Pilates for Beginners : Learn the principles and techniques from a skilled instructor

Pilates for Beginners Kit The Pilates for Beginners Kit gives you the tools and instruction to practice your Pilates mat work at home. Kit includes: natural latex Heavy Band to support movements and add resistance; durable foam Seat Riser and two cushions to support belly and neck; and Pilates B.E.A.M. Fundamentals (VHS, 45 minutes.) The unique B.E.A.M. (Breathe, Energize, Align and Move) system shows you an easy, result-targeted way to master Pilates Basics. Developed and guided by certified fitness trainer and master Pilates instructor Jillian Hessel. Gaiam.

Pilates is a comprehensive exercise method designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. The positions and movements of Pilates are very specific and must be done correctly in order to achieve the benefits it has to offer. If you are very familiar with your body and its condition through a regular program of exercise and activity, you may be able to learn Pilates from a video or book. If you are familiar with yoga, or have a dance background, you are more likely to be successful with a self-taught approach.

Always start with a beginner program and work your way up at your own pace as you master the proper technique for each exercise. The speed of your advancement will depend on your physical condition and previous experience, but you should always start with the basics.

Skilled Pilates instruction is important

For most people, particularly those who have not been physically active or who have a physical problem such as back or joint pain, it is important to learn Pilates with skilled instruction. This instruction may be in the form of a group mat class or may be a number of private lessons where you will learn the fundamentals of Pilates.

Take the time to learn the guiding principles of Pilates and how to do the basic positions and movements correctly. Books and videos are ideal for guided practice at home and provide an excellent source of workouts designed to match your level of experience—they are not a good substitute for skilled instruction if you are a beginner!

Talk to your doctor first

As with any new exercise program, it is important to talk to your doctor before beginning a Pilates class. Pilates can look deceptively easy to the inexperienced eye. Too often, people feel that they should be able to do the advanced exercises and they push themselves to the point of injury. If you are a beginner, you must not try to do advanced Pilates exercises that your body is not ready for. Whether you are taking a Pilates class or using a video at home, never work outside your own comfort level, and never allow an instructor or anyone else to push you to do Pilate exercises that you do not feel that your body is ready for.

The advanced Pilates mat exercises can be very demanding, and if you are not in shape, the exercises may strain out-of-condition neck and back muscles. Start with the Pilates Beginner exercises, then to the Intermediate Pilates Core exercises, then when you have mastered the core exercises and are seeing results from your workouts, move on to Advanced Pilates exercises.

It's definitely not about the burn!

Learn to listen to your own body and what it is telling you. A little discomfort may be expected when exercising— pain is not. If you experience pain that you do not feel is normal when exercising— stop immediately. It is important to identify the source of your pain. Most Pilates exercises can be modified to reduce any pain that you are experiencing, so it is important to talk with an instructor to find a modification that will work for you.

Pilates workouts should be energizing. You will definitely feel you have worked all the areas of your body, but you should not be in any pain at the end of a session. Most sessions end with relaxation movements and cool-down stretches to help you make the transition back to your busy life.