Is Pilates the Right Fit for You?
Are you tired of your regular workout routine and looking to try something new? Pilates may be just what you need!
Perhaps you have heard of Pilates, but don’t know what it’s all about. Maybe a friend or celebrity mentioned they are doing Pilates workouts, which piqued your attention. Not knowing about something new can be intimidating and prevent you from trying it.
Today, I’ll shed some light on the topic of Pilates and introduce you to our studio, Coreworks, with locations in Columbia and Maple Lawn, MD.
Here are some of the main reasons people start practicing the Pilates method:
- Physical pain or injury: Many people seek out Pilates to address specific physical pain or injuries.
- Injury prevention: Athletes, dancers, and the aging population often begin Pilates with the specific desire to improve movement patterns, strength, and flexibility to prevent injuries.
- Difficulty finding an exercise routine that works: Some people may struggle to find an exercise routine that they enjoy and that provides results.
- Feeling intimidated by other exercise options: Some people may feel intimidated by other exercise options, such as high-intensity workouts or weightlifting, or simply the gym environment.
- Lack of motivation: Some people may struggle with motivation to exercise regularly and desire a skilled teacher to support them and hold them accountable.
- Looking for a form of exercise that has mental and emotional benefits as well.
If you're new to Pilates or looking for a Pilates class to take your fitness to the next level, it can be overwhelming to choose the suitable class for your goals and ability level. At Coreworks Pilates Studio, we want to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the philosophy and principles of the Pilates method and its benefits, what to expect in a class, the different types of Pilates classes we offer at Coreworks, and how to choose the right one for you.
What is Pilates?
First, let's start with the basics. Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening and lengthening the muscles, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. Pilates exercises are performed on a mat or with Pilates equipment, such as the Reformer, Tower, and Chair. Each class at Coreworks Pilates Studio is led by a certified instructor who will guide you through the exercises and help you with proper form and alignment.
Benefits of Pilates at Coreworks Pilates Studio:
- Improved posture and alignment
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Increased strength, particularly in the core muscles
- Reduced stress and improved mental clarity
- Better balance and coordination
- Reduced risk of injury
What to Expect:
- A welcoming and supportive environment
- Certified and experienced instructors who will guide you through each class
- A focus on proper form and technique to ensure safety and effectiveness
- Small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and feedback
- A variety of class formats to suit your goals and fitness level
- A community of fellow students who share your passion for Pilates and wellness
Tips for Getting Started:
- Set realistic expectations: It's important to understand that Pilates is a practice that requires consistent effort and dedication to see results. While some people may feel the benefits after just a few classes, others may need more time to see changes in their body and mind.
- Build a foundation before progressing: Many foundational concepts must be learned before the progressions can be effectively experienced in your body. Like the saying, "You must learn to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run," the foundational level classes are a must for anyone new to our studio and Pilates. Some students get so much out of this level, that they keep coming back for years.
- Wear comfortable clothing: It's best to wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely and won't get in the way during exercises. Avoid baggy clothing or anything with zippers, buttons, or other embellishments that could dig into your skin during movements.
- Communicate with your instructor: Let your instructor know if you have any injuries, health concerns, or physical limitations that may affect your ability to participate in certain exercises. They can modify exercises to suit your needs and help you avoid aggravating any existing conditions.
- Focus on your breath: Breath is an important part of the Pilates practice, and it can help you connect with your movements and improve your mind-body awareness. It is a great way to presence yourself and let go of worries and responsibilities during your self-care time. Try to breathe deeply and consistently throughout your practice, and use your breath to help you engage your core and move with control. Your instructors will suggest both how to breathe as well as when to breathe. This can take some time to feel comfortable with, so if you get lost or confused, just keep breathing!
- Be patient and persistent: Pilates is a practice that requires patience and persistence. Don't get discouraged if you find some exercises difficult at first, and don't be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from your instructor. With consistent effort and practice, you will begin to see improvements in your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
- Stay hydrated: Pilates can be a challenging workout, so it's important to stay hydrated throughout your practice. Bring a water bottle with you to class and take sips as needed.
- Be your own best advocate: You are the expert of you. If something doesn’t feel good, or if you feel pain, don’t do it. Take a rest or ask your instructor for a modification.
- Pilates can aid in your stress management: Because of the mind-body nature of the practice, Pilates is meant to aid in relieving stress, not adding to it. Life can be stressful enough without adding a workout as another form of stress. If you feel stressed during a class, slow down, take a break, and take a few breaths.
- Enjoy the process: Above all, remember that Pilates is a practice that can be both challenging and rewarding. Focus on the process of learning and growing, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits that come with consistent practice.
Now, let's dive into the different types of Pilates classes we offer at Coreworks Pilates Studio (The first four on the list are all a great place to start for a beginner):
- Reformer Foundations: This class is perfect for first-timers or experienced students seeking a deeper level of understanding of the Pilates method. The class focuses on spinal alignment, movement, breath, strength, and flexibility. It's appropriate for all levels, regardless of fitness background. Start here and stay at this level as long as you like. In this class, we do not stand on the reformer without holding on, kneel while pulling on the straps, and invert the hips above the shoulders.
- Tower Foundations: Similar to Reformer Foundations, Tower Foundations is designed to teach the fundamentals of the Tower and the Pilates method. This class also focuses on spinal alignment, movement, breath, strength, and flexibility. It's suitable for all levels, including first-timers and experienced students.
- Pilates Mat Repertoire: Suitable for all levels, Pilates Mat Repertoire utilizes the Pilates Mat series of exercises and adds in Pilates props such as the small ball, circle, and bands. The class is performed on the tower platforms and may incorporate some moves with springs.
- Stretch & Release: This mixed equipment class is suitable for all levels and uses various myofascial release tools and Pilates equipment to help you recover from the physical and emotional stress of everyday activities. The class can correct imbalances, improve posture and movement patterns, and reduce overall stress.
- Reformer Progressions: This class offers progressions from the foundational level exercises. This class focuses on building strength, and control, and incorporating Pilates principles. This is considered an intermediate to advanced, mixed-level class for students with Pilates experience (at least 3 Reformer Foundations classes or privates required). In this class, we may include weight bearing on hands, standing exercises without holding on, inversions, and tall kneeling while pulling the straps.
- Tower Progressions: This class offers progressions from the foundational level exercises. Tower Progressions uses spring resistance to assist or challenge your workout, incorporating Pilates principles for a total body resistance workout. The class focuses on control of movement, increasing flexibility, strength, and balance. This is considered an intermediate to advanced, mixed-level class for students with Pilates experience (at least 3 Tower Foundations classes or privates required).
- Mixed Progressions: This class offers progressions from the foundational level exercises that require a strong understanding of the Pilates method and body awareness. The class often includes the reformer, tower, arc barrel, magic circle, and some mat work. This is considered an intermediate to advanced, mixed-level class for students with Pilates experience (at least 3 Tower and Reformer Foundations classes or privates required).
- Reformer Jump: This intermediate-level class utilizes the Jumpboard to elevate your heart rate while performing Pilates strength and conditioning exercises and abdominal work. It's faster-paced than other reformer classes and requires Pilates experience (at least 3 Reformer Foundations classes or privates required).
- Athletic Pilates: For intermediate to advanced students, Athletic Pilates uses all Pilates equipment to build strength and balance. It's suitable for students with previous equipment experience who are comfortable working standing, kneeling, and weight-bearing on their hands (at least 3 Reformer progressions classes or privates required).
- Advanced Progressions: This intermediate to advanced class uses all Pilates equipment to build on the Pilates repertoire, principles, and methodology. In each class, you will progress to more advanced variations of the classic Pilates exercises. Previous equipment experience is required. Students must be comfortable working standing, kneeling, and weight-bearing on their hands. Reformer Foundations AND Progressions experience or privates required.
Now that you know the different types of classes we offer, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are a few tips:
- Consider your fitness goals: What do you want to achieve through Pilates? If you're looking to build a solid foundation of the method, increase core strength and improve your posture, a Foundations or Pilates Mat Class might be the best place to start. If you want to challenge yourself and take your practice to the next level, a Progressions, Jump, or Athletic class might be a better fit.
- Consider your ability level: If you're new to Pilates, start with a Foundations or Pilates Mat Class. As you become more comfortable with the exercises and your form improves, you can move on to Progressions classes. The intermediate to advanced classes will require your ability to stand with good balance, weight bare on your wrists and knees, and advocate for yourself to choose an appropriate level of variation offered.
- Talk to your instructor: Our certified Pilates instructors are here to help you choose the right class for your fitness goals and ability level. If you're unsure which class to take, talk to your instructor before class. They can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.
At Coreworks Pilates Studio, we believe that Pilates is more than just a workout. It's a way to improve your overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Our classes are designed to challenge your body and mind, and our supportive community will help you achieve your fitness goals. Come try a class today and experience the benefits of Pilates for yourself!
If you are new to Coreworks, we recommend starting with the New Student Special offer. We have two classrooms in our Columbia location and one classroom in our Maple Lawn location, located inside the Coreworks Gym. All of our class packages and memberships are valid for both studios. Be sure to double-check the location of the classes you are registering.
We can’t wait to see you in a class!
Sara Raymond and Fran Berndt, Owners
