5 tips for a successful first Pilates class

 

 

If you’re new to Pilates and about to take your first session, you probably have a few questions about what to expect and what to do to make it a successful experience. At One Pilates, we love to welcome beginners to our studio and have all the information you need to tackle your first session with confidence and ease.

Before we give you our 5 tips for success, please take a moment to thank yourself for taking the first step by signing up! When you start a new movement practice, sometimes the hardest part is committing to one or two classes. And that’s what you’ve done. The rest will be easier than you think.

Tip 1: Your positive frame of mind.

If you’re feeling a little intimidated by the idea of starting a new movement practice, you’re not alone! A survey revealed that around 50% of people feel the same way (Source: Isopure).

Start by cultivating a mindset that values courage over fear, self-care over self-doubt, and a little patience over immediate gratification.

You’ve already proven that you have this mindset. Remember, the hardest part is often introducing yourself, and you’ve taken a big step forward by signing up for the course!

Tip 2: Share with us…

We’re always delighted to support new clients as they begin their Pilates journey. You can expect us to welcome you warmly, greet you by name, show you around the studio and advise you on how to get around safely and efficiently throughout your first session and beyond.

One of the ways we guarantee our customers’ success is by getting to know them. We’re more than just a studio offering courses. We’re a community and we care about our members. To do this, we’ll ask you a few questions that will help us offer you the best possible support.

These questions can include what you hope to achieve with your practice, what experience you have with this type of movement and any factors that may have an impact on your body, mind or movements.

Past or present injuries, areas of pain or tension, participation in other sports or exercise, fatigue or energy management issues, how you hope to improve your well-being… all this and more is relevant to your Pilates practice.

Share this information with our studio and we’ll be better equipped to offer you the best possible experience.

Tip 3: Expect to hear and see things that are new to you.

One of the most wonderful things about Pilates is that it’s a practice. What do we mean by this? This means you’ll never know everything there is to know. There will always be something new to learn about yourself, your body and movement. There will always be opportunities to deepen or broaden your practice. And each time you show up, your experience will be different depending on where you are at that moment.

We practice Pilates. We don’t perfect it.

Accept this from the start. It’s perfectly normal not to understand all the terms used by the teacher. Clues can be confusing at first. Your body may not cooperate with all the movements you want it to make. And guess what? It’s perfectly normal! Be open to the new and know that, over time, your understanding will progress with your body.

Tip 4: Focus on yourself, not the person next to you.

Pilates is a deeply personal practice. Each of us has his or her own body and circumstances. And these factors are constantly changing within us. The body you arrive with today will be different from the one you bring to the studio tomorrow.

Comparing yourself to someone else in the community won’t help you or your movement. Focus on yourself and on what you want and need from the movement. This will make your experience more joyful, efficient and fulfilling.

Tip 5: Prepare yourself inside and out

You don’t need leggings or expensive equipment to enjoy all the incredible benefits of Pilates. That said, you’ll feel better and receive better instruction from your teacher if you do a little preparation inside and out.

Your teacher is a highly qualified professional who will carefully observe your movements to check alignment and form. It’s best to wear tight-fitting clothes so he can see things properly.

Make sure you drink plenty of water before your session and stay hydrated afterwards, especially if you’re sweating. Avoid eating a full meal before class. Basic activation and a belly full of digesting food don’t mix.

You may experience muscle pain in the days following the course. Take care of your body with gentle stretching as often as possible.

We know that starting a new movement practice can seem daunting. We congratulate you on your decision to come to the studio and begin this life-changing journey.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and reply to this e-mail! We’re happy to discuss your goals, desires, challenges and how our studio can help you.

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