Pilates isn’t easy. But, what’s your definition of difficult?
If you want to provoke a strong, aghast, reaction from a Pilates instructor or enthusiast, simply say something along the lines of, “Pilates is mostly stretching, right?”
Um, no. Not even close.
The truth is that many people find Pilates to be one of the most challenging workouts they’ve ever done. But because proper execution of the Pilates exercises depends so heavily upon a mind-body connection, it is absolutely possible to get through a Pilates class feeling like not much happened, even if your limbs moved in all the right directions.
Translation: You can cheat at Pilates.
Emphasis in a Pilates class is directed towards the small, stabilizing muscles that improve posture, protect joints and optimize biomechanics, and most people, especially those involved in lifelong sports and activities, don’t usually pay those muscles much attention. When these clients enter their first Pilates class and default in their movement to use of the big muscle groups, they can feel like the exercises are easy to complete.
However, once the client is successful at re-patterning the movement, finding and activating the smaller muscle groups, the challenge of the Pilates method begins in earnest. Clients will feel worked after a Pilates class, but in a completely different way than they feel after, say, a long run or a heavy weight-lifting session.
Therefore, do not enter your first Pilates class expecting to feel completely exhausted when you’re done. You might leave feeling worked from the inside-out, or you might leave wondering if you accomplished anything at all. It is probably best to suspend expectations for your first few Pilates sessions and to keep your mind open to whatever your body might want to share with you.
Are you going to magically drop 30 pounds by attending Pilates classes? No. Are you going to begin to develop a new kind of respect for your body that will lead to making better choices to promote your overall health and wellbeing? Yes.
Rest assured, the Pilates method works. Joseph Pilates famously said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a new body.”
2. Pilates doesn’t get easier. But you will get better at it.
One of the confusing aspects of the Pilates method is that it becomes more challenging with experience. Do not be surprised if there are exercises that are done during your first few classes that you do not connect with at all. It is very common for clients to request heavier springs or more resistance when they begin Pilates classes, but to be quite challenged by the same resistance after numerous sessions. Instructors hear this all the time, “When did this exercise get so hard??”
It is likely the case that for your first couple of classes, your body is learning how to recruit the correct muscles to do the movement. Until you learn how to get in touch with those smaller, inner muscles, the bigger, outer muscles will take over. Absolutely nothing in the Pilates repertoire is “easy” when done correctly, with proper muscle recruitment and intention.
The good news is that you will get better at performing the Pilates exercises! With experience and practice, you will feel your body connecting to the exercises on a deeper level. You will notice how you are able to lengthen through a movement rather than hold it in tension, and you will begin to sense that your body is starting to move as an integrated, harmonious whole, as opposed to being composed of disjointed parts. This is the beauty of Pilates!
3. Pilates is a uniquely personal experience. There is no competition in Pilates.
Once you know the fundamentals of the Pilates method, your journey begins! You will be more in tune with how your body is moving and what it needs in that moment, in that movement. What others in the same class are experiencing will undoubtedly be different. In essence, students of the Pilates method become their own teachers, and the lesson needed by each body will change on a daily basis. There is always something new and different to find, even in movements that you have practiced repeatedly.
Because a Pilates practice is such an individualized experience, a competitive atmosphere runs contrary to the method. Be prepared to feel supported and encouraged in your Pilates class, rather than shamed into performing movements in quality or quantity that your body can’t complete responsibly. Everyone in a Pilates class is on their own journey, moving at their own pace.
4. A consistent Pilates practice will increase your overall happiness.
The objective of a consistent Pilates practice, as stated by Joseph Pilates, is, “to be in control of your body and not at its mercy.” When we move through life feeling that our bodies are holding us hostage, our minds begin processing all experiences and external stimuli accordingly. Whether because of chronic pain or impinged mobility, a blocked body nurtures a blocked mind.
Luckily, the reverse is also true. Once clients begin to connect with their bodies through responsible movement, they begin to feel “in charge” of their bodies as opposed to existing separately from their physical selves. An open, strong body nurtures an open, strong mind.
As clients begin to feel released from the grasp of dysfunctional bodies, they inevitably feel an increase in overall happiness. This state of mind spills over into every area of life, even outside of the studio. Don’t be surprised if friends start to remark how happy you appear, especially immediately after a Pilates session!
5. Pilates can become addictive - in the best way.
For all of the reasons listed above, practicing the Pilates method can become something that clients can’t get enough of. It feels good to be physically challenged in new ways, to overcome those challenges, and to do it all in a supportive, encouraging environment. Instructors are frequently asked if there’s such a thing as too much Pilates.
Those who have been practicing Pilates for years commonly do at least some exercises on a daily basis, as they are comfortable moving part of their practice to a home environment. However, when clients are starting, it’s better to proceed with classes and/or private instruction so that less ideal movement patterns don’t develop early on, setting up hurdles to overcome in the future.
A once-a-week Pilates practice is great, and the client will see and feel benefit. A twice-a-week Pilates practice will result in faster noticeable results. An ideal Pilates practice depends greatly on the individual client, but consistency is key. Showing up for Pilates every couple of months is better than nothing, but significant results will be difficult to achieve. Conversely, beginning a Pilates practice by coming to class every day can lead to burnout.
Listen to your body when determining how frequently to practice this new method of movement that both your mind and your body will begin to ask for. You want to find the perfect balance of being challenged and benefitted, without feeling overworked.
Move with joy and appreciate the journey!
Emma