When you first start practicing Pilates everything is new. Getting familiar with the exercises and general set of the equipment is a big part of the progress you will make. Then progress will slow down some and be less evident. You will definitely have exercises that challenge you more than you might like. You could even feel a bit stuck with your progress at some point. That’s ok, it happens! How do we make progress?
Here are 4 great ways to make progress in your Pilates practice:
1. Take some private lessons. In a private session, the teacher is able to focus on you 100%. Finding ways to help you with those exercises that you may be having trouble with. Multiple apparatus may be used during the session, which can help you to find the connection in your body that you might be missing when trying to do your “goal” exercise. One on one sessions can give you cues and a new awareness of how you are moving to help you to approach these exercises differently when you are in a class setting.
2. Add variety to your Pilates practice; do both mat and apparatus classes. The purpose of the apparatus is to assist you in finding the connections within your body that you are having trouble finding on the mat. The springs do add resistance and give assistance, while the mat is all you! You’ll be amazed by the progress you start to make when you do both.
3. Do more Pilates! Commit to doing an additional class each week. Two to four is ideal. Try to mix it up, if you do mat add in an apparatus class. Joseph Pilates wanted everyone to practice Pilates every day.
4. Do Pilates at home! But how? There are online subscriptions, Youtube videos or Skype sessions. I can help too! My online classes are coming your way. For $15.00/month plus GST, you can subscribe to b.Pilates & Fitness online classes.
AND if you are looking for more than Pilates, online Fitness & Pilates package options will also be available with the b.PILATES & FITNESS App. Watch for the official launch of these new services in the near future!
Pilates takes practice, variety, and commitment in order for you to progress towards achieving your goals.
Will Pilates get easier? Yes and no. As you progress you will become more comfortable with the names of the exercises, the sequencing, and set up of the equipment. As well as more aware of how to move with less effort and more efficiency. It also gets challenging as you become more aware of your movement, breathing, connection with the equipment. This is one of the reasons why I love Pilates. I strive to help my clients to discover the same love!