Why Pilates May Seem Hard At First

Pilates is the hottest trend in fitness and body sculpting today. But this seemingly overnight success has actually been around since the early part of the twentieth century, when Joseph H. Pilates and his wife Clara popularized their body conditioning system in New York. Their system quickly took off with New York area dancers and gymnasts. More recently, everyone from Hollywood celebrities to stay at home moms have been taking up the practice of pilates. Even though many of the commercial pilates systems that you see advertised on TV make pilates seem like a breeze, you should be prepared to put your body through an intense yet satisfying workout. Many new pilates participants are often surprised about how challenging many of the pilates workouts feel. However, don't let this keep you from your pilates practice. Like any new exercise routine, pilates may seem hard at first, but eventually your body begins to "learn" the different movements and you start to see results. The trick is to stick with pilates long enough so that you can see and feel the difference of regular pilates practice.

Why does pilates seem so difficult at first? Pilates requires your body to complete several movements and poses that you do not execute on a normal basis. Your body is probably not used to working certain muscles or executing certain strengthening movements. The real trick is to start slowly and to let your body gradually adapt to the new movements. Like your mind, your body needs practice before it can learn and memorize certain movements and poses. If you find that you are having difficulty learning the movements and poses from your at-home pilates video or DVD workout, it's a good idea to consult your local pilates studio or enroll in a pilates class. Taking at least one or two lessons with a professionally certified pilates instructor can make a world of difference. An experienced instructor can teach you the right way to complete certain movements. They can guide you and teach you new ways to adapt movements to your specific fitness level or physical shape. Even if you think you cannot afford to join a professional pilates studio, simply taking one or two classes can give you the foundation you need to continue with your pilates practice in the comfort of your own home.

The good news is that just about anyone can do pilates. Joseph Pilates designed his routine so that it can be adapted to each participant's needs. The Pilates Method was actually designed so that it can eventually be practiced alone. It is also a progressive system that is designed to continually challenge even the most experienced participant. As you progress in your practice of pilates, you may want to graduate from mat work into the realm of pilates machines. These can be more challenging and may require supervision as you learn to use the pilates apparatus safely and effectively. Remember that the most important thing when starting out is to stay committed and to practice on a regular basis. This is crucial if you want your body to learn the new movements and routines that will soon become second nature to your body.