What to Know Before Your First Pilates Class

Trying anything for the first time can bring nerves around, and trying a new kind of exercise class can be especially daunting. Luckily, pilates is a versatile exercise style suited to anyone, at any experience level. Our trainers foster a positive, supportive environment and consider the individual needs of each class member – so you can feel confident that you’ll be challenged, but not beyond your limits. If you’re keen to try pilates at FS8 but want to feel a little more prepared, read on to learn all you need to know before your first pilates class.

Pilates for beginners: Why choose it?

Pilates is a favourite exercise style for many thanks to its versatility that makes it suitable for all experience levels. In terms of what pilates does for your body, it’s a strength building workout with a focus on toning muscles, but its low impact nature distinguishes it from other strength training approaches. It also helps build alignment, balance and flexibility. At FS8, we use a mix of mat and reformer pilates, which involves a machine with a system of pulleys that create resistance. While the two styles share similarities, some reformer pilates benefits are unique, so the two styles complement each other.

5 things to know before your first pilates class

Feeling a little uncertain as a pilates newcomer? Here are 5 basic pilates expectations to set before your first class.

1. Preparation is key.
2. It takes time to learn.
3. Results aren’t immediate.
4. FS8 trainers have your back.
5. Muscle soreness post-workout is common.

Ahead, we’ll unpack what to expect from FS8 so you can feel prepared for your first pilates class.

Preparation is key

Taking steps to prepare for class can help calm any nerves and put you in the best position to have a stress-free workout. Comfortable gym attire that’s easy to move in is best, but loose fitting clothing can get in the way when using the reformer, so opt for more form fitting gym wear if possible.  A common question is do you wear shoes for pilates? Typically, no – at FS8 we suggest wearing grip socks to ensure your feet don’t slip when things start to get a little sweaty. You can purchase your pair of grip socks from the front desk before you start. Check out our FAQs and remember you can always chat to an FS8 trainer before the start of your first class.

Be patient when learning

It’s important to be patient with yourself when learning a new skill this is no different for pilates. Between specific terminology, the reformer machin, and typical pilates exercises – there’s a lot to learn. Many newcomers ask ‘is pilates hard?’ It’s an understandable question, but there’s no straightforward answer since we’re all different. The good news is, FS8 trainers are well versed in teaching for all experience levels and can adapt pilates exercises for beginners as needed. Never be afraid to try out a beginner modification if you need!

Results take time

While some benefits of pilates can be felt almost immediately post-workout (like the endorphins-induced mood boost), physical changes can take a little longer to notice. So, how long does it take to see pilates results? This is going to be different for everyone – a broad answer is 10-20 sessions to see some changes in how your body looks. But it all depends on how many classes you take each week, what other exercise is involved in your routine, and individual physiology.

Trainers have your back

One of the reasons why FS8 is perfect for all experience levels is that our trainers consider your individual needs to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether it’s adapting exercises to accommodate injury or pain, or adjusting difficulty to suit beginners, FS8 trainers will always help you get the most out of class. It’s a good idea to rock up to class a few minutes early to get settled before the workout starts, but it’s especially important for your first pilates class. This will give you time to meet your trainer to discuss your fitness goals, any injuries or aches, or other concerns you might have.

Your muscles might be sore

Aching or tight-feeling muscles are a common post-workout occurrence called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). There are a few things you can do to help reduce soreness, including wearing compression garments, getting regular massages, using heat packs, and even taking short cold immersion baths. Taking time to properly warm up and cool down are effective ways to minimise the intensity of sore muscles after a workout – so these processes are built into all FS8 workouts. You can also do some basic pilates movements at home on your rest days to keep active and help lessen the feeling of sore muscles