10 Useful Things You Should Know Before Your First Pilates Class

I’ve always been a big fan of mat pilates workouts, especially on Youtube. There are so many videos where you can learn countless exercises when you begin pilates.

Special shoutout to Jessica Valant Pilates beginner videos on Youtube! That woman sure can give you a hardcore workout in under 15 minutes!

It is quite easy these days to learn different workout styles. We have all the information available to us on the internet!

But performing body weight exercises on a mat is not the only way to practice pilates. If you want to really take your practice and skills to the next level, you will need to actually begin pilates reformer classes. You will learn so much more that way.

So that’s what I did. I attended my first reformer pilates class. I experienced a lot of revelations and learned so much in just that one class… sooo, I am here to share that with you.

Why You Should Begin Pilates Classes

Pilates is such a unique form of working out. It takes a more holistic approach to improving your core strength while promoting proper alignment and mindful movements.

It was just the right style of working out for me to pick up. My main 2023 goal is to become more in tune with my body…better at listening to what it needs. I talk a lot about why pilates has been a game changer for me because it truly has made a positive difference in my wellness.

I will continue to share more about it because it continues to be good to me! And of course one day I want to build a career out of helping people change their lives through the power of pilates and holistic nutrition as well 🙂

I believe that when you begin pilates, taking an introductory reformer class will ignite your journey towards strength, flexibility, and total body wellness. It will show you the pilates basics of controlled movements, patience, and listening to your body.

When you begin pilates, you’ll learn the secrets of improving posture, enhancing muscular endurance, revitalizing your mind-body connection, and proper breathing techniques.

Beginner classes also typically welcome all fitness levels so you won’t feel totally out of your comfort zone.

I guarantee you there will be people of all ages. And don’t worry, the instructors are usually so patient and easy going while guiding you through each movement!

What Are the 10 Things You Should Know Before You Begin Pilates in a Class Setting?

1. What the different apparatuses are

There are so many different types of equipment that can be utilized in any given pilates class, although most are typically used in the more advanced classes. But when I first walked into the class, I was taken aback by everything I saw!

I thought I knew all the weight lifting equipment in my gym, but this was a whole new world.

A few of the main apparatuses include:

• Reformer Machine: primary piece of equipment consisting of a sliding carriage, springs, and various adjustable components. You can lie, sit, or kneel on the carriage and perform a wide range of exercises that utilize the resistance provided by springs. The reformer helps to improve strength, flexibility, and body alignment by engaging multiple muscle groups.

• Pilates Ring: also known as a magic circle or fitness circle, the pilates ring is a flexible, circular tool typically made of metal or rubber. It has padded handles on the outside and is used to add resistance and intensity to pilates exercises. The ring is versatile and can be squeezed or pressed between various body parts to engage the muscles of the arms, legs, and core.

• Cadillac Table: also referred to as the trapeze table, is a large and versatile piece of pilates equipment. It consists of a bed-like structure with a raised frame that supports bars, straps, springs, and hanging trapeze attachments. The Cadillac offers a wide range of exercises that can be performed lying down, sitting, or standing. It facilitates stretching, strengthening, and mobilizing the entire body, making it a popular choice for rehabilitation and advanced pilates.

• Ladder Barrel: a specialized piece of pilates equipment. It consists of a barrel-shaped cushion and a ladder-like structure attached to it. The barrel provides support for the back and shoulders, while the ladder allows for various exercises that stretch and strengthen the spine, hips, and core. The ladder barrel is particularly useful for improving flexibility, releasing tension, and developing core stability.

These apparatuses are integral to the pilates method of working out and offer a diverse range of exercises that target different muscle groups, improve alignment, and enhance overall body conditioning and flexibility.

But seeing all these different machines definitely made me feel out of place!

I would definitely advise at least familiarizing yourself with how each piece of equipment works. You don’t need to practice or go buy any of these pieces by any means, but at least know that they exist and what their purpose is.

2. Classes are done barefoot

I don’t know why I assumed they would be done with shoes on, but this was also a surprise to me. Had I done my research beforehand… or had a favorite blogger tell me in advance…wink wink, I wouldn’t have been caught off guard when the instructor asked me to take my shoes and socks off!

But this is actually important for both safety and performance.

Primarily, it allows for better grip and stability on the equipment. The reformer’s carriage and footbar require your feet to make direct contact, and removing your shoes ensures a more secure connection, preventing slips and enhancing your control during exercises.

Secondly, being barefoot promotes greater sensory feedback. With your feet exposed, you can better feel and engage the muscles of your feet and also improve your position and balance more quickly.

If you are someone who gets weirded out about being barefoot in public settings, like myself, don’t worry.

Special grip socks exist for pilates, so you can head straight to Amazon!

3. You can adjust resistance level

When you begin pilates, you might not want to start on the highest resistance when using equipment.

I didn’t know you could change resistance levels using the springs at the base of the reformer carriage! My instructor saw me struggling to do a certain movement and she reached down and released one of the springs.

That made a world of difference. I was able to focus more on form and precision rather that maxing out.

And that is really what pilates is all about. It is about mastering the movements and really focusing on control, because the strength will come with time and repetition.

4. Some of the history and evolution of pilates

One thing I noticed in class was that a lot of the attendees shared a love for pilates and an understanding of how transformative it could be.

Pilates was started by Joe Pilates in the early 20th century as a form of workout that improves a person’s strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. He drew from yoga, gymnastics, martial arts, and even ballet.

Because there is such a strong focus on alignment, toning, and strength building, it became popular very quickly.

There are many different variations of pilates today, which I define in this post in greater detail, so feel free to check that out to learn more.

But I say this because in my class, someone asked why my instructor didn’t play any music. She said because that was not the practice of pilates she was teaching!

She said there are instructors who focus on creating a more upbeat aerobic aspect, and there were others, like herself, who were focused on the healing and fundamental aspect.

And there’s nothing wrong with one or the other. It is all about what you want to gain out of your pilates experience. This is why I love this workout style so much.

Knowing that there are different ways to continue your journey makes me feel like there are endless ways to improve.

I guarantee you will feel the same way after learning some pilates basics as well.

5. Nothing will prepare you for the shakes when you begin pilates

No matter how much weight you lift in the gym, nothing will prepare you for the shakes when you first begin pilates in a class setting. I wish I was kidding.

I was literally trembling halfway into my class, and my instructor was like “I see you shaking, that’s good that means it’s working!”

Apparently this is a common thing to happen and it’s ok! Focus on doing the movement correctly and the shakes will happen.

It is a sign that even the smallest muscle fibers are being put to the test and they will only get stronger from there.

The shakes are encouraged!

6. There are countless mind AND body benefits of doing pilates

I sound like a broken record at this point. Pilates will significantly improve your mind-body connection. Through its focus on controlled movements, and breath work, you will feel your targeted muscles and movements will become more smooth.

Pilates will help you with:

• Endurance
• Posture
• Core strength
• Recovering from and preventing injuries
• Stress relief

I really was looking to become more in tune with my body after the gut health and digestion issues I faced.

The breath work I was practicing in pilates, and the breath work I was learning to do to calm my body down throughout the day – brought me to a place where I was able to listen to my body more.

I was allowing it space to tell me what it needed and how it felt. In pilates, this looks like taking a pause if you need to, catching your breath is ok! If a move is too challenging, that is ok!

Try a variation of the move, or take a pause then start back up. When I really focused on breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth in motion with the movements, I felt like I was in control.

It is so easy to hold your breath when something gets hard! We do that all the time in life unfortunately without even thinking about it.

It’s so important to remember to just breathe.

7. Don’t eat right before class

I guarantee you if you eat a full meal right before class, you will feel it moving around as you workout since the focus is on your core and you will spend a lot of time lying on your back.

The best thing to do is eat a proper meal at least an hour before so your food has time to settle and you will be fueled up and ready to go.

If you are like me though, you likely don’t like to workout with a full stomach at all because you don’t know how your stomach is going to react to the meal you had…

So, I like to go first thing in the morning. I wake up at around 6am and get myself to the gym by 6:30am. That way I can focus on working out before my stomach has had a chance to wake up.

Then, feeling accomplished, I head home and have a celebratory breakfast!

But, I know a good portion of you all fit in your workout when you can. Often times, this means after work you race to the gym or your workout class.

Try eating a lighter, energizing snack on the way to your workout. This could be an apple, a protein bar, nuts, or even a fruit smoothie!

8. You won’t know what you are doing

It is most likely that you will feel like you don’t know what you are doing. Well that is ok! Laugh about it, and learn from those around you.

That’s what I did. I constantly was looking over at the person next to me who had been to plenty of classes and was a bit more experienced. I would try to see how she positioned herself on the reformer.

If the instructor said to do a move and I wasn’t familiar with it, I asked what she meant! When you begin pilates, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

It is ok to be a beginner. You are there to learn pilates basics and take it from there. It’s ok if you mess up, you will not know everything. You are not alone, and I assure you, you will not be the last person to not know everything.

9. Could this be the hypothetical fountain of youth?

Yep, I said it, and I’m sticking to it!

Pilates works wonders for the body, helping to counteract the effects of aging.

What do I mean by that you may ask?

By engaging and strengthening the deep muscles of the core, pilates improves stability of the spine and the muscles surrounding it, reducing the risk of age-related issues such as back pain and posture imbalances.

The controlled, flowing movements in pilates enhance joint mobility overtime, improving flexibility and preventing stiffness that can often accompany aging.

Furthermore, pilates is designed to be lower impact which means that you can truly do this exercise as you age without it being too strenuous and it will always be effective.

In fact, my pilates instructor said that her clients that have been doing pilates for decades, report having a lot of flexibility and feeling agile and confident.

Don’t we all want that!

And if you make pilates a lifelong practice, your muscles will continue to look toned as you age.

All wins if you ask me.

10. You will leave feeling really happy you took the leap to begin pilates

I feel like once I stepped out of the class after it ended, I wished it hadn’t ended. The class was so enjoyable, and it felt like I got so much out of it.

I left feeling my mood had improved and that I had done something good for my body.

More importantly, I felt like I had turned a new leaf and that I was able to see a light at the end of a long tunnel. A tunnel of feeling so disconnected from my body.

If you begin pilates classes, you will realize a whole new form of holistic wellness. And boy does that bring me so much excitement.

Have you all taken any pilates classes yet?

What did you think? Comment below and share more tips for intro to pilates classes so we can all learn!