Recommendations for Pilates Starters

I had been really busy in the past few weeks trying to complete my thesis, so shamefully i didn't have time to update P-Latte. :[

April posted some enquiry on my message board but I think I need more space to answer them:

8 Apr 08, 09:50
April: Hi Teresa, I was wondering if u would recommend machines or mat to start? What are the advantages of each?

P-latte: Mat classes tend to be more accessible and affordable than machine classes. But given equal convenience of access to machines and mat, I would recommend to start learning Pilates on machine (either Reformer or Allergro). This is because while exercising on the machine, you can sense your body posture so that you can learn the proper movement with ease. Moreover the springs and straps of the machine can provide some assistance during the exercise, this is good for Pilates newbies as they may not have the sufficient body control & strength to perform the exercises. Nonetheless, I think convenience and access to the classes are more important, as learning Pilates should be a lifestyle and it really need to fit well into your schedule.


7 Apr 08, 18:00
April: Also, which exercise videos do you recommend? and do you know where i can get them from? i have a problem where i think i always use the wrong muscles when exercising thus straining my lower back

P-latte: I seriously do not recommend exercise videos for starters. You will need a good instructor's guidance to perform exercises safely and effectively, especially if you tend to use wrong muscle while exercising. During a class, you can feedback to the instructor if you feel that you are straining your lower back and he/she will point out what went wrong and they will be able to modify the exercise for you to avoid straining. Try to attend classes with small class size (below 12 pax in the class) so that you can get adequate attention from the instructor. Videos are only useful to seasoned Pilates lovers to learn more about the exercises.


7 Apr 08, 17:28
April: Hi there, i would really like to have some recommendations on pilates. Which would you recommend? work in the west but live in the east, so anywhere i can get through the mrt will be great

P-latte: Focus Pilates, Pilates Bodyworks is located few minutes walk from raffles place MRT. VF studio is at Amoy street near Tanjong Pagar MRT. Sky Pilates is near wheelock Place so it is walkable from Orchard MRT :) (updated on 6 May, Options Studio is in walking distance from Dhoby Ghaut MRT) check out their websites and better still, go visit them at the studio to see if you like them! see my post on Choosing a Studio to find out more on what you should pay attention to while visiting the studios. Have fun =)