Walking into a Pilates studio for the first time can be a bit daunting. A quick glance around will reveal a variety of odd-looking contraptions that you will rightly assume are pieces of “workout equipment”, but you may not so readily imagine how your body could actually engage with them.
Not to worry, Pilates is a very professional and client centered practice, no matter what studio you visit, a friendly and knowledgeable staff person should soon greet you. “So what really happens here?” you wonder.
Mat Work and/or Equipment
Pilates workouts are based either on the Pilates Mat work, which is done on the floor with a minimum of equipment, or on the Pilates apparatus ie. those weird looking contraptions.
The mat work is a great place to begin. All of the essential Pilates exercise principles are incorporated in the mat exercises. They are adaptable to any fitness level, and it is nice to focus on learning the basics correctly without getting friendly with a exercise equipment at the same time. The mat exercises will help you quickly gain a lot of strength and confidence in the Pilates approach.
When you are ready, you are going to have a lot of fun with the exercise machines in a Pilates studio. With unusual names like the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda chair, you will learn that all those springs, bars, straps, and pulleys come together as a very refined, body friendly group of equipment.
What to Bring to a Pilates Class:
You won’t need to bring much with you to the Pilates studio. The studio usually provides any equipment that might be needed for the workout. That said, many people like to work out on their own mat, so if you are going to do mat exercise, you may eventually want to get your own mat. Pilates mats are available in many stores and online. Your studio might also sell them. Pilates mats are often made a little thicker than a yoga mat. Check with your instructor about what mat they recommend. While you probably won’t be guzzling water as some do during aerobic workouts, you will still want to have a water bottle available, and make sure that you are well hydrated before you start.
Compare Prices on Exercise Mats:
What to Wear to Class:
Pilates is usually done barefoot, so no fancy footgear needed! There are a few things to consider when you dress for a Pilates workout. First, make sure your clothes give enough to let you move and stretch fully. Your instructor will need to be able to see your body well enough to see the alignment of you bones and how your muscles are engaging, so while loose is OK, baggy is not. You will also want to avoid baggy clothes because some Pilates exercises could be a bit revealing if your clothes are too loose.
You will also want to avoid excess accessories while your working out. long necklaces, belts, dangling bracelets and such could not only be distracting, but could be dangerous if they got caught up in the equipment. Similarly, hair needs to be out of the face and tied back if it is long. One other note: more and more people are finding that they are sensitive to perfumes and strongly scented deodorants. Many studios are requesting that clients refrain from wearing strong scents in the studio.
While we are on the topic of Pilates workout attire…There are many wonderful lines of workout clothing available now. There are entire lines of clothes made just for Pilates. These could definitely be fun for you to explore if fashion is your thing, but it is not necessary to buy special Pilates workout clothes to do Pilates. When you start, go simple and see what you feel comfortable with as you go along.
Before you sign up for Pilates Classes:
Most studios allow you to attend class on a drop in (pay by the class) basis. I highly recommend that you do this for your first session or two. You may also want to take a quick look at the glossary of terms here. Your instructor should be willing to explain things to you, but if you've seen a term once before you will be that much ahead.
That's it! Enjoy!
(c) 2006, Marguerite Ogle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
