New Pilates studios have been popping up like mushrooms in autumn in the last five years. Although first developed by a by a German gymnast and body builder in the 1930s, the exercises are still widely practised and promoted by models, celebrities and elite athletes. Of course I had to find out what the hype was about and signed up for a trial pass (which has since turned into a membership) at a local studio in suburban Melbourne.
There are two ways to practise pilates: with the help of a reformer machine or mat pilates. I'll be talking about my experience with the former in this post.
Avoid eating two hours before a class, bring water in case you get thirsty and wear comfortable clothes. Pilates is often practised barefoot, but if you prefer to keep your feet covered, bring a pair on non slip socks. If you are insecure when starting a new exercise, I suggest you watch this youtube video so you can see some of the exercises you might be doing.
The pilates reformer features a number of removable springs that attach a moving carriage to the bed's frame. It has an adjustable foot bar, foot and hand straps and shoulder rests. You'll likely work with a box, block or pilates ring at some point, depending on how your instructor chooses to teach their class. From experience no two classes are ever the same. If the studio you choose to visit has a number of teachers I suggest you switch it up and get to know their individual teaching styles. Commonly it is known to improve core strength, but a class will work all major muscle groups. I've often walked away feeling muscles being sore I never really felt before.
I've managed to improve my core strength, my gluteus are tighter and my abs are more defined since taking up pilates roughly seven months ago. My practise has also benefitted the other exercises I do, like Yoga and running. I would highly recommend trying a class to anyone who'd like to increase their overall strenght without using weights or working up a crazy sweat.
