Pilates: Two sides of the same coin

There are only 34 Mat Pilates exercises with specific principles for all exercises so how can so many people go to different Pilates classes and have such a different experience? Well there’s a big difference between each level and there’s two sides to Pilates. One is focused on rehabilitation where exercises need to be performed slowly with a large focus on control. The other is more dynamic where your workout is set to really provide an extra challenge to your your Pilates principles – stamina, coordination, centring, precision, flow, breath and of course your control. Both sides of Pilates have their place and it is actually what makes Pilates suitable for everyone. If you only go to a mixed level class it’s likely you are getting a mix. Sometimes though it might be right to step into a specific level class to get something that’s more focused on your current needs.

With this in mind I sometimes feel our students might benefit if we change the way we label Pilates classes. Yes a ‘Beginners class’ is suitable for beginners but that label might put off those that have been practicing for a time but due to varying circumstances need to come back and focus on the foundation exercises. Really the exercises we teach Beginners hold the foundation to everyone’s practice. I believe everyone practicing no matter what your level, even if you are an advanced practitioner or instructor should periodically come back and do the ‘basic’ exercises in the form of a beginners class. Because there’s nothing basic about them.

If you are doing them correctly, you need to concentrate, focus and continually check your form and breathing patterns. These foundation exercises are the golden keys to health particularly in terms of joint and muscular health. Which is why some students may need to stick to the foundation exercises as these help them manage certain conditions. I want to give permission to anyone practicing Pilates to come back to your ‘beginners’ exercises. We don’t always have to go hard, we don’t always have to be striving to achieve a higher level.

It’s always ok to do what feels best for your body and give it some rehabilitation when it needs. Your body will let you do more when it is ready. Going down a level (due to injury, perhaps age related issues, health issues or an exercise break) shouldn’t feel like a step backwards but a step in the right direction.

When you are feeling good in your body and it feels right to progress to the more athletic exercises you can be confident in your body and know you have the right foundations to build on. I love an athletic workout but I know coming back to the Pilates basics is never a step back and so should you. I recently changed the name of my beginners class to show that it is also suitable for others but I’m considering changing it again to truly reflect the nature of these exercises.

- Stacey