What You Need to Know Before You Start Pilates
You have probably heard about Pilates, since it has been getting increasingly more popular over the last few years, and want to know more about it and if it suits your lifestyle. If your fitness routine has been feeling a bit boring and stale, trying a new class can make it feel fresh again and motivate you to be more active.
Pilates is not just for athletes, incredibly fit people, and fitness fanatics; in fact, Pilates prides itself on being the complete opposite: available and suitable for everyone, no matter their gender, age, size, or abilities. Pilates is an accessible and fun way to build strength in your muscle groups, allowing you to improve your balance and flexibility and have a better posture. If you are new to Pilates, here is what you need to know before starting Pilates.
A few Pilates lingo you need to know.
Before you attend your first Pilates class, there is some lingo you need to know to keep up and stay in the loop with the rest of the class.
No worries, we have prepared a list for you:
- Your powerhouse = your core muscles, the center of your body that move you and keep your body upright
- Peeling through your spine = slow and steady movement from vertebra to vertebra
- Cradling your head in your hands = allowing your cervical spine to be supported in your arms
- Tucking your chin toward your chest = pulling your chin close to your chest to engage and initiate your deep abdominal muscles, which helps take your neck and head muscles out of the equation.
- Sliding your shoulder blades down = tucking your shoulders behind your ears, and opening your back.
No worries, you will get used to all of these phrases with time! But knowing them beforehand might make you more comfortable during your first Pilates class.
Wear the right clothes; they will make you more comfortable.
Preferring loose workout clothes is fine, but sticking to body-hugging options for Pilates classes might be a better choice because they will allow your instructor to see your movements, and it will stop your clothes from getting caught in springs or other equipment, especially if you are doing a Pilates Reformer class.
Pilates can be done at home.
You do not have to leave your house to practice Pilates! If you are a busy mom, a busy college student, or just a busy person in general, and you do not want to leave your house in order to get your workout in, Pilates has your back. Pilates can be done at home! All you need are some Pilates tutorials and simple device such as The Multifunctional Pilates Bar.
You might be sore the next day.
Pilates exercises are not crushing high-intensity exercises; you will not be lifting heavy dumbbells or doing any heavy squat jumps. Pilates consists mostly of bodyweight routines, but do not get it twisted; Pilates classes can be intense and difficult. You can expect to be sore the next day, especially the day after your first Pilates classes.