Almost 10 million people in the U.S. practice pilates. Pilates workouts has been growing in popularity over the past decade, as more people discover the strengthening, toning, and calming benefits of a pilates workout.
One of the reasons that pilates has become so popular is how accessible to beginners it can be. Much like yoga, there are a variety of types of pilates, including many that are perfect for anyone looking to give the workout a try.
Pilates workouts might be easy for beginners. But like any workout, there are a few things you should know before you dive in. Keep reading to learn a few dos and don’ts for pilates workouts before signing up for your first class at Sun Rock Yoga studio.
Do Choose the Right Pilates Clothing
Getting ready for your first pilates workout starts long before you arrive at our St George studio. The right pilates wear can help you enjoy a pilates workout comfortably, avoid distractions, and even keep you safe.
Pilates clothing is similar to yoga clothing in that it should be breathable and comfortable. You’ll need to be able to stretch, bend, sit, and stand in your clothing. You’ll also want to make sure that your clothes will wick away sweat to keep you cool during a challenging class.
But while your clothing should be comfy, avoid wearing anything that’s too loose or oversized. If you’re enjoying a mat pilates class, loose clothing may fall over your face when you bend or cause you to be distracted. In a reformer class, loose clothing can even get caught in the reformer.
Leggings, tank tops, and t-shirts in lightweight, moisture-wicking materials are a great choice for your first at home pilates workout or studio class.
Don’t Wear Zippers, Clips, Buttons, or Strings
For the same reason that you shouldn’t wear clothing that is too loose or oversized, you’ll also want to avoid zippers, clips, buttons, hard embellishments, or strings on your clothing. Each of these items can cause a distraction, make it uncomfortable to lie on the floor or get in the way while using pilates equipment.
Do Tie Back Long Hair
If you have long hair, tie it back before trying pilates at home or in a studio. Like the ties on a hoodie, your hair can get in your way while using a trapeze or reformer. Plus, tying back your hair can help you stay cooler during your workout.
Don’t Wear Socks Without Grip
Much like yoga, pilates requires you to work on your balance. Whether you’re working on a mat in your living room with some at home pilates workouts or on a reformer or trapeze in our St George studio, you’ll engage your core while finding your balance during each pose.
When finding your balance involves your feet, the last thing you want is to find yourself slipping and sliding on the floor or equipment. One way to avoid this is to go barefoot during your class. If you do decide to wear socks, opt for a pair with grips on the bottom to help you keep your footing.
Do Focus on Your Mind and Body
Another way that yoga and pilates are similar is that both focus on connecting and challenging both the mind and body. During a pilates workout, and especially your first class, it can be easy to get lost in trying to perfect each movement. However, try to also focus on keeping your breathing calm and your mind clear. This will help you reap the mental benefits of pilates workouts, like less stress and improved sleep.
Don’t Dive Into At Home Pilates Workouts Without Practice
Practicing pilates at home can be a great way to improve your practice. But if you’re new to pilates, proceed with caution.
Like with any kind of new workout, it’s best to learn pilates with the help of an experienced teacher. Attempting a challenging pilates position without help or knowledge of posture and placement can lead to an injury. Even if you don’t get hurt, it can be difficult to master new pilates workouts for the first time without a little help.
Before you start enjoying at home pilates workouts, consider taking a few classes in a studio, like our own yoga Utah studio, located in St George.
Do Listen to Your Body
Maybe you can’t quite stretch far enough to reach a certain pilates move. Or you’re halfway through your workout and feeling weak and exhausted. The most important thing that you can do is to listen to your body.
If something doesn’t feel right, give yourself a break and a chance to self-assess. This rule holds true whether you’re in a pilates studio or practicing pilates at home.
Don’t Expect Results Overnight
As with any new skill, don’t expect to see big results from a pilates workout overnight. Pilates is great for sculpting lean muscles and improving your overall strength, stability, and stamina. But big results come with regular practice over a long period of time, not after your first class.
Luckily, one of the big benefits of a pilates workout or yoga class is that you will enjoy some other benefits after just one class. We guarantee you’ll leave our St George studio feeling a little more relaxed and energized!
Do Pilates Workouts Regularly
Want to see those big results? The secret is to practice regularly! Thanks to some big changes at our St George studio, Sun Rock Yoga has made that even easier. Earlier this year, we opened our brand new pilates studio. This full studio features reformers, towers, trapezes, and chairs to help you further your practice.
We’re also introducing a new open pilates gym pass. To earn this pass, students will complete between 30 and 50 hours of Pilates apparatus instruction. After having a teacher sign off, you’ll receive a pass that allows you to drop into our open pilates gym. We also introduced a few new memberships and pass options so that you can add pilates workouts and yoga classes to your regular routine.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Students
Everyone learns and progresses at their own pace. Whether you’re enjoying your first pilates class or you’ve been practicing for years, never compare your practice and progress with that of other students. Instead, celebrate your own wins and successes during your workout, no matter how small, and congratulate yourself for showing your mind and body some love!
Adding Pilates Workouts to Your Routine
Pilates workouts can help you improve your strength and balance, tone your muscles, and decrease stress. Like yoga, anyone can enjoy a pilates class, regardless of your experience, strength, or flexibility.
Don’t let the name fool you; Sun Rock Yoga is the premier destination for pilates workouts in St George, Utah. Join a mat, reformer, trapeze, or chair pilates class today to see for yourself what makes our studio so special.