What you need to know before you start Pilates!

What you need to know before you start Pilates!

You've probably heard of Pilates, as it's become increasingly popular in recent years, and you're eager to learn more about it and see if it fits your lifestyle. If your workout routine feels a bit boring and monotonous, a new class can make it feel fresh again and motivate you to be more active.

Pilates isn't just for athletes, incredibly fit people, and fitness fanatics; in fact, Pilates is the opposite: accessible and suitable for everyone, regardless of gender, age, size, or ability. Pilates is an accessible and fun way to build strength in your muscle groups, helping you improve your balance and flexibility, and achieve better posture. If you're new to Pilates, here's what you need to know before you start Pilates.

A few Pilates terms you need to know.

Before you join your first Pilates class, there are some terms you should know in order to follow along and keep up with the rest of the class.

Don't worry, we've put together a list for you:

• Your power center = your core muscles, the center of your body that move you and keep your body upright.
• Peeling along your spine = slow and steady movement from vertebra to vertebra.
• Cradling your head in your hands = supporting your cervical spine with your arms.
• Tucking your chin toward your chest = pulling your chin closer to your chest to activate and start your deep abdominal muscles, which help take your neck and head muscles out of the equation.
• Push your shoulder blades down = pull your shoulders behind your ears, opening your back.

Don't worry, you'll get used to all these terms in time! But knowing them in advance can put you at ease during your first Pilates class.

Wear the right clothes; they'll make you more comfortable.

It's fine to wear loose workout clothes, but sticking to tight options for Pilates classes can be a better choice, as they allow your instructor to see your movements and prevent your clothes from getting caught in springs or other equipment, especially if you're taking a Pilates Reformer class.

Pilates can be done at home.

You don't have to leave your home to do Pilates! If you're a busy mom, a busy student, or just a busy person in general, and you don't want to leave your house to work out, Pilates has you covered. Pilates can be done at home! All you need are some Pilates tutorials and a simple piece of equipment like the Multifunction Pilates Bar.

You may have some muscle soreness the next day.

Pilates exercises are not heavy, high-intensity exercises; you're not lifting heavy dumbbells or doing heavy squat jumps. Pilates is primarily bodyweight exercises, but make no mistake; Pilates classes can be intense and challenging. Expect to have some muscle soreness the next day, especially after your first few Pilates classes.