Nervous about starting Pilates?

Something I hear frequently from new clients enquiring about my classes, is that they are hesitant to start because they don’t believe they are flexible enough and won’t be able to perform the movements and as a result, embarrass themselves.

Do you know what happens 9 times out of 10?

They completely surprise themselves at how different a Pilates class is to what they pictured in their minds.

Maybe people think I will force them to stand on their head?!?

(FYI – I can’t stand on my head nor have I ever tried. I am way too much of a wuss for that).

So for the reasons above, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on this topic and HOPEFULLY convince some of you to give Pilates a go, because it truly can change the way you view your health and fitness for the better.

I think the biggest misconception about Pilates comes from people’s confusion about the differences between Yoga and Pilates, most likely fuelled by images on social media that don’t necessarily show the reality of a class.

What most people don’t know is that Pilates is very much a rehab based form of exercise. That is how it originated and what it is predominantly used for. Yes – it is a great all body toning workout and is very effective at strengthening your core and giving you a more defined booty!

BUT it is not about fancy poses and looking like a Victoria secret model.

Want to know the reality of one of my Pilates classes?

• I have people aged between 20-65 years’ young

• Pregnant ladies

• People with Injured hips, elbows, shoulders etc

• ALL different fitness levels (beginner, intermediate & advanced).

There is a regression and progression for every single Pilates exercise so you can always start off slow and progress to the more challenging variations. In fact, most of the exercises we do are boring to look at hence why they don’t make it to Instagram or Facebook!

SO if you have been wanting to try Pilates but are waiting to get fit and flexible – don’t be silly!

Book yourself into a class and you will realise it’s much more practical than it can appear on Instagram, and less about how far you can lift your leg in the air or bend your back.

WRITTEN BY | ALEX RICHARDSON