Congratulations on starting your Pilates journey! I know it can be overwhelming when there are so many different studios and styles of Pilates to choose from.
Matwork or Reformer is the big question when starting out Pilates. Below are my opinions on why each style is just fantastic to help you with your choice!
Matwork
Matwork Pilates builds the foundations of what Pilates is all about. It helps you use your bodyweight (and maybe some props) to help you become aware of your body, posture, and muscles.
You will gain strength, cardiovascular fitness, coordination, balance and awareness in as quickly as 5 - 10 sessions.
Matwork Pilates is a fantastic place to start if you're wanting to build confidence in movement before jumping straight into reformer, with the complex movements, props & spring changes!
Trust me, Matwork Pilates may look easy but I can assure you that you will fill the burn and get up a sweat!
Reformer
Reformer Pilates is so "in" right now. So I can't blame you for wanting to give it a go! The reformer is designed to add resistance to make certain movements more challenging, or reduce resistance to challenge your balance.
Adding the complexity of the moving parts of a reformer, adding props and moving your body can be overwhelming, but don't worry no matter if you choose to start your journey with Reformer Pilates your instructor will walk you through the reformer and give you beginner spring choices to help you gain strength at your own pace.
With Reformer Pilates, heavier does not always mean harder! I see lots of people come in to my classes and wanting to make every exercise as heavy as physical possible. This is not always beneficial, most Pilates exercises are based on balance - which means lighter springs are often more challenging.
For example, Light Spring -> Carriage moves away easier -> More difficult for you to keep the carriage still in a squat.
On the flip side, different spring choices can be used on the same exercise to change the muscles you are using.
Don't worry, if this is all a bit confusing for you - this is why us instructors are here & it's something you will pick up very quickly!
What are you waiting for?! Get on Google or MindBody and BOOK your first Pilates class!
Disclaimer
If you have an injury, illness, pain or condition that requires specialist management - Firstly, good on you for taking the first step in improving your health and fitness and for seeking help with managing your injury or pain. Depending on the severity and duration of your injury or pain, it may be work seeing a Physiotherapist and taking a few clinical Pilates classes first. This will help you get the one-on-one specialist guidance and will help you understand how to manage your own body.
Once you've taken a few classes, you may want to join a group class setting. Make sure you let your instructor know what you can and can't do, what hurts and what movements make you feel better or worse. The last thing we want to do is make you feel worse!
However, this is not to say that you can't join group classes right away, consult your health professional first for a specific opinion.
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