Embarking on any new workout regimen for the first time is exciting, but as a beginner, you may not know where to start. Despite its increasing popularity, Pilates is no exception. People of all ages, genders, and fitness levels have fallen in love with Pilates, and if you are interested in giving the practice a try rest assured that there are classes well suited for beginners.
What Is Pilates?
Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, Pilates is a practice of low-impact exercises that help improve balance, increase strength, and promote better posture and flexibility. Pilates emphasizes breathwork, connecting the mind and body through exercise.
Joseph Pilates began developing the practice while working in a hospital amidst World War I, using springs connected to hospital beds to facilitate the rehabilitation of injured patients. These early iterations lead to what would later become the Pilates Reformer, an apparatus that is still in use in Pilates studios around the world today.
The beauty of Pilates– and perhaps some of its allure– is that just about anybody can do it. The movements are low-impact and can be adapted or modified to each person’s unique needs. Many people who participate in other forms of exercise, like running and yoga, find that they enjoy incorporating Pilates into their fitness routines. Pilates complements these types of workouts nicely; where Yoga promotes weight loss, Pilates improves joint health, and where running promotes cardiovascular health, Pilates helps lengthen and tone muscles.
The Benefits of Beginning Pilates
Pilates is unique in that its benefits, especially for beginners, are vast and varied, and in some cases even surprising. Many people begin a Pilates regimen because they want to tone up and build strength and endurance, but those benefits barely scratch the surface. Pilates makes positive impacts on those who practice that are so much more than what meets the eye. Those who practice Pilates experience improved concentration, greater confidence, a stronger connection between the mind and body, better balance, and improved posture.
Pilates benefits people of all ages and all skill levels. As we age we inevitably lose muscle and practicing Pilates is an excellent way to stay strong and retain muscle mass. For older people, Pilates can help the body move more freely, keep joints healthy, and reduce pain from arthritis.
One of the most significant and profound benefits of Pilates is that it can have a tremendous influence on mental health. Those who practice Pilates experience reduced levels of stress, and improved moods, and tend to feel lighter after class. Better mental health can lead to a positive impact on nearly every aspect of daily life, at work and home.
What is the best type of pilates for beginners?
While all types of Pilates classes are derived from the original method developed by Joseph Pilates, different approaches have developed over time. For the most part, every Pilates class and movement can be adapted to suit the needs of the student, however, some classes may be better for those just starting than others. Each Pilates studio will offer different classes, so when in doubt, always seek out a class with “beginner” in the title.
The two most popular types of Pilates classes are Reformer and Mat. Reformer Pilates utilizes the reformer, a modernized version of the apparatus originally invented by Joseph Pilates, as well as several props to build stability and strength. Mat Pilates only requires a mat and can be done at home or anywhere you choose to practice. While many of the movements are similar, the practices are quite different.
Ultimately, either type of class is a great option for someone new to the practice of Pilates. More than the type of Pilates class, the instructor you choose is the most important factor for a beginner, especially if you opt to begin on the reformer. You’ll want to have proper guidance to ensure you are performing each move correctly and safely, and the corrections offered by a skilled instructor are invaluable.
Take the First Step at Marathon Pilates
While beginning any new pursuit can be equal parts thrilling and overwhelming, Pilates is known for being beginner friendly and can be easily incorporated into nearly any lifestyle or fitness regimen. At Marathon Pilates, our team of expert instructors looks forward to helping you achieve your wellness goals, improve your fitness, and develop the truly invaluable connection between breath, body, and mind. We offer Pilates classes for beginners, intermediate, and experts.
