Pilates class - total novice, what to expect/wear?

[flewlady]

I'm nearly 550 and want to incorporate some exercise in my life but need to start gently. I'm a bit gym-phobic so thought some pilates would be a good place to start.

I'm expecting lots of stretching and stuff, is that correct?

Also, sorry to be a bit dim but not sure what to wear - I have no gym kit at all. What should I go and buy to fit in? I don't want to make a fashion statement - I just want to not feel like a prat

I look damn good for 550 is I do say so myself!

In truth, I'm only nearly 50

It depends on your instructor, mines is hardcore so pushes us quite a bit!

It's lots of core work so laughing will hurt the next day!

If you can, wear a tight fitting top - even one under a looser top if you want, as you risk exposing yourself during some manoeuvres!

Also you may feel the urge to fart... This means you're doing it right!

Leggings and a vest and bare feet, take a towel and some water!

Great, thanks! I was worried I'd have to go and get some posh trainers or something! Thanks for the tip about the tighter top, will go and buy some leggings today.

All the yoga pants I have seen are loose and baggy so I wasn't sure what to get.

Thanks :)

Fart? OMG - I hope I don't, I'd be mortified It's taken a shedload of courage to even sign up to do any exercise! I hadn't banked on sharing that much of myself!!

I don't like yoga pants as they are too flappy and personally get in my way, nothing worse than putting your legs in the air and them tumbling down to reveal hairy legs!

Good point! I'd never thought of any of these things - I'm glad you're here :)

Leggings and vestie type top will be perfect. We don't wear shoes during our classes so don't go out to specially buy a pair.

Remember to take it slow. If you feel you cant carry on with the particular exercise then stop. Some people in class will be fitter and can do more if they have been going regularly. Don't try to keep up with them. If you overdo it you will be sore and it will put you off going next time.

Your instructor will ask you if you have any injuries, so be honest with her/him if you have. They need to know this as she will tell you do to an exercise a different way if, for eg, you have a back problem.

Enjoy it. I always feel great after a class.

Hi - I'm nearly 50 too and do quite a bit of pilates so can tell you what the well dressed, slightly more mature, pilates crowd are wearing

No need for trainers - its always barefoot. I think tighter/capri bottoms are the best (like running ones) - trackie bottoms or yoga pants are too flappy. As someone said, I favour a long vest, then tend to wear a T shirt over the top. I wear a sports bra under the vest as it holds you in, but no real need. If you were going to splash out on one new bit of kit, I would make it a proper long line vest (Sweaty Betty do some really good yoga ones).

Otherwise Gap have some really good and reasonably priced kit.

i have never farted during pilates and as I am otherwise happily windy I wouldn't worry too much about that (yoga is a different matter!)

Hope you enjoy it - takes a little bit of getting in to but I think it is fabulous exercise.

Yes don't push yourself, in the begging it's about getting the technique right and concentrating on your breathing, go at your own pace and enjoy building it up.

At my class we always finish with a 3 minute plank, and at my first class I managed about 20seconds before dropping to my knees and now I can do the full three with one hand on my back and one foot in the air!

Everyone starts somwhere!

Really useful tips, thanks everyone! I'll tell the teacher I'm new, it's a general class at the local leisure centre so not sure what level it will be. Novice hopefully!

Enjoy your class! I started a few weeks ago though I missed a couple due to holidays. I found it quite gentle. I love that it's not jumping about. I'm also nearly 550.

You look good too LC ;)

How are you getting on with pilates?