Finding the right Pilates class for you can be a minefield! There are so many different variations of Pilates classes.  It’s important to know what you are really signing up for and making sure it’s right for you.

Finding the right Class for you!

A friend of mine who doesn’t live near me recently asked me for advise about attending a Pilates class. She had a bad back and had been recommend to do Pilates.  She booked into her first class told me about it and was looking forward to it!  After the class she texted me and said “it was interesting, a lot of plank work, tummy and legs feel a bit funny and head a bit fizzy!”  Well I was shocked and after a bit more questioning it wasn’t a beginners class she had been to but a Fitness Pilates class.  These are great but with some knowledge of the Pilates technique and knowing your own limitations.  There are lots of variations of Pilates being taught e.g. Fitness Pilates , Yogalates, Hot HITT Pilates.  These all have there place but my advise is to learn the Pilates technique first so you know your limitations before trying something else!

All teachers teach differently so it hard to compare. There are basic things you want to look out for when signing up for a class. It’s good to look into the teachers qualifications, you can Google their training course online.  There are so many different ones out there, too many to list. You want your Teacher to be at least Level 3 Pilates Qualification.

It’s always good to try and speak to the teacher and have a chat about what class would be best for you.  If you have never done Pilates before then a Beginners class is the one you want.  Everyone will be in the same situation and the class can go at a slower pace while you learn the technique!  Why not read our blog “Does going to a Pilates Class Fill you with Fear”  as this might answer some other questions you have too.

 

What to expect..

Before you start you should be given a medical screening form.  Usually a PAR Q form which might look something like this.  This will make sure that you think about any medical conditions that maybe you need to talk to your Doctor about first.  It also gives the teacher an idea of what she might need to adapt!

During the class..

The teacher should tell you the

• Name of the move you are doing.
• What it’s working
• Where you should be feeling it
• Where you shouldn’t be feeling it!
• Options for all exercises.  Everyone progresses at different rates but that ok.  It’s about you!

The teacher might also ask you if it’s ok to touch you! This is so they can put you in the correct position if you aren’t quite getting it.  This is normal and a great way to see how it should feel!

Once you have found your class be patient, to be taught well takes time and you might not feel you have done anything for the first few sessions!  Believe me as soon as you start to progress you will start to notice the different and hopefully fall in love with Pilates as many do!

To get the benefits from Pilates then you need to do

sessions regularly.

So why not try our 7 day FREE trail of 10 minute Pilates

Online.

   10 minute practise videos to keep you going between

classes or instead of!

Click HERE to find out more.