pedicure the day of class. When you | | | | background, but I've taught classes where I forgot to |
| sweat, your feet will get slick because of the lotion the | | | | turn on the radio or the ipod. It happens. |
| salon probably put on them. | | | | Take your time, breathe and don't worry if you can't |
| Clothes | | | | do everything or need to do things at a lower spring |
| Comfort is the most important element in the clothes | | | | resistance. |
| you wear to class. You'll be bending, stretching and | | | | Now you are ready for your first pilates group |
| twisting your body, so you'll want to wear something | | | | reformer class! |
| that will stay put. If you are attending a group reformer | | | | Are you ready to try your first pilates class? What |
| class for the first time, avoid wearing shorts or loose | | | | questions do you have about pilates? Tell me about |
| shirts because it can get quite embarrassing for you, | | | | your first reformer class! |
| me and everyone else! Just err on the side of caution | | | | |