Almost 10 million people practiced Pilates in 2021 alone. If you haven’t given this unique and challenging workout a try, you’re missing out.
Similar to yoga, Pilates is a diverse workout. Depending on the style you choose, you might find yourself hitting the mat to strengthen your core or climbing on a Reformer for a total body workout. Pilates workouts combine a variety of movements and exercises to build strength in your body’s core, central muscles. The result is improved overall strength and balance, which will resonate into other exercises and areas of your life as well.
Enjoying your first Pilates class can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be! With a few simple tips and a little knowledge, it’s easy to master Pilates workouts as a beginner.
If you’re ready to try your first Pilates workouts, keep reading. We’re breaking down what you can expect from your first class, how to prepare, and how to find a St George studio near you.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a workout that combines a variety of individual exercises performed on a yoga mat or using different types of equipment to improve overall muscle tone. Many of these exercises focus on strengthening your core, as well as other “powerhouse” muscles. This includes your pelvic floor, lower back, glutes, and hips.
With stronger core muscles comes improved posture and balance. Pilates is also designed to help you increase your overall awareness of your body and its movements. For these reasons, similar to yoga, Pilates has become a popular workout for athletes, including dancers and runners, looking to build strength and improve their performance.
Pilates was first developed by Joseph Pilates during the 1920s. But it has grown in popularity more recently, with studios opening up across the country to offer a variety of different types of Pilates workouts.
Choosing Your First Pilates Workouts
Before you can experience your first Pilates workout, you’ll need to find a class. Much like yoga, there are a variety of different styles of Pilates. Each one uses different equipment and exercises.
Some types of Pilates workouts are better suited for beginners than others. If you already have experience with yoga, or you don’t have experience with either exercise, a mat Pilates session can be a great first class. Instead of using a reformer or other equipment, you’ll do a variety of exercises on a yoga mat. You’ll still get an incredible, challenging workout, but without having to also learn how to use different pieces of equipment at the same time.
Reformer Pilates is perhaps the best-known style of Pilates. For this type of class, you’ll use a Pilates Reformer, which is a large machine with a flat surface that allows you to achieve more than 60 different types of positions and exercises. Using a Reformer does take a bit of practice. This class is a better choice for students who have already practiced mat Pilates or who have been practicing yoga and have a solid base of flexibility and motion that they can lean on.
Other forms of Pilates include Tower Pilates, Chair Pilates, and Chairs Pilates.
What Pilates Clothing Should You Wear?
After you’ve decided on a style of Pilates, it’s time to decide what to wear to your first class. The best Pilates wear is similar to what you might wear for a yoga class. This includes clothing that is comfortable and breathable, and free of distractions. Your chosen yoga clothing should help you stay cool, but shouldn’t be too oversized. The last thing you want is for a long, loose shirt to get in the way while you’re trying to master an exercise.
If you’re attending your first class, consider giving your chosen outfit a trial run at home. Put on the Pilates clothing that you plan to wear. Then, sit on the floor and try stretching, bending, and turning. You can even try some Pilates at home, with a few simple moves to help you get an idea of what to expect during your class. If your clothing is too constrictive, itchy, or otherwise distracting, consider choosing some different Pilates wear before your class.
Finding a Pilates Studio Near You
The final thing you need to do to master your first Pilates workout is to find a studio near you. Our St George studio has long been known as a destination for the best yoga Utah has to offer. But we also offer a variety of types of Pilates workouts.
From mat or Chair Pilates classes that are perfect for beginners, to challenging Reformer and Trapeze classes, we truly have something for everyone. Stop by our St. George studio or give us a call to learn more about enjoying your first Pilates workouts here.
Enjoying Your First Pilates Workout at our St George Studio
A Pilates workout is a great way to challenge your mind and body, strengthen your core, and improve your overall muscle tone. It’s a great addition to your regular yoga practice, too.
If you’re ready to experience your first Pilates workouts, you’re in luck; one of the biggest changes coming to our St George studio in 2023 is a brand new, dedicated Pilates studio! Here, you’ll find reformers, towers, trapeze, and chairs, allowing us to expand our Pilates class offerings.
Sun Rock Yoga has even introduced a new open Pilates gym pass. To earn this pass, students will need to complete between 30 and 50 hours of Pilates apparatus instruction. After you’ve completed your hours, you can have your pass signed off by a member of our staff, and enjoy access to our open Pilates gym, allowing you to expand your skills and enjoy Pilates workouts on your own.
You can also enjoy a variety of individual Pilates workouts. Drop-in for a single class, or purchase a 5 Class or 10 Class Pass to save on your Pilates workouts. Download our app and sign up today to see why Pilates workouts are a popular workout for athletes and yogis alike!