Pilates for beginners can be an exciting chance to add variety to your exercise regimen or start being more active. But if you are still new to the Pilates concept, it is easy to feel frustration or anxiety when thinking about class.
How does everyone know what to do? Why can’t I seem to get this exercise down smoothly? These fears are common, but they also do not serve you in being your best self.
Let’s look at some of the most common frustrations and fears for Pilates beginners so that you can rest assured you’re not alone—and so that you have a better idea of what beginner Pilates classes are like.
Frustration: Needing All the Gear
One of the most frequent frustrations of new participants (of any exercise) is committing to trying something different. Still, to do so, they need to go and buy all the gear to make it work. Suppose you’re starting with running, for instance.
In that case, you’ll probably need to grab expensive running shoes and appropriate clothing to streamline your body and protect against the elements. This upfront cost can diminish your excitement to start something new.
The good news is that you don’t need to worry about that with Pilates! All we require you to have are grip socks. We provide the reformer machines and props.
Pilates relies largely on your body weight and some level of resistance, so you only bring yourself and grip socks to get started! (If you have none, we sell grip socks at every studio.)
Fear: Being Left Behind
You’re in a beginner’s Pilates class. You look around, and everyone looks as though they’re holding their position with ease. Meanwhile, you can’t seem to line your spine up the way they are, and you spend most of the exercise trying to figure it out.
By the time you’re feeling good about your position, everyone else is moving on. Some of the main elements of Pilates include listening to your body, taking in feedback, and gaining strength in your own time.
Don’t worry about what others are doing. Everyone in class starts from different beginning points, skill levels, and abilities. Trust your instructor to help you stay on track, and don’t worry about others. Breathe and focus!
Frustration: Needing to Take Breaks
You’ve been working hard in Pilates, and you’re really feeling the burn during class. You’re giving it your all, but you just can’t help it—you need to take a little break. That can be frustrating because you want to keep going, and you feel as though your body is letting you down.
Instead, reframe your thinking. If you’re working hard enough that your body is asking for a break, that means you’re committed to these exercises and working hard. No half-hearted attempts here! That’s great for your health, and you’re supporting your body on its journey to strength and stability.
Fear: Being Judged by the Instructor
You’re trying to hold a position but can feel your entire body trembling. You feel as though the instructor is silently criticizing you. They’re probably so much better at this than you are; they must think you look silly.
Yes, instructors are very good at Pilates—that’s why they’re instructors! But rest assured, we were beginners once, too, and are always proud of anything you achieve. We are not here to judge you; we’re here to support you! We’re silently rooting for you during class, not laughing on the inside. We want you to succeed.
Frustration: The Exercises Aren’t Getting Any Easier
If you attend class regularly, you’ve probably been giving it your all for some time. Despite this, exercises don’t seem to be getting any easier. You feel like you’ve made no progress.
Pilates is all about incremental improvement, and that takes time. Your body is working hard to grow—you’re creating new muscle fibers! Pilates will never become “easy”; it will constantly change to adapt to you.
That means you’re doing it right! Even the most experienced Pilates enthusiasts benefit from Level 1 classes at RTR.
Fear: Being Unable to Do an Exercise
You may have a troublesome knee or a mobility challenge. What if the instructor tells you to do a painful or difficult exercise for your range of motion? Are you expected to sit there while everyone else participates?
One of the best things about Pilates is that it’s highly adaptable. Reformers don’t just increase the level of difficulty—they can also provide assistance.
Tell your instructor about any motion difficulties or challenges before class, and they will show you how to adapt the exercise so you can still participate and reap the strengthening rewards!
Hear What Our Clients Have to Say
“Overall, RTR Pilates is a fantastic place. I am a beginner, so the combination of skilled instructors, high-quality equipment, and a supportive environment makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their fitness journey through Pilates.” -Ramona
Don’t Be Afraid of Your Beginner’s Pilates Classes!
Trying something new takes courage, and we are always proud of our beginner participants for taking the plunge and giving Pilates a try. It can be easy to feel anxiety or frustration during these early days, but we promise—everyone wants to see you succeed!
The team at RTR Pilates strives to make beginner Pilates classes more accessible for people of all ages and ability levels. Contact RTR Pilates to sign up for your beginner class!
