When someone decides to take charge of their health, it’s easy to initially be overwhelmed at the range of new exercise activities to try. From cardio to high intensity interval training, the variety of choices and degrees of difficulty can leave you feeling lost.
However, Pilates is a beneficial program to include in any wellness regimen, and it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Start with building a good foundation to get the most out of your Pilates experience. Here are some tips and tricks for Pilates beginners to start you off on the right foot!
Don’t Push Too Hard
Pilates is a low-intensity exercise, but that doesn’t mean it won’t make you sweat! Especially at the beginning, your body may find some elements of Pilates challenging—and that’s a good thing.
It means that your muscles are developing so they can better support your posture and help you stay healthy. Although the phrase “no pain, no gain” is often heard in weight gyms, it isn’t the smartest way to approach Pilates classes.
If you notice discomfort or pain while trying Pilates, don’t try to push through it. Taking the process slow and steady is the best way to build strength and see an improved form.
Use an Instructor
Pilates centers around good form and developing proper posture through strengthening the body. Doing exercises incorrectly can quickly set you back. Sure, may be building muscle—but you may also be setting yourself up for injury.
Repetitive movement in the wrong form puts strain on joints, ligaments, and muscles. Instead of trying Pilates on your own, where any form issues will likely go unnoticed, opt for an instructor-led class.
The job of the instructor is to guide you through the exercises and pay attention to your form. If they notice issues, they’ll help you get back on track so you don’t hurt yourself.
Build a Balanced Regimen
Pilates is a great way to develop your body, but it works best when you take other steps to support your health, too:
Stay hydrated to give your muscles the water they need to heal and grow.- Eat well to support your body’s developing strength and energy.
- Outside of class, try brisk walks to keep your body moving to boost your endurance.
Pilates woven together with other lifestyle changes, even if small, works the best. Plus, you’ll have the energy you need to tackle Pilates when you arrive at class!
Stay Consistent
A single Pilates class will not turn you from couch potato into fitness guru. This first step is important, but remember to remain consistent. Your muscles need practice over time to develop proper strength and support.
Some people choose to do Pilates every day, and others go to class a couple times a week. Choose a schedule that works for you and stick to it to see the best results.
Some Pilates beginners get discouraged if they feel like they’re not getting any better at the exercises after a couple of classes. In reality, it can take six to eight weeks for your body to develop muscle memory of any new exercises.
As you get started with Pilates, remember that the beginning is focused on neuromuscular education; you’re training your nerves to activate your muscles in the way the instructor is demonstrating. It gets easier, and sticking to a consistent Pilates schedule speeds up this process.
Accept Critique
Your instructor is there to show you how Pilates exercises should be done, keeping a keen eye on your form. Be open to accepting critique when they notice that your form could use improvement.
You’re doing your body a service by performing exercises the right way, and instructors can see things you cannot.
Good instructors will gently redirect your body into the proper form and provide guidance on ways to stay tuned into your movements so you can self-regulate. You should also accept critiques from your body itself.
If something hurts, note it and ask for help. The instructor can either assist you with identifying what went wrong or build a modification that works for your body and its unique needs and abilities.
You are not weak or worse than everyone else if you can’t do something they can. Stay focused on your journey!
Heal Your Body with RTR Pilates
Incorporating Pilates into your lifestyle is one of the best ways to build strength and develop a support system for your posture and joints.
However, beginners should be extra careful to stick to the right form, and for that, working with an instructor is the best option.
The experts at RTR Pilates guide beginners, setting them up for success through friendly, accessible classes for people of any ability. Contact RTR Pilates to discover the classes we offer and get started on your healing journey today!