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New to pilates? Make note of these 6 tips before you begin

Pilates is a showstopper, if you want to attain a proper core and lose fat. That’s why you must keep these things in mind, before starting a pilates workout. The technique matters a lot!
Don’t rush with your pilates sessions. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 19 Jun 2021, 11:49 am IST
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When it comes to pilates, you’ll find a whole club of Bollywood celebrities like Malaika Arora, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Katrina Kaif who love it! Apart from toning your body, it strengthens your core and helps you get a flat belly. 

Despite gaining popularity, pilates is still new for most of us and if not performed the right way, it can make you fall prey to various myths. For instance, ‘pilates is not for your body type’ or ‘you’re not fit for it to practice’, among others. 

Here are six tips for you to consider before going for your first pilates workout.

1. There are two different kinds of pilates

Typically, a pilates workout involves working out on a mat and a machine called a reformer. Both options focus on the concept of control rather than focusing on endless reps or achieving muscle exhaustion. Regardless of the kind of pilates session you choose, make sure you maintain the form. That’s because if your body posture is not correct, you won’t gain health benefits.

2. Keep breathing while performing pilates

It is essential to pay attention to breathing techniques, while performing pilates. Keep a controlled and steady breathing flow to improve blood circulation in your body, and trust us, it will help detoxify your body. Plus, this allows your muscle groups to get activated.

Breathe easy with pilates exercises. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
3. Post-workout soreness is normal

Although you may not be crushing high-intensity exercises or lifting heavy dumbbells, the bodyweight routines that pilates offers can be pretty intense. The constant movement will fire up your muscles and abs during the session. In such a situation, it is common to feel sore after the workout, just like how you would post any other exercise.

4. Pilates works for several muscle groups

Pilates increases muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips, and buttocks. It balances muscular strength on both sides of your body. What’s more, it also increases the muscular control of your back and limbs, which means pilates is not limited to particular body parts. 

Stretch those muscles like a boss with pilates exercises. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
5. Form-fitting clothes are the best choice to wear during pilates

Wearing form-fitting clothes helps you to see your body movements clearly, plus it prevents your clothes from getting caught in springs on other equipment. This will help you perform the exercise in a better way.

6. Listen to your body

Do you still believe in “no pain, no gain”? If yes, think again! With pilates, it is the other way around, “if pain, then no gain”! Always listen to your body and know your limits, in order to respect your body’s abilities. Also, don’t rush during the session, pilates is a slow exercise, and speeding it up will not make it better. 

In fact, taking more time over an exercise will probably make it more challenging and increase the level of difficulty and effectiveness.

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Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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