Tips for People New to Pilates Class
Are you new to Pilates or thinking about starting up a NYC Pilates class? Pilates can be an awesome workout for anyone looking to improve their physical fitness. Pilates is an excellent way to lose weight if you are looking to tone your body and not bulk up. In only eight weeks, researchers found that Pilates classes help reduce body fat, lower BMI, and shrink the circumference of the abdomen and hips. However, it is better suited for those looking to tone their muscles, rather than grow them. The motions done in Pilates won't cause your lean body mass to rise to the same extent as lifting weights do.
What to expect for your first NYC Pilates class & tips for how to prepare
1. Dress properly
When going to your first Pilates class, you should dress the part. Wear form-fitting clothes, especially if it’s a virtual class. Qualified Upper East Side Pilates instructors are trained to see the smallest misalignment in your body. Use that to your advantage by making sure they can see you clearly.
You should wear clothing that is comfortable and does not restrict your body's movements, much as you would when exercising in yoga or indoor cycling class. Wearing correctly-sized clothes will not only make you feel more at ease but will also assist the instructor in seeing any mistakes you are making. This may help you reach your goals faster and prevent any injuries. Keep some grippy socks handy since Pilates exercises are done without shoes. Slipping on your Pilates mat is not only frustrating but dangerous. To reduce the risk of slipping, purchase socks that have grips on the bottom--many sporting goods stores sell these types of socks.
2. Have the right mindset
Pilates requires practice. Learning is a continuous journey that you will be on forever, both in how to use your mind and body. When it comes to exercises or cues given by your instructor, try not to overthink them too much. Instead, focus on using your Pilates practice as a way of growing and improving yourself personally. Chances are, movements that were difficult for you at first will suddenly become easier with time and practice.
3. Remember the 6 principles
The six core principles have always guided the practice since Joseph Pilates created it. When performing each action, your instructor will most likely refer to these principles throughout the class.
The six principles of Pilates are:
Concentration
Control
Center
Flow
Precision
Breathing
With this in mind, you should execute each Pilates exercise with care and precision. Joseph Pilates emphasized the need of maintaining control of your breathing throughout the exercises. If you catch yourself taking rapid and shallow breaths, slow things down and breathe fully into your diaphragm. While you may not be able to breathe like this for difficult portions of the class, it should always be something you aim to come back to.
4. Get ready to be sore all over
If you've never taken a Pilates lesson, your body could be in for a surprise. Expect muscular discomfort if you haven't done Pilates before. The straightforward response is that Pilates works all of your muscles. When most people hear ‘Pilates’, they think ‘core’. But your core is much more than your six-pack – it’s every muscle that contributes to stabilizing the spine and pelvis. This includes your back, glutes, inner and outer thighs, and all four sets of abdominals.
The class will focus on building your core muscles, but you'll also get a full-body workout. To prevent soreness afterward, stretch and stay hydrated. And don't forget: feeling pain after the fact is normal and actually means your body is changing for the better--if you keep going to class regularly, that is!
5. Prepare to hear new terms in class
Since Pilates is a group class, expect to hear some new terms that you've never heard before. These terms will be unique to each studio and gym, so you won't fully know the language until after your first class. That said, there are a few universal terms that you will hear in each Pilates class, no matter the Pilates instructor.
Some terms to remember are:
Neutral Spine: When a Pilates instructor tells you to keep a neutral spine, this means that you should keep a natural posture without any excess bending or leaning of your body. You should not be actively pushing your back to the floor or extending the spine’s natural curvature.
Dorsiflexion: This term describes the movement of your feet. When instructed to dorsiflex your feet, you should be pulling your toes backward towards your shins.
Powerhouse: Originally named by Joseph Pilates, the powerhouse refers to the center muscles of your body. Muscles like the abdominals, pelvic floor, hip muscles, and back extensors.
Any good Pilates instructor in Manhattan will clue you in and make sure beginners are following along, but you’ll get a leg up if you study some of these terms ahead of time.
Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or are looking for a new workout to add to your routine, Pilates is a great option with an interesting history. Manhattan Pilates classes focus on personal development, so come to your first class ready to learn the various movements. You may feel unsure of your talents at first, but you'll gradually improve as time goes on!
Looking for the Best Pilates Studio in the Upper East Side Area?
At ChaiseFitness, we believe that anyone can be fit—no matter what skill level or body type. This belief inspired the creation of our patented Reinvention Method, which is for everyone—the athlete, the dancer, the beginner, the advanced, the rebuilder. We blend Pilates, ballet, and strength training and equip you with a chair and overhead bungees so that you work out all your muscles every time. We are located in the Upper East Side in Manhattan. For more information, you can contact us at (973)996-2063, or visit our website.