Being a beginner in the world of Pilates can feel intimidating; those who have been practicing for years already will have a high level of strength and flexibility, and it’s entirely normal to feel like you have a mountain ahead of you.
Fortunately, you are not alone. Pilates is an incredibly popular and versatile form of exercise, and beginners are setting out on their Pilates journeys every day. Here are few of the ways you can prepare for your first Pilates class.
Wear appropriate clothing
Make sure you wear something fit and comfortable. Loose or heavy clothing will affect your ability to move and remain cool as the workout gets underway, so find something cool, form-fitting and flexible to ensure you stay comfortable.
Leave all your accessories at home, and remove your makeup, or you will end up sweating it all off. Also, avoid wearing perfume; the heat and movement of the class could make the fragrance overpowering for you and others. Also, remember to bring a tie for your hair to make sure it doesn’t get in the way.
If you’re worried about dressing appropriately, you can call ahead and ask the expects what they recommend – they might have other policies you need to be aware of.
Check the schedule
Nobody enjoys arriving late, and turning up to the class after it has already started could mean you miss out on some important details. What’s more, since Pilates requires a great deal of focus, arriving late could disrupt the flow of the class.
Warm up before the class
As with any other exercise, warming up is essential. You need to stretch your muscles to prepare you for the session. You might get injured or hurt yourself if you don’t stretch well. Some classes begin with Pilates warm up exercises, while others go straight into the session and require you to do a few warmup exercises by yourself before heading there.
Let your instructor know about injuries
If you have injuries, your instructor should know about them. Pilates is an incredibly versatile form of exercise, and it can be modified to suit all ages, body types, fitness levels, and any injuries that you have suffered. Your instructor will understand how to approach the exercises in a way that benefits your body, rather than adding to the problem.
If you recently had surgery, you should also inform your instructor; while Pilates is a fantastic form of exercise, it needs to be approached in the right way for your body.
Research the Best Class for You
If you’re a complete beginner, then you want to make sure you are signing up to a class that will go slowly enough for you to feel comfortable.
What’s more, finding a local class is a great way to ensure you keep up your new fitness routine. If you are in Oxfordshire, for instance, then research Pilates in Oxford to find the perfect class with which to start your journey.
Ask questions
No one can be expected to understand everything from the off, and asking questions is much better than pushing yourself through the exercises just to save face. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor, either before, during, or after class. You would rather know the truth than pretend you have an idea of how things work.
With these tips, you’re now ready for the first session. Consider if you want to give it a shot. You can also build confidence to keep joining more classes in the future. If you see changes in your body, it’s even better.
