It’s Been A While! Here’s The Update
Did you pick up a new exercise habit over the past year or so? That’s awesome if you found something new like pickleball or running to add to your fitness routine. Pilates can help you do all of those things better so I’d love to see you back in class so we can work on balancing out your swing, improving your gait or just plain getting back to a balanced full body workout.
Do I Only Do Pilates From Now On?
No! Pilates is the best method for cross training. Pilates works your whole body. You find balance to help your body adjust from the asymmetry of life. Moms will feel fit and balanced from holding their kids on one hip or driving back and forth from soccer practice. Runners will find more stamina and better balance in their gait. Dancers find balance in their whole body after practicing choreography and working one side more than the other. People working at a desk will find balance throughout their whole body from using one hand for the mouse, better posture and less back pain from sitting all day. Musicians will appreciate whole-body moving and finding balance from using their arms asymmetrically to play their instrument. Weight lifters find symmetry in their whole body to help them lift more weight and work in a more balanced way. You get the drill!
Combining physical activity with Pilates can reinforce both activities. There is one caveat, however. As long as you’re practicing good movement habits, everything gets better. If you practice bad movement habits, you are setting yourself up for repetitive use injury or worse. So, always practice good movement whenever possible. I’ll make sure you learn how to find the best movement habits and form for your body. Did you just sit a bit taller now? Awesome!
Be sure that you’re also incorporating rest days into your weekly schedule of Pilates and other physical activities. The mind and body need rest. Plus, leisure is the best reward for the hard work you’ve done throughout the week. If Pilates is good for the mind, body and spirit, what better way to enjoy these benefits than in the company of friends and family?
Classes or Privates?
Both! I suggested doing both group classes and private sessions. I give individual attention in all my sessions whether there are four people in class or it’s just you. However, when you take private sessions we can work more on your specific needs. When you take group classes you can practice what we worked on together without as much prompting from me. That way you can learn and remember the most important parts of Pilates for your body. You can take that knowledge and apply it to your life from everyday activities like pushing the stroller to bigger things like crushing your tennis matches! You get to choose what works best for you, either taking both group and private sessions or just sticking with one. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could take class three times a week and private sessions twice a week? That’s not always in the budget! Yes, Pilates can be practiced every day, but it doesn’t have to be done that way by everyone. For some, every other day or every three days is plenty.
How Do Classes Work?
Are you ready to join me in the studio again? I’m ready if you are! I love teaching online as much as I love teaching in person. Your health and safety is of utmost importance to me. As we return to in-studio classes and lessons, this is the latest Covid policy:
In order to keep the in-person environment safe during Pandemic times, I ask that you:
- Monitor symptoms and take your temperature before leaving home and upon arrival.
- Keep your mask on during the entire session, as best as possible. Appropriate masks include: 3-layer cloth masks, 2-layer cloth masks with filter, N95/KN95/KN94 masks, or surgical masks. Masks must cover the nose and mouth.
- Sanitize hands before stepping into the exercise space and sanitize again before leaving.
- Arrive no more than 5 minutes before Lesson or Class time and wipe down all surfaces and equipment used during your session.
Also note that you are responsible for bringing your own water bottle, towel and exercise mat (for mat classes). In case of illness or positive Covid tests, stay home and let me know as soon as possible! I appreciate your diligence in keeping everyone safe.
If you’ve never been to a Pilates class or private lesson, dress comfortably in clothing that allows you to move. Choose clothing free of zippers, sharp buttons or details that could catch on the upholstery of any Pilates equipment. The same goes for jewelry: necklaces can catch or scratch, as can rings and bracelets. Men are encouraged to wear biking tights under loose-fitting workout shorts. Workout shorts alone will not suffice. You can get around the two layers by wearing joggers.
Since breath is a fundamental part of Pilates exercise, refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or heavily perfumed hair products and cosmetics. Many people who do Pilates exercise are also sensitive to strong scents. Out of courtesy to them and for the sake of your own health, skip the smells before coming into the studio.
If it’s your first time working with me, I’ll ask you a few questions and we’ll get right to work. Time is precious, and the sooner you get moving, the better! I like to assign homework, which helps you progress a bit faster between sessions. I highly encourage independence, which you can cultivate by practicing what you remember after class or lesson. I have several short videos uploaded to YouTube which you can use as warmups or movement sessions between our in-studio sessions.
Let’s Recap
Pilates works your whole body. We’ll focus on that during your sessions. Remember to bring your own mat and water bottle. We’re all going to wear masks. Arrive a few minutes early so you can take a few settling breaths before your class or lesson begins. And have a great session! I cannot wait to work with you again in-person. It’s been way longer than a Pilates minute, hehe.
Are you ready to EXPLORE Classical Pilates with me?
Let’s (re)connect! Comment below or email me at exploreclassicalpilates@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Blessings,
Anita
