Why Now Is The BEST Time To Try Pilates

A Guide to Your First Pilates Workout

If you’re like a lot of people I know right now, this time at home has you wondering how you’ll stick to your workout routines without your favorite gyms and studios. And if you take a minute, you may realize that this is the perfect time to consider a new kind of workout — or even an exercise you may have been too intimidated to try out. Perhaps one that turns your core on, strengthens your posture, and reminds you to breathe through it all.

For me, Pilates is something that I have been interested in since high school. From early mornings of Blogilates before school to beach core workouts with my lifeguard colleges during the summer months, I’ve always loved it. But for most, or at least most of my friends, they are intimidated by the double-leg stretches and smaller movements so learning about Pilates shows that it is another way that will help you reach achievable goals.

What is Pilates ?

For newbies, the equipment is extremely strange, but it stems from older methodology, founded by Joseph (you guessed it) Pilates. He first called it “Contrology” to explain the controlled movements that he found to improve flexibility, tone and muscle growth.

Now Pilates features two main practices:

• Classical — the original method of Joseph Pilates’ sequencing and equipment progression aka THE way Pilates was meant to be instructed.
• Contemporary — a blend of Classical that also includes other excersise practices like yoga or fitness training, useing more modern Pilates equipment like weights, foam rollers, bands, and balls. This system the traditional sequences while supplementing the modern-day understanding of kinesiology.

[What to expect before your first Pilates class]

Sounds good, but can I do a Pilates workout at home?

You don’t nessisarily need all the bells and whistles of an in-person Pilates class. In fact, most studios offer classes that are focused solely on body weight.

If it’s your first class at home you’ll need a mat, perhaps a few light weights or wine bottles, and a towel. As you practice you may incorporate heavier weights or resistance bands but it absolutly not nessisry, trust me the workout is hard enough.

Grab your props and pull up a video or sign up for a live streaming class. With well-educated instructors you’ll start to break down the basic principles of the Pilates system.

Trying a new workout at home could be ideal because it builds your confidence before entering an in-studio class.

Let me know some of you favorite workouts!