Pilates is a great choice if you’re looking to mix up your usual yoga routine. Combining a series of exercises designed to improve flexibility and build strength and muscle tone, pilates can be a good addition to your fitness routine and a fun way to mix up your time at Sun Rock Studio.
In our brand-new pilates space, we now offer a variety of styles of pilates workouts, including mat, reformer, chair, and barre pilates. Our Pilates Studio Class Passes make it easy to add a variety of yoga classes and pilates workouts to your routine. For those new to our studio, the 30 Days for $30 introductory offer allows you to try out different classes and workouts to see which ones are right for you.
Can’t wait for your next pilates class from Sun Rock Yoga? In between classes, why not try a pilates workout at home? Doing pilates at home can be a great way to improve your strength and flexibility in between classes or when you can’t get to the studio. Keep reading to learn some tips for enjoying a pilates workout at home, as well as some moves to try.
Tips for Enjoying a Pilates Workout at Home
Enjoying a pilates workout at home is easier than you might think. While many people think that all pilates requires equipment like a reformer, much like yoga, you can enjoy a great pilates workout with just a mat. Instead of using the straps and moving platform of the reformer, you’ll use your body weight and a variety of exercises to stretch, tone, and strengthen your whole body.
If you’re thinking about trying pilates at home, check out these tips.
Set Up Your “Studio”
You don’t need a fitness studio to enjoy a great pilates workout at home. But you do need enough space to spread out a yoga mat and to comfortably stretch out. Make sure to not set up too close to tables, bookcases, and other furniture that you could bump during your workout.
You’ll want to be focused, but relaxed while doing a pilates workout at home. Turning on some quiet music and even turning down the lights can help with this.
Get Rid of Distractions
Speaking of focus, another thing you should do before trying pilates at home is to remove any distractions from your space. Turn off the TV, put your phone on silent, and let any housemates know that you’re about to start a workout. This will help ensure that your focus is on each move instead of on what’s going on around you.
Choose the Right Pilates Clothing
What you wear can also have a big impact on your workout. The best pilates clothing is similar to what you might wear for a yoga class. Opt for breathable clothing that is close-fitting without being restrictive.
Tie back long hair so that it doesn’t get in the way. It’s up to you whether you enjoy your at-home pilates workout barefoot or wearing socks—choose whichever is more comfortable, and allows you to keep your balance on the mat.
Go at Your Own Pace
Whether you’re following along with a video of a pilates workout at home or trying individual movements, go at your own pace. While you might not have an instructor there to help, the best part about doing pilates at home is being able to keep working on a single exercise until you feel that you’ve mastered it. Going too fast, especially without an instructor there to offer suggestions and corrections, can lead to an injury.
The Best Pilates Workouts to Try at Home
If you’re trying a pilates workout at home for the first time, it’s best to start with some moves that are beginner-friendly.
Plank
Perhaps one of the easiest and best-known pilates workouts is a move that you likely already know how to do. A plank targets the core muscles and helps to improve overall body strength and stability.
To do a proper plank, start in a push-up position with your hands lined up beneath your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart. Keep your back straight as you support your body weight for thirty to sixty seconds.
Single Leg Stretch
The Single Leg Stretch is a Pilates exercise that targets the abdominals and hip flexors.
To do this exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the ground and bring your right knee into your chest while extending your left leg straight out in front of you. Grab onto your right ankle with both hands and gently pull your knee towards your chest while pressing your left leg away from you. Switch legs and repeat the motion for a total of eight to ten repetitions on each side.
The Hundred
As far as pilates for beginners goes, The Hundred is one of the most popular moves. The Hundred is also great for doing pilates at home because it is a simple movement.
To do this exercise, lie on your back with your legs bent and feet flat on the ground. Lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the ground and extend your arms straight out in front of you. Pulse your arms up and down rapidly while inhaling for five counts and exhaling for five counts. Repeat this for a total of ten cycles.
The Mermaid
The Mermaid is another easy option for at-home pilates workouts. It specifically targets the spine and hips, helping to loosen both and improve flexibility.
Start by sitting on the ground with your legs bent to one side. Rest your opposite hand on the ground behind you. Reach your other arm up and stretch it over your head, extending as far as you can go. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, then repeat the exercise on the opposite side.
Trying a Pilates Workout at Home
Doing a pilates workout at home can be a great way to practice between classes at our Sun Rock Yoga studio, or a great alternative when you can’t make it to the studio. With these tips and exercises, anyone can enjoy a safe, effective at-home pilates workout.
While practicing at home is great, nothing beats an in-studio class. Check out our Sun Rock Pilates Classes today to find the right one for you!