Pilates for Beginners: Preparing For Your First Class

You’ve heard about the benefits of Pilates. Now it’s time to try it!

Whether you’re drawn to Pilates for its reputation for core strength and improved flexibility or looking for a more mindful movement practice, you’ve made a fantastic choice.

When stepping into a BODYBAR Pilates studio for the first time, it’s natural to have questions.

This guide will:

• Shed light on what to expect in your first Pilates class.
• Define some common terms.
• Introduce the pieces of equipment you might encounter in our studios.

Common Pilates Terms to Know

There are several terms and phrases you’ll likely hear during a Pilates class. Here’s a quick reference for some of the most common terms used by Pilates instructors:

• The core: This refers to your body’s center, including the abdominal muscles, lower back, and hips. Pilates places a strong emphasis on core engagement for stability and proper form.
• Neutral spine: This is your spine’s natural, healthy alignment, with a slight curve in the lower back and a lengthened neck.
• Pelvic floor: This group of muscles supports your pelvic organs and plays a vital role in core stability. Pilates exercises often target the pelvic floor for improved control and function.
• Articulation: This refers to controlled movement at a joint, ensuring a full range of motion without compromising stability.

Instructors at BODYBAR Pilates use easy to understand cues to guide the class through the workout. You’ll also have visual cues from the instructor and classmates. The instructor provides exercise regressions (ways to take it down a notch) and progressions (ways to advance the exercise) to help you customize your workout.

A Pilates Equipment Primer

Our BODYBAR Pilates studios offer a range of tools to enhance your workout:

• The Reformer: This versatile piece of equipment uses a sliding carriage and a system of springs to add resistance and support during exercises. Reformers are used for a wide range of exercises tailored to various fitness levels. BODYBAR classes on the Reformer: The signature Reformer class (an athletic format) and Classic class (a balanced format).
• The Chair: The Pilates Chair includes a flat seat and spring-loaded pedal, which allows for a variety of unique, balance-challenging exercises that work the whole body. BODYBAR Reformer Chair and Mixed Equipment classes are highly athletic and intended for those who have previously taken Reformer Pilates.
• The Tower: Attached at the back of the Reformer is the Tower system, which offers additional springs and multiple attachment heights. The Tower is used in conjunction with a stable mat surface to execute a range of simple yet challenging exercises for balance, core strength, and flexibility. The BODYBAR Power Tower and Stretch & Balance classes utilize the Tower system and are suited for all skill levels.
• The Jumpboard: A padded board inserted into the Reformer’s footplate takes jumping to a new level. Jumping while horizontal decreases the impact on the joints, and using the Jumpboard increases the cardio component of the workout. Take flight in the fun and fast-paced BODYBAR Reformer Jump class.
• Various small accessories: BODYBAR Pilates also incorporates smaller accessories like the magic circle, exercise balls, hand weights, and resistance bands to add variety to your workout and target specific muscle groups.

Pilates Beginners’ Frequently Asked Questions

We take pride in cultivating an inclusive, supportive community at every BODYBAR Pilates location. If you don’t find the answers you need in the FAQ below to confidently join your first Pilates class with us, contact your local BODYBAR studio. We’ll be happy to help you get started!

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a workout that improves strength, muscle tone, balance, and flexibility. There’s a strong mind-body component to the workouts as you focus on different muscle groups and the movements you’re performing.

How can I prepare for my first Pilates class?

Arrive at the studio at least 15 minutes before class begins so you can get an overview of the studio. BODYBAR does require grip socks which are available for purchase at the studio. Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Our instructors are there to guide you every step of the way, offering modifications to suit your individual needs.

Is Pilates hard?

Pilates is a workout for every fitness level. The instructor will offer progressions to make exercises more challenging, but you do not have to execute the progressions, especially in your first class.

Is Pilates low impact?

Yes, Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout. The focus on controlled movement and balance makes it an ideal workout for those who want to build strength and mobility but don’t want to do jarring movements.

What do you do in Pilates?

Exercises in a BODYBAR Pilates class will challenge your strength as well as your balance and stability. The movements work the big mover muscles as well as small stabilizer muscles. The small stabilizer muscles are not typically challenged in gym workouts or other fitness classes, so you will feel sore the day after a Pilates class.

The exact exercises you’ll do depend on which of our workouts you sign up for. BODYBAR Pilates has multiple class formats to choose from, but we recommend starting with a Classic class if this is your first time on a Reformer. Don’t worry, you will still get a full body workout but the class is designed to move slower than the signature Reformer class at BODYBAR Pilates.

What should I bring to Pilates class?

Along with your motivation and maybe a towel and water bottle, all you need is a pair of grip socks. If you don’t already own a pair, you can buy them in our studios!

More questions? Check out our full FAQ page!

Embrace the Journey: From Beginner to Pilates Fanatic

Here at BODYBAR Pilates, we believe that Pilates is for everyone. Our classes provide a safe and supportive environment for you to learn the fundamentals and start your Pilates journey. So take a deep breath, choose a Reformer, and get ready to experience the transformative power of Pilates!

Ready to sign up for your first class? Find your local BODYBAR Pilates studio and check out our offers!