Are you getting bored of your usual workout routine? Are you looking to spice it up by trying something new? A Pilates class might do the trick. You reap all the benefits it gives and gets to expand your horizon when it comes to holistic exercising.

The great thing about Pilates is its versatility. Whether you prefer going to the gym for actual classes or take virtual lessons online at the comfort of your home, anyone can do Pilates almost anywhere. If you need more guidance, having a Pilates instructor will help you get the hang of this exercise.

Pilates classes will be a game-changer because you can do it despite your age or body build. Are you interested to know more? Here’s everything you need to know before you start with your first Pilates class.

What Is Pilates? 

So basically, Pilates is a low-impact type of workout that targets muscle strengthening of the entire body while also improving flexibility and overall posture. Depending on the type of Pilates class you’re taking, a session can last for about 45 minutes to an hour at maximum.

A good thing about taking Pilates classes is that you don’t necessarily need much equipment to do this workout. Some exercises only involve using a mat. One thing to expect is that Pilates does not use quick, fast movements like regular movements. You can either choose to do mat Pilates or reformer Pilates; it depends on you.

Pilates exercises use slow, precise movements that target specific muscles in your body and primarily engage the core muscles. Each movement serves a purpose, whether it’s posture alignment, muscle strengthening, or flexibility.

Many might assume that Pilates only deals with your core muscles since most exercises focus on core and abdominal muscles, but it isn’t just limited to that. You can target specific muscles groups or go for a full-body workout as well. 

Types of Pilates

There are two primary forms of Pilates.

1. Equipment-based Pilates

This form of pilates refers to exercises that need a specific type of equipment to perform. The equipment leverages a spring-loaded resistance and is called a reformer. It moves through a push and pulls motion. This type is commonly called reformer pilates. Many celebrities prefer reformer Pilates to mat Pilates because it gives them more depth in the exercises. Pilates exercise also involves lifting weights, so using dumbbells for this workout isn’t uncommon.

This type also involves the presence of a Pilates instructor, more often than not. For some people, especially newbies, this is because a reformer can be pretty challenging to use. Your body might not have a stable balance yet, so having assistance from a professional who has been in the Pilates practice for a long time helps. Having an instructor around also helps in injury prevention.

2. Mat-based Pilates

Mat Pilates has zero equipment and minimal space requirements. You only need a mat and a space where you can perform the exercises. In this type of Pilates workout, you will be using your weight and the power of gravity to induce resistance. Mat Pilates may be challenging for beginners to pull off because they might not hold the positions long. But mat Pilates is a cheaper alternative to buying the reformer equipment. 

How Does It Work?

Every Pilates session can consist of different exercises. But these exercises are usually arranged in a specific order. This full-body workout can be tailor-made to fit your needs. Your Pilates instructor may ask you what you want to target the most before starting the class. 

And, as simple and easy as they may look, performing these exercises requires a lot of control and precision in the movements. It’s important to strongly emphasize the techniques for them to be effective for your body.

If you want a more supervised Pilates exercise, it’s best to go to studios or the gym for classes from a professional Pilates instructor. For private Pilates classes, the cost can range from $60 to $150, while courses with small groups cost $30 to $ 60. But, mat Pilates classes are cheaper than a reformer Pilates class.

On the other hand, if you feel awkward doing the Pilates techniques and exercises with other people, there’s always the choice of looking up virtual classes online or simply watching some Youtube videos of your favorite instructor about it.

Try A Pilates Class

The unique benefits of Pilates are endless. But it is not only limited to your physical body. According to a meta-analysis of several Pilates studies, a regular Pilates workout reduces the risks of anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

Aside from this, people who practice Pilates have claimed to have more energy, balance, and improved posture than doing other types of exercises. It’s a good thing for most people because they won’t have to worry about being too tired after a session. They can still do other things they have scheduled during the day.

Here’s why you should try out a pilates class today!

It’s a whole-body exercise.

Despite being described as an exercise to strengthen your core, many Pilates exercises also target the other main parts of the body. It can focus on strengthening the arms and legs, too, if needed. If you want to build up some muscle, this exercise doesn’t do that.

The primary purpose of Pilates is not necessarily to build muscles but to tone the existing ones and make sure that they are strong and lean. Many athletes who undergo rehab for injuries choose to do Pilates because of the fluidity of the exercises that can serve as the foundation for the movements they make in their designated sport.

Anyone can do it.

Regardless of your age or athletic level, Pilates is for everyone. Depending on your fitness level, Pilates workouts can be customized to meet your unique demands.

It’s a safe and holistic fitness activity that even pregnant women can participate. If you have any past injuries that might make you feel like you can’t handle the more complex moves, your instructor can modify them to help you achieve the same results.

But of course, if you have any severe injuries or conditions, it’s essential to check with your doctor first before engaging in a new fitness program. They may have some recommendations that you will need to follow first.

It can improve flexibility and posture.

One of the main goals of doing Pilates is to elongate the muscles making them appear longer. Of course, this is a safe process, so you won’t have to worry about getting hurt. Although there are many exercises in Pilates that require more flexibility, stretching out your body is a healthy experience.

People who do Pilates tend to have great postures. A good posture means your spine is in alignment and has a solid core that can support your body frame.

It can strengthen and tones muscles.

As previously mentioned, Pilates focuses on toning and strengthening the muscles of the whole body. A technique that Pilates uses to create long and strong muscles is a process called an eccentric contraction.

This contraction happens when there is tension when muscles are in an elongated state. Pilates makes use of this contraction using a controlled type of resistance. A study conducted by Bergamin and his colleagues claims that two Pilates sessions a week for three months can give you outstanding results.

The fantastic thing about Pilates is that if you’re a woman who wants a leaner build, you won’t have to worry about having bulky muscles. Pilates helps you create a toned look with successive Pilates sessions.

Most exercises in Pilates usually focus on the core muscles. The reason why having strong core muscles is beneficial is that you can support your body frame more. Your shoulders and neck can be more relaxed, and most of your joints and muscles can function more efficiently.

It increases energy.

All exercises have a way of promoting blood circulation. The great thing about doing Pilates is that it isn’t as strenuous as other workouts. Despite exercising your entire body, you won’t end up overworking or over-exercising yourself.

Pilates doesn’t require meticulous movements. On the other hand, the exercises in this program work to stimulate the spine, core strength, and joints, thereby stretching out the tired and tight muscles, making blood flow to these areas more smoothly.

It’s a good exercise for weight loss.

If you dedicate yourself to practicing Pilates regularly, you will see significant changes to your body. To lose weight, you need to burn a considerable amount of calories. To do that, you need a fitness program that exercises the entire body.

Since Pilates is known to be an exercise that encompasses the body as a whole, it might be something you’d want to try if you want a more flexible and holistic program. Although to have more significant effects, you will need to combine pilates classes with a healthy meal plan and some aerobic exercises.

Are You Up For A Pilates Class?

Pilates is a fantastic fitness program that focuses on your body and mental health and the mind-body connection. With all of these perks, you’ll have an improved lifestyle if you practice regularly!

Now that you know all the fantastic benefits Pilates can bring to you and your overall health, head on over to your nearest studio for a Pilates class.

Or, if you are in the Santa Monica area, stop by The Tribe Pilates Studio and join us for a Pilates Class. We offer classes multiple times of the day, and we are open seven days a week. See you in class.