Shining light on Pilates truths, honoring Joseph Pilates,

and supporting you in your Pilates journey. 

Your Intro to Pilates should go like this:  

Expect to listen to a lot of new information, to move your body in an unfamiliar way and feel physically and mentally better after :)

Your first Pilates lesson is as much of a way for you to find out what Pilates is, 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 may begin by explaining and teaching you the mini-exercises, which is a very good way of getting to know the fundamental Pilates concepts. These concepts are at the base 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 while doing 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-Pul.    

Joseph Pilates on his method of Contrology

The following is an excerpt from Mr. Pilates' book "Return to Life" where he talks about the value of self-study and how to approach learning his Mat routine. He included pictures and detailed instructions. 

"Finally, beginning with the introductory lesson, each succeeding exercise should be mastered before proceeding progressively with the following exercises. Make a close study of each exercise and do not attempt any other exercise until you first have mastered the current one and know its routine down to the last detail without any reference to the text."

Return to Life

My two cents

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. 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 teacher and always ask for classical Pilates. 

And above all, come in with a beginner mindset. :)

___________________