You don’t need to be ‘good at Pilates’ to start Pilates
Whenever I tell someone who hasn’t tried Pilates what I do for a living, a common response is:
“I’d really like to try that,” or “I’ve been told I should start, but…”
I’m not very flexible.
I’m not strong.
My posture is terrible.
I’ve got no core.
My coordination is shocking.
[Insert any skill you learn through doing Pilates, and are not expected to arrive with].
This has always happened, but it’s definitely increased over the last few years as Reformer Pilates has been popularised as a trend. I love the Reformer and use it in my 1:1 teaching, but the explosion of dynamic, highly Instagrammable studios has shifted how Pilates is perceived. It’s increasingly seen as an athletic workout for naturally bendy, slim, young (and usually white) people, in expensive leggings.
If that’s not you, and you’re simply looking to understand your body better, build some core strength, and ease tight hips, achy shoulders, or a sore back, it’s worth remembering where Pilates actually came from… The method (including all equipment) was developed over 100 years ago by a man (Joseph Pilates) not a modern, lycra clad wellness guru. It was created as a rehabilitation method, with a built in process to teach you movement skills over time. Strength, balance, breath, flexibility, coordination and more. You’re not expected to have these before you begin.
Think about it, you wouldn’t avoid learning a language because you don’t already speak it. That’s the very reason you sign up for lessons.
So wherever you’re starting from, you’re in exactly the right place. If you’re open to learning it, Pilates is for you.
Where to start
If you have no idea where to begin, my new online mat program, MoveSmart in 8 Weeks, literally starts from the ground up. Built out of years of working with a wide range of people, I noticed that many who benefited most from my work were also the most time poor. Stiff, stressed, mid-life desk workers.
So MoveSmart in 8 Weeks was born. A guided, step by step program to teach you fundamental movement skills. It assumes you’re tight, tired, and short on time. So desk worker or not, if that’s you, you’ll learn a lot and feel amazing.
Oh, and you can follow along in your own time and in your own space. No fancy athleisure wear required!
Prefer to work with me live or in person? Explore my booking page.