Nervous about your first pilates class?

Going to a group fitness class can be nerve wracking. You may feel out of place or unco-ordinated, especially if everyone else seems to know what they are doing. I know I certainly did my first time trying Pilates! Here are my top tips to smashing your first Pilates session.

What to do the first time you try pilates

1. Arrive a little early to your pilates class.

   This will give you enough time to see the space, learn where things are, and pick your spot in the room. As a beginner it’s good to choose somewhere that you can see the instructor as well as some of the other class participants, so that you have people to follow.

   
   

2. Wear clothing you feel comfortable in.

As a general rule in Pilates, traditional workout clothes are worn – think an exercise top/crop and tights, usually with socks (you can often buy Pilates specific grip socks at studios). When picking your outfit, think about ease of movement – you want to be comfortable standing, kneeling, and laying down in the outfit you choose. Overall, your ability to move freely is more important than being fashion forward.

3.     Talk to the pilates instructor!

As an instructor, I appreciate meeting new clients and getting to know them. Why have you chosen Pilates? Do you participate in any other types of exercise? Do you have any injuries or limitations? Your instructor being aware of these things will allow them to help you make the most out of your session.

4.     Get to know the other class members.

Accountability increases your likelihood of creating and sticking to wellness habits. By meeting the others in your class, you can build relationships and rely on their expectations of you to keep you accountable. Even better – you might make some great friends!

5.     Put your phone away.

Your group Pilates class is your time to get away from everything else, settle in to the space and do something for you for 45 minutes- an hour. It may be your only time of the day to step away from your phone and reconnect with yourself.

6.     Be present in the class.

When you strip away thinking about other things going on it your day and focus on simply you, your mat, and your movement, that’s when the magic happens! The best workouts come with focus and listening to your instructors cues. Pilates rewards small movements done well over rapid, uncontrolled exercise.

7.     Don’t worry about anyone else.

If you’re anything like me, a group class can feel intimidating if you feel like you are the ‘worst’ in the class. The truth is, there is no ‘better’ or ‘worse’ in a group class, there is simply a group of people all trying their best. My best advice is to not concern yourself with what others are doing. Make the class your own and work at your level – this is where you will see results.

Above all, keep going! Every person attending was once a beginner too. Everything takes time and the more frequently you attend a group session, the more comfortable you will become.

WRITTEN BY / ANTHEA PHASEY

PILATES INSTRUCTOR BIO

As well as studying Speech Pathology, Anthea is also an instructor at Duo Pilates in Camp Hill, Brisbane. Her favourite part about being a Pilates instructor is seeing clients gain confidence in their movement, and develop a passion for Pilates themselves. To join one of Anthea’s classes, find out more here