Going to Pilates for the first time tomorrow. Any tips?

[Wiifitmama]

I normally run and do BodyPump class, but have injured my hamstring or a knee ligament (seeing specialist and having MRI next week). I am going slowly insane on complete rest and he physio therapist I have been seeing said I could try Pilates as it will be gentle on the knee but also help with my complete lack of flexibility which has probably contributed to my injury.

So I have never done pilates or yoga or anything like that. I am wondering if anyone has any tips for me...things they wish they had been told the first time they did it. This will be a full and busy class and I doubt the teacher will have any time to instruct me individually. I know in Body pump I see such bad form on people and really wish the teacher told them, so if anyone could give me things I should be aware of and think about, that would be great!

Thanks. When you say 4 people, do you mean helpers? I am sure there is only the teacher at the class I am going to go to. It is at a Virgin gym and. Have seen the classes from the outside when I am there for other stuff.

How do I know it is a good/bad teacher?

Hmm... I have been to Pilates classes at 3 different gyms and they have all had a compulsory induction course before you can attend a class. I think the main thing is you need to learn the "engaging the core" technique. Some teach it as going up in the lift, others tightening the belt, whichever works for you. If you have done pelvic floor exercises, then it's similar to that (or same depending on your technique!). The other things are some of the basic postures, e.g. Shoulder bridge, single leg lift, the hundred, but a good teacher should be able to talk you through each exercise. I just find that some of them never explain or emphasise the "engage your core" bit as they presume everyone there will just automatically do that. Have fun - I love Pilates!

There woudlnt be 4 helpers in a class- 4 participants

I would also recommend seeing if the teacher will give you a couple of individual sessions first, as once you have the basics, you'll be fine!

I honestly think I just turn uo for this class, as with all other classes at Virgin, there is no booking system and no prerequisite course. Maybe I should do a bit of googling and reading up on it tonight?

Oh ok,I've never been to a Virgin gym, didn't realise you can't book! Yes, why not Google Pilates basics or something for a quick read before you go? Can't hurt!

Grab the teacher on her way in and explain its your first class. She will probably keep an eye on you then.

Its very different from Body Pump and Running. You may not get the buzz you are used to. It works for a lot of people, it worth trying.

Have you tried Aqua Aerobics?(its harder than it looks and like all exercise, the more you put in, the more you get out).

Good luck.

I am sure I will not get the buzz. I miss running and Body Pump so much and it has only been a week off. But until I have an MRI and speak to a specialist, I can't do much else. And I know deep down that I wil be allowed any proper cardio or weights for a while. I desperately need that routine of exercise so I thought the Pilates would give me that, and have the added benefit of giving me flexibility training that was lacking from my training before.

I have done aqua aerobics before. I did not find it a hard enough workout after I started to lose weight and get more fit. They do an aqua Zumba class at my gym now so perhaps I can give that a try once I Have seen the specialist. My physio said water walking was fine (but not swimming which Is a shame as that is such a good workout).

Most good teachers would limit a beginners class to a maximum of 6 to 8 participants, to ensure they can keep a good eye on how everyone is doing. If they have a large group, or it is not tailored for beginners, I would avoid it and find another class.
Pilates is a very different way of using your body to aerobics classes. You might find it a bit subtle at first. I would just say be open minded about it, stick at it as Fio said, and after a few classes it might just click with you. I love it, it is very holistic, and it makes you feel better in so many ways, so I hope you enjoy it.

Sorry this is a bit late and I guess you've already been to the class. How did you find it? I've found Pilates very useful, I've been doing it for 2 years now and it's really helped with various knee and pelvic issues I had. My only advice would be to give it a few goes as the exercises are subtle and it takes a while to understand what you need to be doing. Like someone else said it's about connecting individual muscles and it's easy to do it "wrong" and not get the full benefit. You will not usually feel stiff afterwards, they are quite gentle. For everything you do you need to "engage the core", so basically tighten up pelvic floor plus all the abdominal muscles. Some instructors call it "navel to spine". Or imagine you have a ball in your belly and you're trying to move it upwards starting from your pelvis, up towards your stomach so "zipping up" your abs. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the class!

At David Lloyd you are only allowed to join a Pilates class if you have done a 6 week induction course.

It is really important that you learn the basics properly.

If they do let you in, you must tell the teacher that you have never done it before, otherwise you risk not doing the exercises properly.