anyone tell me what to expect on my first pilates lesson?

[mad4mybaby]

Am doing a 6 week course starting tomorrow and im a bit scared! Not sure what to expect and what we will be doing/what it will be like. Im also going on my own which is kinda daunting for me!

Don't be scared! I expect there will be lots of others who have gone along alone. Also, they'll all be beginners too.

The first session will probably involve a lot of lying on your back on a mat . The instructor should take you through how to breathe correctly, check you can find "neutral spine" position etc correctly. There are basics that you need to learn that are involved throughout Pilates.

Enjoy it!

neutral spine?! I am having osteopathy for my back at the mo, is this going to cause me a problem?

The instructor should ask if you have any physical and/or medical problems at the beginning of the class (if they haven't done already). If they don't ask make sure you tell them.

Pilates is actually good for a lot of back and joint problems if done correctly and guided by an instructor who knows what they are doing.

I started it after having SPD during my last pregnancy. There are others in my class with back problems, shoulder and hip problems. Our instructor (ex-physio) will tell us if we need to do one of the exercises differently due to our individual problems.

Was Pilates recommended to you for your specific problem?

sorry meant to add that neutral spine is just a way of holding your back in a "neutral" position where its not too curved/too straight and your pelvis is tilted in a certain way - nothing strenuous!

not exactly, when i told my osteo she said it good idea plus i plan to ttc soon and something i hope to do through out pregnancy this time as with ds1 i only swam and got spd aswell! so worried about getting that againe esp as wont be able to swim as only do breast stroke!

Group or private class? Mat or machines?

group class and im hoping mats as had no idea there were machines you could use for pilates!!

Machines are usually for private or semi-private lessons.

Personlly, I think if your schedule/wallet will allow, it is a good idea to have a few private lessons. Pilates is quite subtle, and it's easy to think it's alot of nothing if you don't understand what it is you're meant to be doing, and the correct way of doing it.

Betty has given a good description. You'll focus on alignment of spine, specific muscle groups (lots of ab work), pelvic floor, etc. It's a wonderful way to exercise. Thankfully, I've never had back trouble, but I understand the effect can be miraculous for those who suffer.

pilates is fab - and particularly good if you've got problems with injuries etc as was designed as rehab for dancers. earlybird is right that private lessons are helpful as it is subtle -that said a lot is down to the instructor (my instructor now is fab) as had private lessons with someone else before hand and to be honest the penny didnt drop with her in the same way it did with my current instructor.

Its fantastic antenatal exercise.

what should i wear?!

Have you been?

How did you get on?

Wear leggings (tracksuit bottoms if in cold village hall like me) tee shirt and a sweat shirt or similar if cold. Clothing doesn't matter as long as it is flexible!

yes i went yesterday betty! It was great! Didnt realise it would be so hard but i am really aching today so def must have done something right! Instructor lovely but most of the women are old biddies! Bless, i hope to stay fit at that age! V hard as i kept forgeting to breath!

Glad you enjoyed it! Stick with it -it is a great way to exercise.

My classes resume tomorrow after a break of about 3 weeks over Xmas so I'm going to be suffering in a couple of days.

Our class is a real mixture -gym bunnies in their cropped tops and lycra leggings showing off perfect abs, right through to old biddies with their crimpolene slacks and dodgy hips