Exercise is an essential part of a healthy life for every person. Still, many people struggle to find an option that is accessible and stimulating for their minds. If you have considered whether Reformer Pilates may fit that bill, you are probably curious about how to get involved. Pilates is highly adaptable, which makes it easy for anyone of any skill level or physical ability to get started!
Before you begin, it can be helpful to understand how to get the maximum benefit from your new workout regimen. Reformer Pilates can offer extra assistance where needed or make things more challenging for those who want to push themselves toward new goals. It is important to start with a strong foundation first.
Here are a few highlights of the many ways Pilates maximizes the health benefits of exercise for everyone, especially as they progress through classes.
How Pilates Adapts for Anyone
Pilates is far from a one-size-fits-all type of fitness approach. Each person has their own abilities and limits, which makes the reformer all the more valuable for individual growth. Generally, Pilates classes are divided into three types: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Those who have never tried Pilates before should consider the beginner option; though, a person’s previous familiarity with Pilates does not automatically mean they should progress to a higher level to start.
Beginner Classes
Beginner classes are ideal for those who have never started Pilates or have taken a long break from fitness activities. This could have occurred due to life circumstances, injury, recovering after having a baby, or something else.
Regardless of the reason, beginner classes can bring participants back into a fitness routine. These classes work well for people who need modifications, such as those with chronic injuries or individuals starting from a place of minimal flexibility. Individuals who struggle with balance, generally or due to a medical condition, can still participate!
Bear in mind: beginner does not mean easy! Anyone can still challenge themselves in a beginner class because the reformer can be adjusted to each person’s limits and abilities. It is beneficial to go back to the basics at any stage of your Pilates journey.
Intermediate Classes
Once a person participates in Pilates for a while, they may be ready to move on to intermediate classes. Intermediate Pilates work requires a foundation built during beginner classes, such as good form, consistent balance, and familia–rity with the basic forms of some exercises.
Intermediate participants may spend time standing on the reformer to enjoy a wider variety of exercises. However, there are still plenty of intermediate options and modifications for those who struggle with balance or perform other intermediate tasks.
Advanced Classes
Once a person progresses to advanced classes, they are already confident in the fundamentals of Pilates and want to push their limits. Advanced Pilates exercises take full advantage of heavier weights, fewer breaks, and longer holds for exercises such as planks.
Participants can expect their balancing skills to be challenged with fewer reformer springs, and any exercise can be adjusted to increase its difficulty (that’s part of what makes Pilates so adaptable!).
We recommend taking several intermediate classes before moving on to an advanced class, even if you are already an active, healthy individual. It is important to build a strong foundation to maximize the benefits of an advanced class and reduce the risk of injury or overexertion.
Try Pilates No Matter Your Level of Fitness
Pilates is an excellent option for any body, regardless of shape, size, and fitness level. While beginner classes teach the fundamentals, they can be customized to adapt to each person’s limits and accessibility needs.
This is why it is easy to achieve the maximum benefit during your Pilates fitness routine; your exercises have a level of customization, and you are not locked into the same set of exercises as you might be with running.
Additionally, the lower-impact nature of Pilates means that even people who suffer from injuries, arthritis, knee pain, and more can embrace Pilates as an option for keeping themselves healthy and active.
If you are considering what type of exercise to build into your schedule, consider how it fits into your weekly timetable and how it can benefit your body. Reformer Pilates is built for everybody (and every Body!) thanks to its adaptable positions that provide maximum benefit.
The instructors at RTR Pilates want to see you succeed, and we are always eager to welcome new participants to our classes. To get started, Contact RTR Pilates today to sign up for a beginner class!
