You are curious to try Pilates but you know next-to-nothing about Pilates. You may ask yourself what do I need to do before my first Pilates class? What should I bring with me? Do I need to inform the instructor about my physical condition, surgeries I have had? Read on…
Private Session Vs. Group Class
If you are in a generally good physical condition and planning to try a private individual session, there’s nothing to prepare, just call to book for your first session. If you have a special condition, however, such as Osteoporosis or a herniated disc, be sure to inform your instructor prior to your first Pilates session. Whatever your problem is, you should inform the instructor in advance so she/he can prepare the appropriate equipment, props, and modified exercises for you.
If you are planning to attend a group class for the first time, find out if there’s any requirement for a first-time client. Some Pilates studios, but not all, require first-time clients to book an assessment session, and/or a block of one-on-one sessions prior to your first group class. Not every Pilates studio offers a beginner-level class simply because there are not enough attendants to run the class. Therefore, to ensure the client’s safety and the progression of the existing group class, first-timers are required to take a prep-session. This can be expensive, but think of it as your initial investment in your overall health. In my opinion every first-time Pilates client, especially those with special conditions, should take a course of private sessions before joining a group class. During this initial course you will learn the basic principles of Pilates–yet most important–the essential exercises, the commonly-used Pilates terminologies and much more. With all of this that you learn you will apply them to every single Pilates exercise when you come to your group class. Then when you do attend the group class you will perform the exercises properly, safely, and with confidence.
Pilates classes at gyms and health clubs do not require prior experience; anyone can walk in. I highly recommend you to learn and practice the Five Basic Principles of Pilates before you attend these classes for your own safety and well-being.
Do I need any special gear?
Same advice toward any other type of fitness, before investing in any expensive gear try a few classes to see if you like it and will stick with it.
Check with the studio or instructor to see if you are required to bring anything, such as socks, mat, towel, etc. I know some studios, including mine, require students to bring clean socks to wear inside the studio. I also encourage my group class clients to bring their own mats for hygiene purposes and help saving cleaning time and cleaning products. A cheap, thin yoga mat is perfectly okay. Use it to layer on top of the studio’s mat. It’s better to sweat on our own mat than sharing the sweat of others.
You do not need any special gear for Pilates class. You will practice either barefoot or with socks, no shoes! Socks with grips on the bottom are great for Pilates, especially when working on equipment. Leggings are perfect for Pilates, though avoid those with the back zipper. The back zipper can hurt your backside when doing rolling-on-back exercises. In general wear stretchy and fitted clothes, clothes that can comfortably move with you, but are not baggy. Baggy clothes hide your structure, making it difficult for the instructor to properly correct your form.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, you should; most studios require advance bookings. Even with Pilates class at your local gym it’s good idea to check if you have to book for your place in advance. Gym classes can be packed full at certain times during the day. If you have a choice, pick a time that the class is small. You do want your instructor’s attention. On that note – when you set up your mat, you should set it near the front of the class (don’t hide in the back!). Please do inform the instructor that you are new to Pilates. And don’t forget to mention if you have had any neck surgery!
Click here to view Fit Pilates Al Ain studio policies.
Last but not least, set a reminder to yourself to book your first class. Set it now on your mobile, mark it on your desktop calendar or whatever works best for you. Whether you have been talking to yourself about trying a Pilates class, or your friend has been telling you all the good things about it, or your doctor has ordered you to do Pilates, let’s get started! The hardest part is to get yourself to the class. Once you are there, it’s easy. And you will enjoy it so much!