Do you think Pilates is 'strange'?! Here are 4 things you can do to make your Pilates class more effective.

You are absolutely not alone if, during your first Pilates class, you feel like you have no idea what's going on.

I still remember my first Pilates class, which was a private session, many, many years ago. Although I had been very active in sports before, I was completely confused.

Some exercises seemed utterly impossible, while others were easy.

It seemed hopeless that I could perform the exercises correctly. The instructor kept me moving, watched me, and gave instructions. I remember thinking at times: is she kidding?! But, as I looked around the studio, others were doing similar things, so I thought she must know what she's telling me and why.

Since it was a private session, I couldn't escape the instructor's attention, so I decided to just do my best.

I even wondered if I should go back at all….

However, after the class, I felt energetic. I felt my muscles had stretched, it felt good to be in my skin, I felt rejuvenated. So I decided to see what the next class would bring. I know I didn't do everything perfectly – not even close… – but after a few sessions, my lower back no longer hurt, I felt I could breathe deeper, and last but not least, I had more energy after class than before.

After a few sessions, I started to understand some of the instructions. I had a few "AHA" moments that changed everything. When I started to feel what they were talking about. That's when I became fascinated.

This was the beginning… with practice, I felt better and better, I felt a different kind of strength in my body, which made all other movements easier, even more powerful. I decided that I wanted to do this too, and help my clients feel it as well. And although it took a while, I retrained myself and became a Pilates instructor.

I studied for years, and to this day I continuously educate myself to stay up-to-date, and to deliver varied, enjoyable, and professionally excellent classes.

I didn't have a professional dance background, like so many Pilates instructors. I played tennis, practiced Kyokushin karate, and Thai boxing. I loved these, I did sports that required a completely different kind of exertion. Pilates was a completely new challenge. Its body&mind spirit was quite special for me.

Initially, I often felt it was too easy, and other times too difficult for me. From my previous sports, my legs were strong, I could have squatted endlessly, but the way we use muscles in Pilates was somehow completely new to me (and could be quite annoying at times…).

Consciously using the deep muscles, the core stabilizing muscles… Well, that was the harder part. For a while, I either didn't feel them at all, or I accidentally got muscle soreness in places I didn't even know could have muscles! Then suddenly, I felt it! Muscles I didn't even know existed. Of course, it seemed like they just appeared, then I realized it took me some time to find them and learn how to use them.

Because of my own experiences, I encourage everyone to do Pilates. It's worth learning the basics with an instructor at the beginning, it will be more effective, but if not, then exercise at home with videos using the Pilates method. Pilates is not about pleasing anyone or showing off anything. You don't have to perform. Pilates supports you in living the quality of life you desire. To be stronger, to live a more active life, to not be limited by pain in movement. Whether you like to swim, run, jump, climb walls, lift weights, or do anything else, Pilates can help make your movements more harmonious and effortless. You will move more consciously in everyday life, and even be more effective in other sports, and your posture will improve. And when that suddenly happens, it's a great feeling!

Last but not least, it also stands its ground as an independent form of exercise, and I've had the pleasure of meeting people who previously didn't like to exercise but grew to love Pilates!

I always say, do what you want, but move, use your body! You'll gladly make time for it if you enjoy it. If you don't like the exercise you've chosen, you'll always find something more important to do. The laundry, shopping, etc. Of course, I think everyone should do Pilates because it's so good. Finally, a sport that's about health, relaxes you, and doesn't lack challenge. Of course, I still accept if someone prefers, say, football or water polo. But definitely learn the correct movements to treat your body well, this will prevent a lot of injuries, and what you do will be more enjoyable!

Sometimes I see the same expression on my clients' faces that I experienced. When they think: "is this serious?!" Often, I remember how helpless I felt… I know the feeling when they say: "I don't feel this anywhere." Which often means they need more time to engage the right muscles. And it doesn't mean they are already very strong and don't need to train.

Anyone can start Pilates. It doesn't matter how old you are, what gender, how fit you are, or if you have a ballet dancer background. Hundreds of exercises are available on the mat and on special Pilates machines, and these also have numerous modifications to find what you need, broken down by body type and fitness level. I write this because I often hear that someone doesn't feel conscious enough for it, or not fit enough. I often meet people who are interested and want to try Pilates, either in a private or group class, then they start talking themselves out of it by saying they are not flexible enough, their body type isn't right, it hurts here, it hurts there, their movement isn't graceful enough, or they don't have the right clothes, etc… That's why we instructors are here: to help in class, to teach you how to do it, to support you in shaping your body, developing your movement culture, and feeling better in your own skin. To learn to move the way you want, to shape yourself into who you want to be, and all this pain-free.

However, Pilates is also performed by professional athletes. Sometimes it might seem too easy for them at first, but it's worth being patient, not giving up at the beginning, because Pilates is just like that: the more you do it, the easier, AND at the same time, the harder it gets. The better you feel what you're doing, the more effective it will be. And last but not least, the more fun!

I'd like to give you some tips to encourage you to give Pilates a chance:

1. Patience! Be kind to yourself and be patient! Your body needs time to learn new things. This is a completely different type of movement than what you've done before. It's like learning a new language. Concentrate, bring your best form of the day, and you will surely feel and see the results!
2. Perseverance! Don't give up! Just come to class and do it! Commit to it, believe me, it's worth it! I've experienced it with so many clients when they finally feel something I've been teaching for weeks or even months. Just find out when you can fit it into your schedule and train! You can boldly make long-term plans too! Once you feel Pilates, it will become a lifestyle.
3. Practice! Feel free to remind yourself: this is not a competition, you don't have to please anyone. Except yourself. You're doing it for yourself. Don't worry about how it looks at first, just incorporate it into your daily/weekly routine. You will learn it. If you can't come to class, practice at home!
4. Be present! Pilates requires both your body and your mind. The more present you are, performing the exercises with full attention, the more effective it will be. It will be less effective if you just "go through" the class out of routine, without paying attention. Take this time for yourself. Your brain will also benefit from this different kind of load than what you're spinning in all day, and you might even perform your tasks more efficiently after taking a break from the hamster wheel for an hour. In fact, you'll be much more focused! At least for me, this is always the case, and my clients confirm it too.

I'm curious about your Pilates story! If you feel like it, write to us about how you felt in your first class and what happened next?!