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This is usually one of the first questions that come up when someone is inquiring about Pilates. To get the most out of your Pilates practice, I recommend doing 2-3 classes per week if possible. I understand that this might not always be possible so if all you can manage is once a week, that’s definitely better than nothing!
Pilates is a form of exercise that needs practice. The more you do it the more sense it will make. Not having too much time between each class helps to keep everything you’ve learnt fresh. This allows you to apply all the knowledge you gain from each class to each new exercise taught to you. Pilates is ‘the thinking person’s exercise’. You spend your class concentrating on each movement you make and breath you take. This is why it’s the perfect form of exercise to help take your mind off of your everyday life and allow you to focus on you an your body.
After your first few classes, you might not be completely comfortable with the technique or the verbal cues being called out during your class yet, but you will leave those first few classes feeling taller! You’ll become more aware of your everyday posture and what effect it has on how you look and feel. Once you start to adjust to the technique and it starts making more sense (usually after about 10 classes), you should start noticing changes in your strength, flexibility and body shape. Pilates can quickly become a part of your life, making it an easy exercise program to stick to. Commitment and consistency are key!focus just on yourself.
If you are doing mainly group classes, I can really recommend treating yourself to an Individual class once in a while. You’ll find out all sorts of interesting things about your own strengths and weakness you never realised. Its a great way to focus attention to specific ‘problem spots’ you have. Likewise, if you only do Individual classes, try join a Group class every now and then – these are great fun and help you to see that there are many others out there who are being put through their paces and struggle with the same things you do.
Bottom line, aim for 2-3 times a week if you can. You’ll find it much easier to get into a routine if you have shorter periods between your classes. Your muscle memory will also kick into gear quicker, making your classes flow better allowing you to get more done in a class.
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