There were well over 15 people in the first pilates class I attended. I was in my late 20s, one of the youngest there and probably the least experienced when it came to pilates. The instructor did her best to give everyone some individual attention but her focus was on the people who had back problems and injuries. I had none so was left to get on with it. In the final minutes she made her way over to me and softly adjusted my body position. What a difference it made! Muscles I’d never noticed before pinged into action and the exercise became more challenging. I'd enjoyed the class but If she could have helped me from the start, I would have gotten so much more out of it.
There was nothing essentially wrong with that session: the instructor knew her stuff, the people who needed the most help got it, it was friendly and we laughed. But it taught me a few things to look out for when looking for a beginner pilates session.
Find a group with a low number of people in it. You’ll learn the basics quicker and progress more smoothly. The instructor will be able to see your alignment from all angles, check to see if your muscles are working effectively and generally offer more help and guidance than if you’re in a class with a lot of people. Even in my more advanced classes I offer individual adaptations and help alignment.
If you have any injuries, make sure your instructor can adapt the exercises for you. This is essential when looking for a beginner pilates class as not all instructors are trained in every condition. Some instructors have a specialist interest in specific areas eg hypermobility or scoliosis so it's worth doing some research to find the right person. Make sure you speak to the instructor before the class so they have an understanding of any muscular or skeletal conditions you have as sometimes they'll bring in equipment or padding to help you. Often, if one particular instructor can't help, they will somebody you can be referred on to, so ask.
What if I don't like the first pilates class I go to? A bit like ice-cream, each pilates class has a different flavour. Some are more clinically based, some work with Joseph Pilates original 32 exercises and some have a bias towards fitness so it's worth shopping around to find the right one. And, it's not just about the exercises, although they're important. Other things to consider are: Do you click with the other group members? Do you like the venue? Is it at a time you can commit to? Does the class go at a pace you're happy with or, as a beginner pilates student, would you prefer something a little slower? If you don't like the first pilates class you go to don't be put off, just try some others.
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