Starting Pilates?

The great thing about pilates is that just about everyone of any age - from couch potatoes to fitness buffs - can do it.

The best way to get started with pilates is to join a class and learn the basics from a qualified pilates teacher who can lead you through from the basics to more advanced exercise. These classes may be held either in studios equipped with specialist exercise equipment or in studios in community centres and commercial gyms where mat work often takes precedence.There are also many DVDs and books available for you to practise pilates at home. However it is really recommended to take them as adjunct to the teaching of a qualified pilates instructor.

The fact that pilates is hot and classes are springing up everywhere does have a downside, though: inadequate instruction. As with any form of exercise, it is possible to injure yourself if you have a health condition or don't know exactly how to do the moves. Some gyms send their personal trainers to weekend-long courses and then claim they're qualified to teach pilates (they're not!), and this can lead to injury. So look for an instructor who is certified by a group that has a rigorous training program. These instructors have completed several hundred hours of training just in pilates and know the different ways to modify the exercises so new students don't get hurt.

When you first begin Pilates you may feel that it moves very slowly and that there is too much detail to think about. But wait!! As soon as you learn the basic techniques, the level of difficulty in the class will increase and you will find that eventually the exercises will flow from one to another, with no break, which will really challenge you when you consider you will eventually perform 38 exercises, with no stopping, in a 1-hour class!! But the emphasis is on performing the exercises correctly rather than the speed and the heart rate, so be patient and this will come!

Stay focused. Pilates is designed to combine your breathing rhythm with your body movements. Qualified instructors teach ways to keep your breathing working in conjunction with the exercises. You will also be taught to concentrate on your muscles and what you are doing. The goal of pilates is to unite your mind and body, which relieves stress and anxiety.

Be comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes (as you would for yoga - shorts or tights and a T-shirt or tank top are good choices), and keep in mind that pilates is usually done without shoes. If you start feeling uncomfortable, strained, or experience pain, you should stop.

Let it flow. When you perform your exercises, avoid quick, jerky movements. Every movement should be slow, but still strong and flexible. Joseph Pilates worked with dancers and designed his movements to flow like a dance.

Don't leave out the heart. The nice thing about pilates is you don't have to break a sweat if you don't want to - but you can also work the exercises quickly (bearing in mind fluidity, of course!) to get your heart rate going. Or, because pilates is primarily about strength and flexibility, pair your pilates workout with a form of aerobic exercise like swimming or brisk walking.

Do remember, before you begin any type of exercise program, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor, especially if you have a health problem

"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness." - Joseph H. Pilates