Pilates for Novices

I love how Pilates makes me feel, like it opens me up. I have the hardest time breathing, weirdly enough. Even when I have conversations, I need to work on my breathing, so it's something I enjoy because it's peaceful and it helps me relax.

Selena Gomez

As many of you that follow the blog know, I love to run I love a bit of yoga and really enjoy going to the gym. Gym’s have been closed here for months now and if I’m honest I was getting a little bored with my imposed exercise regime and wanted to try something a little different. I tried a couple of “Zoom” Zumba classes which didn’t go too well as I have the coordination of a Saturday night drunk on the way back from the pub, dyslexia can be a curse!

Anyway, I was chatting to a friend about this and she suggested Pilates. When I suggested that would mean me going to a class which isn’t going to happen any time soon, she pointed me in the direction of the interwebs! Turns out there a wealthy of information and classes on line for beginners, who knew??!? I thought I’d share some of my research with you.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates, who came up with the system in the early twentieth century. Although some people confuse it with yoga, it’s pretty different, except that it’s sometimes also performed on a mat. Pilates uses bodyweight resistance to help you get stronger, more toned and more in tune with your body.

There are six basic principles that inform the practice of Pilates. They are:

Centering – how you should centre your core (or powerhouse as it’s known in Pilates)
Concentration – paying attention to how you work your muscles for maximum benefit
Control – doing each movement with purpose (and on purpose)
Precision – getting each movement correct so you benefit most
Breath – regulating your breathing and taking deep breaths
Flow – being careful to maintain fluidity and grace

Don’t let this put you off, I know at first it sounds a little intimidating if you’re a beginner! Don’t let the idea of having to have complete control and be super precise put you off, though. These are things you should aim for, but there’s no need to be perfect from your first class. Just keep the six principles in mind to help you understand how to get more from Pilates.

Those new to Pilates can begin with a home practice. Mat Pilates videos and books are widely available. A home practice is safe for anyone free of injury or chronic back pain. Beginners may also benefit from taking introductory Mat or Reformer Pilates classes with a trained Pilates teacher, (even with the current social distancing rules some instructors are offering outdoor one on one sessions for beginners).

How much space will you need?

When setting up your space, be sure to have enough room to stretch your entire body out on the ground and reach arms and legs out from your centre in all directions. A quiet space is ideal. If you plan to stream Pilates videos, you'll want to choose a room where that is possible. You may choose to dedicate a corner of your home or a room to your Pilates practice to gain a further meditative quality.

Mat vs. Reformer Pilates

Turns out there’s two basic types of Pilates. Putting it simply, Mat Pilates, as the name would suggest uses exercises based on an exercise mat and Reformer Pilates is similar but uses certain equipment, for home Pilates I’d recommend Mat.

What Equipment do you need?

Practicing Pilates at home requires no more than a flat surface and a mat or even just a rug. Small props including balls, magic rings, head support, and TheraBands may be added to the mix but are not necessary to begin. I have now bought a Theraband, you can get them easily from places like Amazon.

Beginner Pilates exercises take into consideration that you are learning to use your body in a new way. Gaining awareness of your movement, using breath, and flow are all important parts of your Pilates practice. I was recommended a series of classes that are free and available on YouTube by Rachel Zoe, she is a hugely successful business woman in her own right and has an annoyingly flat stomach and great arse but don’t let that intimidate you, her classes are actually really good! The introductory video can be found here other than that search YouTube for the Zoe Report. If Rachel doesn’t float your boat, just search for “beginners Pilates”, honestly, there’s loads of really good ones!

What to wear?

Just because you’re alone at home doesn’t mean you can do it in your jeans or bra and knickers, make sure you have appropriate clothing that’s not too tight but not too baggy. You don’t need any special shoes; in fact, I do most of mine bare foot. It can get quite intensive so make sure you have a towel to hand and a bottle of water to rehydrate, staying hydrated is really important. Apart from that, you just start with an open mind.

I’ve done a few classes now and I’m at the stage I want to check my technique so, I’m meeting with a personal Pilates trainer in the park this week, I’ll let you know how I get on! So, that’s my brief introduction, I really enjoy it so why don’t you give it a go?

What’s on this week?