"Expect to listen to a lot of new information and move your body in an unfamiliar way."
When you come to a Pilates studio for your first lesson, make sure that you come with a beginner's mind. Be ready to listen to a lot of new information and move your body in an unfamiliar way.
Your first Pilates lesson is as much of a way for you to find out what Pilates is and how it feels in yout body, as it is for the teacher to evaluate your body in terms of your strength, flexibility, coordination, breathing, and equally important, your body/mind connection.
Assuming that you have access to a fully equipped Pilates studio where teachers teach traditional (classical) Pilates, your introductory lesson should include Basic 5 exercises on the Mat, Basic 5 exercises on the Reformer and time permitting, 1 or 2 additional exercises on the Cadillac (Tower/ Poll system) and/or Ped-O-Pull.
Within this seemingly straightforward framework there is of course room for modifications that depend on your level of fitness, whether you have physical limitations and/or what your learning style is.
Typically, the teacher begins by explaining and teaching you the mini-exercises. It is a great way for you to begin learning the fundamental Pilates concepts and principles. They are at the roots of classical Pilates philosophy, therefore they exist within every single exercise from beginner through the advanced level of difficulty. You will be incorporating these concepts during the rest of your lesson into the beginner exercises on the Mat and Reformer.
Finally, often to address a specific issue you may have in your body, you will do a couple of exercises on other Pilates apparatus. For example, to address weak abdominals or stiffness in the low back you may do Roll Down (Reverse Breathing) exercise on the Cadillac. To begin addressing poor posture you may do Standing Arm exercises on the Ped-O-Pull.
Just like learning any new skill that you hope to understand, get to like, and practice for a long time, it is important to be introduced to Pilates the right way, with detailed explanations and exact corrections.
It is a process.
One does not simply “do” Pilates, one studies it, and masters the skills necessary to perform the exercises safely and with long-lasting benefit.
If possible, go to a studio that is fully equipped. If not, don’t worry. Classical Mat Pilates repertoire is full of treasures and will benefit you just as much as the apparatus.
Regardless of accessibility though, always take a lesson from a comprehensively trained classical Pilates teacher .
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My Two Cents
Teaching many bodies throughout the years, I find that introducing Mat exercises before Reformer exercises yields better results. Beginning my lesson on the Mat I can explain the fundamentals and principles through the first 5 basic exercises and create a foundation, initial information that I can then refer to and expand on when teaching on the Reformer. I find that for many, being on the equipment for the first time in their lives is distracting. So teaching them on the mat first,where they can focus 100% of their attention on what I'm explaining and what I'm trying to make them do, benefits them far better.
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For your reference: Basic Mat exercises for you to practice at home
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Thank You
To Your Health!
Joanna
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