It is important to have a knowledge of Pilates before jumping into a class. Individuals have seen great improvement with their body alignment, posture, strength, flexibility and core stability. Individuals may try group Pilates classes on their own only to be frustrated by its unique terminology and set of exercises.
Pilates is a low impact high result workout. It constantly uses core muscles (abdominals, pelvic floor, transverse muscles, obliques, lats and muscles supporting the back & spine) by focusing first on intrinsic, smaller stabilizing muscles, then building outward to the superficial, more surface muscles.
Pilates is really about “total wellness”; feeling great both mind and body. While there are many benefits to Pilates, one exciting element is the feeling of better body awareness and increased energy. You literally feel lighter on your feet as your spine lengthens and your body opens.
The key to a successful Pilates program is to learn the fundamentals before getting too far involved in group classes. Not having knowledge of the basics will end in limited results , discomfort in areas that are not meant to, and even risk real injury. It’s much more difficult to re-learn correct technique once you’ve practiced it the wrong way.
Here’s a quick test to see if you’re ready to take full advantage of your next Pilates class: are you able to demonstrate correct form (or at least know what it is) on techniques such as correct breathing, neutral spine, pelvic floor lifts, head floats and pelvic stability? If not, individual assistance in understanding these crucial terms and techniques would be of help. Private sessions from a certified Pilates instructor would be a great place to start, or a few minutes before or after Pilate’s class with the instructor.
Once you’ve learned the fundamentals, understanding and executing the over 300 exercises that Joseph Pilates (founder of Pilates exercises) has put together, becomes easy.
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