Is Pilates Good for Beginners?

Potential clients often ask me if we teach beginners. The simple answer is yes – of course! Everyone who does Pilates was a beginner at some point. But I think what they are really asking is, will they be able to do it? Will they look silly as a newbie? Are they too old, out of shape, or out of practice to get started? Starting a new activity as an adult can be intimidating, so we’ve done everything we can to make you feel comfortable, confident, and successful in the b.Pilates & Fitness studios. 

Life Happens!

There are many ages and stages to life, and that means that you are going to be more or less fit depending on what season you’re in. Things like having babies, moving to a new city, adjusting to a new career, taking care of aging parents, recovering from injury or surgery, or going from full time work into semi- or full-retirement are all reasons your level of activity may change. 

The good news is that at b.Pilates & Fitness, we pride ourselves in being welcoming and able to adapt for all ability levels. Everyone, even those who have done Pilates before, starts out with our intro sessions and the foundations of Pilates. These sessions help us get to know you and your goals and abilities, while you get to know us, learn the basics of Pilates, and get comfortable in the studio. 

Classes for Your Needs

Our classes are made up of only 2 to 5 people, depending on which of our studios you attend classes at. This means you won’t get “lost” or ignored like you might be in a bigger class. Private appointments are also a great option. For some of our clients, this is their best option until they are feeling confident or more physically ready to jump into our classes.  

We also offer a Strength & Restore class for clients who need a slower pace. These classes stick to the foundational and low intermediate exercises. Worried that this might be boring? There is no need to fear! We have over 15 various apparatuses in the classical Pilates method, and in the S&R class we will incorporate several of these in each session. I love to add in balance work or a mini circuit of some apparatuses at the end of a reformer or tower workout. There is always something new for us to work on.

Our other classes are suited for all levels. The more advanced clients can be guided to add in additional exercises while newer students will be helped to learn and improve their technique.

Pilates is Very Adaptable

The beautiful thing about the classical Pilates method is that everyone starts with the foundations and then each individual progresses based on their abilities. I have recently started teaching a brand new client who had never done Pilates. She started with the foundations and was able to take every correction I gave her, adjust, and she was very soon doing more intermediate exercises. To be fair, she is an athlete; very strong, a former power lifter, and a runner. But she had some of the typical injuries that athletes get, and Pilates was recommended to her. She has already commented that she’s much more aware of how she moves, particularly when she runs.  

On the other end of the spectrum we have a client with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Private lessons at our West Studio (no stairs there) are the best option for him. We do lots of foundational exercises and have to get creative with the springs and props. He finds that he can move better after a Pilates session.  

We Are Ready For You

So do we accept clients who are total beginners? Heck yes! Pilates is very adaptable and is meant to meet you at where you are at.  Our teachers have extensive movement education and are passionate about helping each of our clients build strength, awareness, and control and leave our studios feeling better than they did when they arrived.