Have you been exercising regularly every day? For those of you who have been exercising regularly or even not at all active, Pilates exercises can be the right choice to vary your exercise routine.
Pilates exercises are very flexible, you can do them in a fitness studio or even in your own home. There are already various Pilates movement tutorial videos that you can follow at home, or if you want to improve your Pilates movement skills, you can go to a studio and try Pilates with special tools, such as the Pilates Reformer , Cadillac Pilates, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, and others.
However, before you decide to go to a Pilates class, it's a good idea to get to know Pilates better first. There are also a few things you should know about Pilates before trying it, so that you don't get discouraged and instead get addicted to continuing to practice Pilates.
Also read:What is Wunda Chair? Here are the Benefits and How to Use It
Here are some things you should know before trying Pilates exercises:
Try a Mat Pilates class
Indeed, Reformer Pilates classes are currently popular, but for those of you who are new to Pilates, you should try Mat Pilates first. Starting with Mat Pilates before finally trying Reformer can help because it allows the body to better understand how to support and maintain balance during exercise.
Once you feel comfortable and have started to get used to the Pilates movements, then you are ready to try exercises with Pilates equipment, such as the Reformer or even the Cadillac. Don't forget to tell the Pilates instructor that you are still at a beginner level, so that you will be more directed to do movements that are appropriate to your abilities.
Pilates doesn't always require equipment
For those of you who are still beginners, the only equipment needed to take a Pilates class is a mat. It is natural to be curious to try Pilates equipment, but it is better for you to first get to know more deeply the movements and postures of the body during Pilates correctly, before switching. to the next stage of Pilates.
Once you have mastered the Pilates Mat class, you can try Pilates exercises with equipment such as the Pilates Cadillac, Pilates Reformer, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, or Ladder Barrel . Whatever Pilates class you take, be sure to let the instructor know that you are a beginner. That way, the instructor will be watching and correcting you during the class.
Some movements in Pilates classes may be repetitive.
The movements in Pilates classes, especially for beginners, may be more repetitive. Don't get bored yet, because this can also provide many benefits, especially to introduce Pilates to those of you who are still at the beginner level.
Some Pilates movements that are commonly done in beginner classes are:
- The Hundred, a breathing exercise that is also good for increasing core muscle strength and stability.
- Roll-Up, is a slow and intense movement to stretch the spine and back of the body and strengthen the abdominal muscles.
- Leg Circles, a movement that strengthens the hips and core muscles.
- Rolling Like a Ball, an exercise that massages the spine and opens the back.
- Series of 5, is a group of movements that aim to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles.
As you become more comfortable with these movements, you can progress to the next level of Pilates exercises that will challenge your muscles more.
Your muscles may feel “spicy” during exercise.
Even if you don't do high-intensity exercises like lifting heavy weights, Pilates can still make your muscles feel "spicy".
You don't need to worry, because this is a common thing when you train your muscles with exercise. Especially for those of you who have not been active before, the pain or soreness in your muscles may last a week or even longer. This pain will eventually disappear on its own. You should also not stop exercising, because this is actually a good sign that your muscles will be active again.
Wear comfortable clothes
When doing Pilates you may be advised to wear tighter clothing. This is because your instructor can see your Pilates movements better. Tighter clothing also prevents your clothes from getting caught on springs or other equipment.
For footwear, you can go barefoot or wear socks that have grip on the bottom. Do not wear regular socks, as this will put you at a higher risk of slipping during your workout.
Create a Pilates workout schedule
The enthusiasm for practicing Pilates every day may be felt by some people, especially beginners who have just discovered the fun of practicing Pilates. However, you don't need to do this. Exercising every day is actually ineffective, because your body also needs a day or two to recover from doing intense exercises like Pilates.
Also, don't make Pilates your only exercise. Try to also do cardio and weight training regularly so that your body will be fitter overall.
You can even use Pilates to help with post-workout or even post-injury recovery. Pilates can also be a “warm-up” for your muscles before facing an intense weight lifting session.
Read again: Similar But Not the Same, These Are the Differences Between Pilates and Yoga
Do Pilates movements carefully
Mild muscle soreness after Pilates may be normal, however, do not ignore it if the pain is very intense, as this could indicate an injury. Overdoing Pilates, especially if you are new to exercising, can cause muscles to become overly tense.
To avoid injury, especially if you are a beginner, try to do the movements slowly. Focus each movement on your body, do the movements as precisely as possible so that you can avoid injury.
Additionally, you can also consider taking a private Pilates class, so the instructor can really focus on you. This also helps you to do Pilates movements correctly so that you can avoid injuries.
How, it's not difficult right? Start your Pilates practice now!
