Am I too late to start Pilates? A call to any one who has thought about starting Pilates.
Am I too late to start Pilates? The answer to this is a big fat NO!
I recently exchanged messages on Instagram with a lady with this very question, which inspired this blog post, and I get it.
On social media you see posts of Pilates teachers doing what sometimes can look extreme, very difficult poses on bits of equipment you have not heard of or seen before. I am guilty of this too!
But what if I told you the reason I and others post those photos/videos is because we can’t quite believe what our bodies are capable of. We are amazed at what Pilates and our practice of it enables our bodies to do! I never imagined my body would be as strong and as flexible as it is now where I am most definitely in better shape in my 40's than before I had children in my 30's, and Pilates is my main exercise.
I have never been a dancer and was terrible at gymnastics. I am your typical Pilates teacher who was recommended to try Pilates after an injury (a torn hamstring playing Hockey) and here we are.
So I know from personal experience Pilates can change your body and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing it over the years in my clients from mums, the injured, fit athletes, 90 year olds, all at different starting places but all able to benefit from Pilates.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a method of physical fitness Joseph Pilates (JP) called Contrology. The name changed to Pilates after his death. Physical fitness to JP is defined in the very opening paragraph of his book “Return to Life through Contrology”.
“Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”
Joseph Pilates is not saying physical fitness is about being super flexible or strong, it's not about holding a plank or being able to back bend. Its that your relaxed in your mind, comfortable in your body, free from discomfort and able to go out about your daily life easily. No groaning as you get up or sit down, or wincing when you reach for something.
JP’s book “Return to Life through Contrology” was not aimed at dancers, athletes or body builders but office workers/business men your average Joe, people like you and me. Offering mat based exercises anyone could do at home with no equipment that would improve you physical fitness.
How do I start Pilates?
Start right now! It has never been easier to start from the comfort of your own home with online classes, live and on demand available, free and paid for.
A couple of things to bear in mind starting Pilates online!
- If you have an injury don’t start online in a big class, most teachers will be able to do an online one to one session with you to go over your injury and offer suitable modifications where needed.
- Check out the qualifications of the teacher! They should be a Pilates teacher trained from a reputable school, especially if you are starting online. I cannot tell you how happy Pilates teachers are to wax lyrical about their training, so if it’s not clear from their website ask them!
I have been through two training programmes, a contemporary one with Body Control Pilates. I then completed a Classical programme at Pi Studio, Battersea to help fill in the gaps in the method.
Who is Pilates good for? Dancers? Athletes?.......
No, everybody!
Start Pilates with me!
I want to make it as easy as possible for you to start, so here are 3 ways you can start Pilates this week!
1️⃣ Join a free live online beginner class, TUESDAY 15 February or 23 FEBRUARY 7.45am (GMT) to see what you think.
FREE - Tuesday 15 & 23 February 7.45am (GMT) 45 min Beginner class. Max 10 people. Register here https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItdOqvpjgvGNVIp3eH4GkcSpi3QncgTk9r
All you need is a device with camera to join the Zoom meeting online, a mat or towel and a little space around you.
? Please note the class starts at 7.45am.
2️⃣ If you would prefer to take your classes as and when works for you, become a member of https://sharepilates.com/ An online library of over 200 classes, with classes taking you from the very beginning, progressing and guiding you every step of the way.
Free 14 day trial and then just £13 per month https://sharepilates.com/free-trial/
Regular live classes are included every month for all levels of ability.
3️⃣ Sign up to the live online Beginner Class 7.45am (GMT) starting Tuesday 2 March, max 8 people, £10 per class and includes the recording for 48 hours to practice again. To sign up, create an account, buy credits and sign up to the live class https://sharepilatesstudio.co.uk/class_timetable.html
? Members of https://sharepilates.com/ are entitled to a 50% discount on the price of live beginner classes purchased through the Share Pilates studio. Discount codes emailed monthly.
Once you start it is entirely up to you how far you progress. You may even find yourself posting photos or videos of what your body becomes capable of ?
But most of all be patient and kind to your body as you progress, which you will!
"Remember, too that "Rome was not built in a day," and that PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor." Joseph Pilates
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me.
Cynthia x
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