Preparing for Your First Pilates Class: 5 Simple Tips
You've heard about the amazing core strengthening and flexibility benefits of pilates and you're ready to take the plunge! You've paid for your class package, picked a time that works and are getting ready to head out to your first class. But wait, what do you bring? What do you wear? How do you prepare?
Here are a few easy tips to ease you into your first pilates class:
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Pilates clothes should allow full movement
Wear clothing that is comfortable and allows you to move freely. Too much bulk will get in the way and possibly get caught in the springs if you are doing a private machine session. Clothes that are too tight will restrict movement. Wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows you to see your form and stays in place once you start moving. Women may wear yoga pants and a t-shirt or tank top. Men may wear t-shirts and wear long workout pants. Both men and women may be asked to wear socks, depending on the studio.
Pilates and Perfume Don't Mix
Please do not wear heavily scented lotions or other products. The scent in most mainstream products are produced by synthetics chemicals that can set off reactions including headaches. Breathing properly is an important part of pilates work and when you instructed to inhale and exhale deeply, you don't want to be forced to smell your neighbor. What is a pleasant smell to you may not be pleasant to someone else.
Keep Your Bling at Home
It's also a good idea to avoid large jewelry. Necklaces may press uncomfortably on your throat when you're lying down and big earrings may get in the way when you are in side-lying positions or resting your head between the shoulder rests on the Reformer. Big rings may get in the way when you are doing arm work with the straps, pole or ropes in your hands.
Gentlemen, Keep Your Family Jewels in the Family
A special note for men: in pilates you may spend time in with your legs in the air or in fully inverted (upside-down) positions. If you come to pilates in your regular running shorts, they will slide down when you lift your legs and show whatever's underneath. If you must wear running shorts, please wear bike shorts underneath.
I've had a few gentlemen come to their workouts wearing loose running shorts and nothing underneath. Usually what happens is that other clients complain until the person starts showing up in more appropriate attire. You don't want to be that guy. (By the way, these clients were quite lovely and devoted to pilates, just unaware that their attire was effecting the environment of others.)
Toe socks look weird but work great for pilates (via PilatesGuy)
Prepare Your Instructor So We Can Prepare You
At the beginning of your session your instructor will introduce themselves. They will ask if you have any special conditions, injuries or issues that may effect your session. For the sake of your safety and success, please be truthful. You don't have to reveal your entire medical history. Just let us know if you have any issues that may effect your movement, coordination and balance: muscoskeletal issues, recent pregnancies, medication, etc. Based on that information, your instructor will avoid or emphasize certain aspects of your workout.
Don't let embarrassment keep you from sharing important information. Your instructor is a professional body worker and has probably heard it all.
Some of the issues clients have brought to my attention include painful scar tissue from breast cancer surgeries, neck or back pain, rotator cuff injuries, knee replacements and bladder issues which require frequent bathroom breaks. Whatever it is, most likely we can accommodate it and still program a great workout for you.
Let me emphasize again that we need to know what we are working with before you start the workout. I've been halfway through a session when a client will say, "oh yeah, my doctor said I should not do that because of my blood clot" or "that hurts the rib I cracked this weekend." Inform us before before we start your session so we align with your doctor's recommendations and don't exacerbate any special conditions.
Don't drop a bomb on your instructor mid-session! Tell us about injuries or special conditions ahead of time.
This Could Be the Start of a Beautiful Relationship
If you and your instructor are a good match, you will likely have an on-going relationship. As with all relationships, establish a foundation of trust that includes open communication and being 100% present during your time together. It's a fairly simple commitment that will get to your fitness goals a lot faster!