Things to know before going for Pilates classes

Gone are those days, when exercise meant going to the gym and pumping iron. Now, with exposure to global culture, people are taking various exercise forms which are quite prevalent in other parts of the world. One of the forms of exercise popular among the millennials as well as the baby boomers is Pilates. The popularity of Pilates classes has led to mushrooming of various Pilates training centres in metropolitan cities.

So if you were wondering if Pilate is right for you or not, this is the best time to try. If anything is holding you back from trying Pilates, then don’t wait. Pilates offers a lot of benefits to the body irrespective of your fitness background.

Pilates is a low-form full-body exercise that strengthens the muscles, improves posture alignment and flexibility. The main target is core but also works on the other parts of the body.

Few things need to be known before going for Pilates-

·   Two types of pilates classes-

1.  Mat classes

2.  Reformer classes

The classes for Pilates in Reigate are either based on the mat which is thicker than a yoga mat or machine is known as reformer which is a sliding platform that has stationary foot bar, springs and pulleys to provide resistance.

The focus of both types of classes is to strengthen and stabilize the body rather than exhausting muscles. In reformer class, muscles are lifted against gravity for strengthening. Even springs or bands are used to add more agility to muscles.

·   Know a few other pieces of equipment

While mat Pilates doesn’t require any equipment, reformer classes are comprised of different types of equipment to strengthen the body. The few common pieces are-

Ø  The Wunda which is a low-chair with springs and padding

Ø  The Cadillac which looks little like a bed

Ø  The spine corrector

Ø  The high chair

Ø  The magic circle which is used between legs for creating resistance

Before choosing reformer classes, learn about how to use the equipment safely.

·   Feels soreness for a few days

You might not be able to do high-intensity exercises such as jump squats, lifting dumbbells or body-weight exercises in the beginning. For the novice, the trainer would give the easier version, that you can perform each movement effectively and build strength. Doing these exercises for the 1st time might lead to muscle soreness the next day. Soreness is a sign of your muscle getting broken and becoming stronger again. So don’t skip class if your body is feeling sore.

·   Works on several groups of muscles

Pilates not only focuses on specific muscles but the whole body. The focus is on the core and trunk that helps to bring stability to the body.

Pilates has been defined for the core and abdominal muscles that includes the entire body i.e. the hips, the inner or outer thighs and the back.

·   Wear form-fitting clothes and socks are very essential

Do you wear loose clothes? With Pilates, you will have to wear body-hugging clothes. This allows the trainer to see your movements better. It is also to prevent your clothes from getting stuck in springs or other equipment.

You can choose to be barefoot or wear socks. This will help to navigate in and out of the straps with ease.

Pilates stretches strengthen and aligns the body at the same time. This is the best form of exercise that prepares the body for every movement. Join Pilates classes in Reigate and work with professional and certified experienced trainers. They help in bringing stability and strength to your body and make you feel good about yourself.