Things to know before joining Pilates classes // Guest post

Every time you join a new fitness class, it can be a bit intimidating. It will be even more confusing if you do not know anything about it. Same it is with Pilates classes. There are a few things that you should know about it, since it may have an adverse effect if you do not know what you are doing.

If done properly, it can be a real reformer offering your body with a lot of benefits irrespective of your fitness background. This will help you in improving your posture as well as focusing on your body alignment.

This core workout can be performed on a mat or on a machine, but both will provide you with the same benefits. Pilates is known to improve balance, flexibility and abdominal endurance if done properly for a period of around eight weeks.

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that improves muscle strength with slow and detailed movements and proper breath control. This is actually a full-body exercise that is done for about forty five minutes to an hour. You can attend two forms of its classes, mat classes or reformer classes, according to your wish and preference.

HOW IT WORKS

The Pilates exercise involves a set series of movements that will help you to stabilize your movements, align your body, improve the posture and strengthen your core.

All you have to do is perform the exercise in a precise order, one type done right after another.
The different movements have different names such as “The 100,” “Swan,” “Criss-Cross,” and the “Elephant.”
All the moves look simply, but you will need a lot of precision and control to perform them properly.

This specific form of exercise involves a lot more than a bunch of crunches and a set of sit-ups. Typically, Pilates is more about the technique and its emphasis on the precision and order in the process. You may not need a trainer for that matter, but the order and precision play an important role in its success.

Moreover, this is not an aerobic exercise, and therefore you will need to add a bit of cardio along with it for the best results.

Though the level of intensity of this exercise is medium, it is quite demanding. However, if you are concerned about sweating out, this is not the type of exercise you should go for. It is more about breathing and concentration.

WHO CAN DO IT ?

Most people can do Pilates because it can be modified according to individual needs. It can be designed as a gentle training program for muscle strength gaining, or as an intensive and challenging workout too. This form of exercise is suitable for both beginners doing the basic movements and for the regulars as well as doing the advance moves. However, it is recommended that:

All beginners start under a special trainer because every move in it should be done correctly to avoid injury
Older adults, pregnant women and those who have health issues should also consult a health care professional before enrolling into a Pilates class.

Typically, this form of exercise must be avoided by individuals suffering from specific medical conditions such as:

Unstable blood pressure
A risk of blood clots
A herniated disk and
Severe osteoporosis

Lastly, if you are more concerned about losing weight, then it may not be providing you with the results because it is not an aerobic exercise. In order to lose weight, you will need to combine cardio with it. However, if you simply want to tone and trim your body only, then the Pilates exercise is just right for you. So, make your decision carefully and get the most of its benefits.

this is a guest post from Alyssa Moylan. Make sure to give here a follow on Twitter and on Facebook.