The new year always gets people thinking about or talking about starting something new. It can be a great time to give a boost to your health and wellbeing.
Pilates is a great form of exercise, so many people are recommended to do it by friends, family, their GP or surgeon. But many people don’t actually know what it is or what it will entail and that can put them off.
Starting any new form of exercise can seem daunting at first, many us worry about looking silly in front of a class or not knowing what to do, what to expect or even what to wear!
But fear not!! Everyone started somewhere, and although many of our classes have formed close friendships, they can too remember what it was like to start out!
This is one of the reasons we always offer everyone new to Pilates a free 30 minute induction session. This allows you to talk through any health or injury concerns with one of our Clinical Pilates Instructors and help you find out more about Pilates. The Instructor will modify any exercises to suit your individual needs and guide you towards a suitable level class for you.
You’ll also learn the basics of what pilates is: finding your postural muscles and learning some of the common beginner exercises to get you up to speed before entering a class.
You’ll have the chance to ask questions about anything else you’re concerned about so you can start your first class in confidence.
Your first class
The first class can be as much as a mental workout as a physical one whilst you get used to controlling your breathing whilst using new muscles in a new way. However, no one expects you to be perfect straight away so don’t panic – the Instructor leading the class will make sure you’re exercising safely and at the correct level, as long as you are still breathing that’s a good enough start for the first few weeks so don’t worry if you can’t co-ordinate everything straight away!
As with learning any new skill it takes time. Remember that pilates is non-competitive so you will work at your own level during each class. We’ll progress your exercises gradually and encourage you to move up to intermediate and advanced level classes when you’re ready.
It can take 6-8weeks to build muscle, and much longer if you’ve had pain or weakness in an area for a long time so whilst we can’t expect an overnight body transformation, you will notice the difference if you stick with it. Our regular pilates attendees report increased flexibility, reduced pain, improved balance, improved muscle tone and strength, better posture and improved confidence to exercise as just a few of the benefits of our classes!
Don’t forget – everyone was a beginner at some point and our classes provide a really supportive and friendly environment to exercise.
We run 20 classes a week from our studio in Chandlers Ford and offer a range of flexible membership options, to suit everyone. If you’d like to give it a try, why not book a FREE no obligation 1-2-1 by calling us on 023 8025 3317.