why choose a beginners pilates class?
When I was undertaking the training to become a Pilates Instructor, and really delved into the principles of Pilates – the Pilates breath, core engagement etc I felt like there was a huge need for beginner friendly classes. So I set about creating my “An Introduction to Pilates” or “Pilates for Beginners” 10 week course.
Why did I create a Pilates for Beginners course?
Many Pilates classes out there are very light touch when it comes to focusing on the principles of Pilates –
Breathing
Concentration
Centreing
Control
Precision
Flow
Without focusing on these principles, (particularly when we are new to the practice of Pilates), many Pilates traditionalists would argue that we aren’t really practicing “true” Pilates at all, and that we are just performing some exercises.
This isn’t a criticism of other Pilates teachers – if they have a class where the majority of participants are experienced Pilates practitioners, then spending time really focusing on the basics and the principles of Pilates is probably not what the majority of the clients in their class want or need.
So what are the benefits of attending a Pilates for Beginners course?
Learning to walk before you run
In the same way that a child trying to run before they can walk would usually result in them falling over and hurting themselves, which usually results in putting them off trying!, the same thing can happen with our Pilates practice – if we go too ambitious too soon, then it can put people off continuing with their Pilates practice.
Nailing the basics will help you to progress QUICKER
We’ve all heard of the expression “more haste less speed”, and trying to attempt something which is beyond your current ability level can actually hinder your progress. So starting basic, and progressing when you are ready is the best way forward, and will actually help you progress quicker in the long term.
You won’t have to “unlearn” any bad habits you’ve picked up
If there isn’t much focus on the principles and the technique of the movement, we tend to pick up bad habits. Once we’ve got into the habit of doing something in a certain way it is hard to unlearn it! If we create good habits to start with it is much easier than trying to change something later down the line.
Mastering Pilates breath is a game changer
Mastering Pilates breath will make it easier to engage your core more effectively and get oxygen to your muscles so the exercises feel easier. Many people struggle with Pilates breath, and so the more time you practice this at the beginning of your Pilates journey the better. It is much harder to master this at the same time as doing more challenging movements. So trying to nail this whilst doing more basic movements is much easier.
Mastering core engagement will enhance every movement
Mastering core engagement on every Pilates breath exhale will totally transform your practice. If you can master timing that core engagement with your exhale, it will make the exercise easier to perform. We all have certain muscles which are over dominant (for example for me it is my trapezius muscles and hip flexors), and by mastering engaging your core muscles, it will reduce the reliance on the over dominant muscles. It will also help build your core strength quicker, and improve your posture and how you hold yourself in your everyday life.
Learning which muscles we are trying to work
Learning to engage the correct muscles in each exercise will make each exercise more effective and help you build strength in your muscles quicker. In a beginners class we can spend more time focusing on which muscles we are trying to work in each exercise. As we are working a little slower in the beginners sessions, if you aren’t feeling that muscle working, the teacher can come and see if they can make a little tweak to your position/ the way you perform the exercise that will help you to engage that muscle group more easily.
Not being the only newbie
Everyone attending the beginners course is new to Pilates (or hasn’t practiced in a long time) so you won’t be the only newbie walking into a room of people who are all experienced and already know each other.
You’ll be practicing with people of similar experience and ability levels as you – so the exercises are aimed for your level. The beginners course is a comfortable and supportive environment where you are encouraged to listen to your body and work at your own pace.
In contrast, if you are a beginner that attends a class where the majority of people are more experienced than you, a more basic version of the exercise may not be offered, or if it is, it is human nature to try and keep up with what everyone else is doing despite the fact that might not be the best thing for your body.
Building community
As we are all in the same place every week for 10 weeks, we get to know each other and build a community which is really nice. If you just attend a drop in class, there are usually different people in the class each time which doesn’t allow us to forge those human connections. As humans we have an innate need to connect with others, and this is a much healthier way to do that than meeting down the pub!
If you are interested in joining one of my Pilates for Beginners courses, then contact me.
Of course, best laid plans and all that – life very often gets in the way which might mean that the day I’m running a beginners course doesn’t work for you. If that is the case, you are more than welcome to join my regular group. It is very welcoming to beginners, I ALWAYS offer more basic options and give tips about the Pilates principles. You can work at your own pace - take what works for you, and leave whatever doesn’t.
I am a big believer in moving your body whenever and wherever you can so don’t let not being able to attend a beginners session put you off!
