 Developing a regular practice.
After your first week at Breathe, you may find yourself developing a rhythm for your practice. As a guideline, practicing 2-3 times each week works best for most people; it's different for each individual, and you'll need to experiment to find what works best for you.
Diarise your Pilates time in advance each week, and be strong with yourself to take the time out from all those "essential" work tasks, to nurture yourself regularly. Once you tear yourself away from the computer, you'll be glad you did!
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Keeping safe in class
Always let your instructor know if you're injured or pregnant. Even if you've mentioned it before, take responsibility for making sure your instructor is aware of any physical limitations you may have in class, so they can give you the safest and most beneficial practice possible.
If you have been unwell, take it easy your first couple of classes back. It is very normal to feel nauseous and dizzy when you are recovering from illness. Your first class back should be approached slowly; don’t rush or push. Lie down if you feel dizzy. Although your first class back will likely be uncomfortable it will often speed up your recovery.
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Mat, Reformer or Studio Pilates?
Because Pilates was originally designed as a total system of exercises, to get the maximum value from your practice, we recommend that the ideal way to enjoy the benefits of Pilates is a weekly Studio Pilates session along with one or more weekly group Matwork or Reformer sessions, although we offer a wide range of other options to suit different needs.
Studio Pilates sessions include work on the entire range of Pilates equipment including the Reformer, Matwork, Cadillac, Stability Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Bosu, Stability Ball, use of hand weights, therabands, and other small props. You'll be working on a custom-made program of Pilates exercises, closely supervised (maximum of 4 students per instructor) by a fully certified instructor. Studio Pilates classes are for addressing specific postural issues, balancing your body by strengthening where you're weak, stretching where you're tight, and for taking your Pilates to the next level of challenge and skill. Studio Pilates is also an ideal component in an injury rehabilitation program that begins with individual Clinical Pilates sessions.
Group classes in Pilates Reformer & Pilates Matwork can be added to create your ideal weekly mix, bearing in mind that neither is "better" than the other, but rather both are different, necessary and complementary parts of the whole system of Pilates. Group classes are for fun, toning, postural improvement, stretching, and feeling the burn.
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Getting the most out of your Pilates
Focus on the quality of your movement. Pilates is about developing a complete, balanced physique that encompasses not only strength and flexibility but also ease, grace, balance and control. Work to embody all these qualities in your movements in and out of class.
Developing a Pilates practice is a continuous journey; it is not an overnight process. No one is going to judge you: Other students are much too focused on their own practice to notice your wobbly bits!
As long as you give your best effort, and listen to your body, you will get as much benefit out of your Pilates session as a student doing the same exercises with a greater degree of flexibility, strength and balance. Your instructor will guide you with suggestions or an adjustment that will give you a deeper understanding of an exercise. As you continue your practice you will become more comfortable with yourself and your personal Pilates journey.
Every class is different. Let go of any preconceived notions and enter each class like it is your first class. Your body is different every day, and it is normal for the class or certain exercises to be easy one day and difficult the next. Please do not be discouraged and think that something is wrong if you have a difficult class. Often your best class will be followed by your worst and vise-versa.
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Class etiquette
Arrive a few minutes early and stay for the entire class. Out of respect for others, and to get the full benefit of your Pilates session, make sure you're on time for class. If you do arrive a few minutes late, take a deep, slow breath and enter the room slowly and quietly. Consider being prompt as a part of your practice.
No shoes in the Pilates studio. Please don’t wear your shoes into the Pilates studio. Take them off before entering and leave them either in the change room or outside of the door.
No mobile phones in class. Turning off the ringer is ok, but sooner or later you may not remember, so it would be ideal if you could leave your mobile phone in the car or at work. Believe it or not the world will get along fine without you for a few minutes. Learning to let go for the duration of your class will greatly improve your practice (and possibly your life!)
Hang your clothes in the change room. Leave non-valuables in the change room and bring your precious things into class with you (phone off of course). Anything precious that you don't want to bring into class you can leave with the reception folk.
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If you're new to Pilates
