Pilates in the Pines

Starting something new can be daunting. If you’ve never worked out before or consider yourself to be highly uncoordinated, the thought of taking a group class can inspire intimidating thoughts: What if you mess up? What if everyone there is really good? What if people laugh or judge you?

Well, we have good news for you, Beginner Pilates Practicer. There is no failure in Pilates. Success measured only in progress, and once you’ve made it to your first class, you’ve made extensive progress already. We at Pilates in the Pines can assure you that people are not there to laugh at you or judge other people. They are there for the same reason you are – to get a good workout.

We promise this won’t be high school P.E. all over again. We don’t require uniforms (though we do require clothing), our instructors don’t direct the class with whistles, and we promise that we will never force you to run a timed mile.

So what can you expect for your first Pilates class? To start, most classes are 55 minutes to 1-hour long. Pilates is based around calisthenics that improve strength and flexibility with a high focus on engaging your core.

Since you will be moving and likely trying out positions that require your clothes not constrain you, wear comfortable gear. Generally we recommend fairly fitted clothing with stretching capacity, like yoga pants, that will allow you to move and flow easily from one movement to the next.

Also, make sure you bring water. Our objective is to help you learn Pilates and get a good workout. So you can expect to work up a sweat as you try positions that are new and a little challenging. You will need water so that you can stay sufficiently hydrated while you work out.

In addition to water, if you have a yoga/Pilates mat, you should bring it to class. Socks with grips on the bottom are recommended. Pilates incorporates a lot of floor work and is generally done without shoes on. You can either go barefoot or in socks, but typical athletic socks don’t offer the traction that you need to maintain your balance.

We recommend you come into Pilates in the Pines 15-30 minutes early for your first class so that we can walk you through the facility and meet our instructors.

Above all, the best thing you can bring to your first class is a positive attitude. Learning becomes a lot more fun when you’re smiling and don’t take yourself too seriously. Why not give it a try? You may surprise yourself.