You Can Do It: Three Tips for Pilates Rookies

Most people understand the health benefits of regular exercise and desire to infuse those benefits into their bodies, but it’s often psychological barriers that prevent people from achieving their fitness goals. We have a tendency to talk ourselves out of opportunities that might feel mysterious, intimidating, or even threatening if we’ve never tried them before. You have probably heard information about Pilates or even seen the great results that others have achieved through consistent workouts. It can feel intimidating to try something new, so here are a few tips to help you be prepared for your first Pilates class:

What to Wear

Most people choose to arrive barefoot to Pilates classes, similar to yoga. If it’s fall or winter weather, feel free to wear socks until your body warms up enough for bare feet. Wear clothing that is loose enough for you to move but not so baggy that the instructor can’t see your body. The instructor will need to be able to see which muscles are engaging to ensure that you’re doing the moves properly for maximum results and to prevent injury. Many of the moves require bending over, so if you’re a woman, be sure to plan for modesty. Wear a sports bra if you choose to wear a loose-fitting shirt.

What to Bring

Most Pilates classrooms will have the supplies you need, but you might consider bringing your own mat to a mat class. Pilates mats tend to be thicker than yoga mats, because so many of the moves are done on the mat. Your own yoga mat can bring extra cushion to the classroom mats, and covering the classroom mat with your mat can prevent the spread of germs. Consider covering the mats with a towel as well. You may work up a bit of a sweat as you increase intensity, so bring a towel and some water.

Give Yourself Grace

If you’re just starting out, you won’t be perfect, and chances are your classmates will remember their first classes as well. Be sure to inform the instructor that you’re new, so the instructor can offer modifications to the moves in case you’re not ready for some of the more advanced moves. Take it at your own pace, and enjoy it, as Pilates is a great, low-impact exercise that targets important areas for improved health and wellness.

3 Simple Habits to Keep You Healthy

In a world where we’re bombarded with information at all times and in a culture that’s obsessed with skinniness, it can be easy to get confused about what is really healthy and how to get healthy. In truth, health is fairly simple, and it’s easier to achieve if you quiet the outside voices vying for your attention and focus on a few simple healthful hints that will, over time, help you achieve your goals, have more energy, and sleep better.

Make Yourself a Priority

This is easier said than done, but it’s the foundation of achieving a healthful life. Remember that your state of mind affects everything you do, and health can help you have a better state of mind more often. Making yourself a priority means taking the time to exercise a few times a week, eating delicious, nutrient-rich meals, planning fun things to do, making time for naps, and making time for other things that you enjoy. If possible, bring kids and spouse along, or arrange for yourself to have some time away. You may also want to think about planning the occasional splurge, such as a spa treatment or haircut.

Develop a Few Good Habits

It takes about twenty-one days of consistency to develop a habit. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change too much too soon. Start with three easy things that will nurture you: drink plenty of water, exercise at least twice a week, and plan your meals. Go grocery shopping once a week. If you’re shopping for yourself, this may mean you’re only picking up one bag of items, but you want to make sure you have healthy things you like on hand at all times. Your exercise plan should push you to improve in health, but if you’re just starting out, don’t push yourself too hard. Develop the habit of walking a few times a week and gradually build more challenges into the routine once exercise is a habit. Keep a cup of water with you at all times, especially if you work at a desk.

Make Your Sleep Sweet

Your good habits should help increase the quality of your sleep. Be sure to take a few minutes before bed to wind down. This may include listening to soothing music, doing a few yoga stretches in a darkened room, or separating yourself from technology. Sweet dreams!