Pilates can benefit most every body–from young to older bodies even. But is it the right exercise for you?
I firmly believe that some people “fit” better with pilates than others. Some people will really take to pilates and absolutely love it…others will abandon it quickly after the novelty of the machines and different exercises wear off. Still other people will never try it because they prefer a harder, sweatier workout. I figured this out my first year as an instructor where I also had to “sell” potential clients on pilates. The funny thing is … I never “sold” anything. I could tell within the first few moments if someone would be receptive to taking pilates past this one free session.
Here are 5 easy ways to help you decide if pilates is for you:
1. This is the obvious one. Try a mat class, Try a reformer class. Many studios offer a first class free. Ask them if they do, schedule it, and then decide. You might even have a class at your gym. Take it. Email me for suggestions or to make an appointment if you live in Los Angeles.
2. Do you like structure and form as well as focusing on your breathing? Pilates might be for you then. You really learn how to use your breath and initiate movement from your core. If you like a focused, precise type of movement, then you might get a lot of pilates.
3. Do you want to sweat? Many people think you won’t sweat in pilates. Sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t. I know people who put all of their effort and focus into the class and do sweat..a lot. Others never even look winded. Don’t expect a sweat unless you are prone to that, but if you focus on the movements and engaging certain muscles as your teacher cues you, you could get a big surprise and enjoy the class. Regardless, you will definitely wake up the next morning feeling sore across your abs … all of your abs.
4. Do workouts vary or are they the same every single time? There is often a very specific structure most classes follow. Mat classes tend to have a sequence of exercises that you will do every single class. However, nothing is set in stone. If you want variety, take classes from different teachers and on/off the machines. Don’t expect teachers to add new “choreography”. Think of pilates like a dance class or even a martial arts class. You spend a certain period of time going through “drills” which help you understand the movements… As time passes, the instructor will change the movement cues so you can experience the same exercise in a different, more challenging way.
5. Do you want an intense workout? While you can get a challenging workout from pilates, it’s not the same feeling you will get after a fast paced circuit based workout. There is more precision, more thought, more conscious movement required to do the exercises properly. That’s why you don’t have to do quite so many reps usually. For me, I find pilates has focus on bringing balance to the body rather than just building strength.
The above questions and answers are only a starting point to helpyou decide if pilates is right for you. There are many exceptions and I’ve seen people who have done gym/weight workouts love pilates and tell me that it benefits their everyday workouts. I know runners who take pilates to keep their hamstrings & hips flexible and their core strong. I also know many people who prefer the “conscious movement” of yoga over that found in pilates, even though it seems like someone would love pilates if they love yoga.
What made you keep taking pilates or stop taking pilates? Leave me a comment and let me know what could change your mind (if you didn’t stick with pilates).
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