Where To Begin – 6 Tips For Pilates Success
by Bob Hannum Oct 20, 2013
| Table of Contents – It’s Not Brain Surgery – Use a Thick Mat – Loose-Fitting Clothing – Keep It Simple – If It Hurts Don’t Do It – Stick With It |
To quote the founder of Method Pilates, Joan Breibart, who is credited with single-handedly spreading Pilates world-wide, “Pilates is not brain surgery!” So relax and have fun! Start with my free lessons and take them as slowly or as quickly as you please. There’s just one important caution: even if you’re a strong athlete don’t jump ahead to advanced exercises, because you can hurt yourself. Other than that, Pilates is really not complicated, time consuming, or expensive contrary to what too many Pilates teachers would lead you to believe. In fact, the major reason I started this website is to make learning Pilates quick and easy and safe. If something is the least bit confusing just contact me, and we’ll go over it together.
2. Use a Thick Mat
Find a thicker mat especially if you’re a beginner. I review several options on my site. A thicker mat is a bit harder to find but well worth it since your back is not used to the rolling exercises which in the beginning can irritate the skin and tailbone of your lower back. You can also double or triple the thickness of a blanket or a standard yoga mat and that will work just as well.
3. Loose-Fitting Clothing
Your clothing shouldn’t restrict movement in any way particularly around the waist. Sweat pants are perfect.
4. Keep It Simple
Don’t worry or even think about breathing patterns, body alignment, fluid motion, precision, and so many more depths to Pilates exercise. These will come easily and naturally later on once you’ve learned the form of each exercise. In the beginning just concentrate on the form. Trust me! Everything else will fall into place. By all means if you are ready for more challenge and want to add breathing patterns, fluid motion, precise movement, reaching all your limbs, and keeping your spine and hips aligned…go for it! I mention a couple breathing patterns in the beginner lessons. My subsequent lessons – Intermediate, Advanced, and Cardio – add much more in detail.
5. If It Hurts Don’t Do It
Keep in mind that we all have different bodies, with histories of injuries and ingrained movement patterns. Thus not every Pilates exercise fits all! The most important point is not to continue to do something that hurts. I don’t mean the discomfort of stretching or the fatiguing of muscle tissue in strength training – this is a natural part of Pilates and any exercise, and it’s an important level of exertion we need to reach regularly.
What I’m talking about is that other kind of discomfort that leads to injury. When something hurts stop immediately. Simply skip it or contact me and we’ll figure out a variation that works for you. One of the marvelous aspects of Pilate is that there are many variations for each exercise and I haven’t encountered any challenge that couldn’t be overcome with a variation. No more fighting your body with an attitude of “No pain, no gain!” This is part of the genius of Pilates – you can get strong and flexible without doing damage to yourself or enduring pain! Start a new relationship with your body – become an ally instead of an adversary.
6. Stick With It
The most difficult part of learning Pilates is the beginning! Honestly this is absolutely the hardest part. You are not only strengthening muscle groups that no other exercise program addresses, but you’re also un-learning exercise habits that just aren’t very healthy such as harsh movement, crunches, etc. Be patient with yourself and stick with it – you’ll be richly rewarded with benefits beyond your imagination!