Learning Pilates is a Process, Not a Race

Have you ever met someone who, if they aren’t good at something right away, quits? They probably are a very smart, capable person to whom things come easy. So when something is challenging, they think it isn’t for them. This is too bad, because there are many things that are worthwhile putting in the effort for – like coming to understand Pilates. 

You Will Always Be Learning in Pilates

I’ve had lots of fit, capable clients come to Pilates for the first time who were surprised how difficult it really was. I’ve also had others who thought “wow! This is easy!” Until, that is, they figured out the whole system of control, awareness, breath, etc. We all come to Pilates from our own, individual baseline – which means we all will learn in different ways and find those “ah-ha!” moments in our own time. 

I was working with a long-time client the other day.  She purchased a spine corrector for her home use and decided that it would be beneficial to do some private lessons to learn a routine of exercises on it and to be sure that she is doing them correctly.  During our first two sessions she had several ah-ha moments about her general Pilates practice.  She can now take those things to her home practice as well as her in-studio classes. 

This client happens to be a retired school teacher. As I explained how we will often go back to the foundational movements of Pilates to help our clients progress, she again lit up. “This is exactly what we do in school, too!If they aren’t understanding what’s being taught, we break it down to review the basics. This helps them to build confidence, autonomy, and continue to grow in their learning.” Just like in Pilates! 

Sometimes You Need a Different Point of View

Going back to the basics to understand a more challenging exercise is one way you’ll learn the complexities of Pilates. Another tool is, quite simply, time. This client has been doing Pilates for many years, but there were things she’d heard me say that didn’t always make sense or she forgot about the cues she’d been given. 

As a teacher, I know some clients aren’t ready for certain cues, but they will as they progress. In other instances, they need to hear that cue in a different way, maybe even by a different teacher. It happens with everyone, because we all learn (and teach) differently. As much as we try to teach for each client’s needs, a fresh perspective may be just what they need once in a while. That’s why I love going to Pilates conferences or workshops and trying classes at different studios when I travel. 

The Process is the Point

For some strange reason, I find that many people think they should just “get” that new fitness activity and be able to do it right away. Maybe when you are young? Maybe – or maybe not. Nonetheless, whether you are at the gym working out, doing a Pilates class, or trying HIIT for the first time, you aren’t there to compete. It’s not about nailing the exercise right away – it’s about doing the workout to better yourself. You should feel better, get stronger, and reduce stress with exercise, not obsess about being perfect. Even in competitive races, most people there are wanting to do their own personal best. 

It’s about feeling good and creating a life of longevity. And it might take you baby steps. Think about how far you’ve come from being in your twenties… or from that clueless kid in highschool… or even that optimistic little kid in grade two. We are constantly learning, yet as adults, we sometimes forget that. Setbacks will happen, but we can adjust and keep going! 

Listen to Joseph

I love this quote from Joseph Pilates: “Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavour.” Pilates was more than exercise to Joe, the creator of Pilates. It was a lifestyle. He wanted to help you “Return to Life” through movement in a continuous, evolving way. So, will you ever be perfect at Pilates? I’m definitely not! But I’m still learning and moving, and hope to continue to do so for years to come. And you can do the same.