Here are some ideas for varying your Pilates workouts so that they remain safe, balanced, effective and interesting:
More Pilates Quick Tips
- Mix it up – go to classes, but add in working out at home with DVDs or Books.
See DVD and Book Reviews
- Do both reformer and mat work.
See Pilates Mat Exercises
- Make up a new home workout for yourself.
Include a warm up, build up and cool down. Also, be aware of counter balancing your exercises. Example: balance forward flexion with back extension exercises.
Quick Pilates Workout 1 is a good example of a balanced workout you can do at home.
Examples of forward flexion exercises:
Examples of extension exercises:
- Do a day of focus on breath, awareness and control.
See the Pilates Principles.
- Follow #4 with a day of pulling those principles into creating more flow in a challenging workout.
- Do a workout of all warm up exercises.
Sample warm ups:
- Try working out with a magic circle(exercise ring, fitness circle).
Read There are many varieties of these.- Read: Before You Buy a Magic Circle for an introduction and buying tips.
- Workout with a friend. Workout at home, or many studios offer an expanded version of a private, called a "duet". Don't be afraid to ask - duet workouts are quite common in Pilates.
- Sign up for private instruction. Privates are a bit more money but very worthwhile. I highly recommend them.
- Try out a new studio or style of Pilates.
