There is ample evidence to suggest that doing Pilates two to three times a week is necessary to reap the endless benefits to the practice, such as reducing stress and increasing mobility. Both of which are vital for physical and mental health. However, it may be difficult to find yourself at the studio that often. And what if you want or need even more Pilates?
At Sheppard Method Pilates in Los Angeles, we encourage your at-home Pilates practice as a way to reinforce what you learn in your in-person Pilates classes, as well as fill any gaps between studio sessions within your busy schedule. While there are many pros and cons to practicing at home versus at in a Pilates class, it is helpful to know that with the right guidance, your at-home Pilates practice can still be effective. However, there are some things you should know to ensure you are practicing safely and effectively.
Studio Pilates Versus Pilates at Home
Pilates began as a studio-only fitness practice, but with the boom of the internet, anyone can now access free Pilates workout videos on demand. This is a massive gain for health and wellness access! With the proper approach, practicing Pilates at home can absolutely be effective and safe, with no additional equipment needed—which is why Pilates is so popular.
While there are countless advantages to this 24/7 ability to practice Pilates in the comfort of your own home, such as flexibility of when and where you can practice, there are some elements of Pilates that can only be experienced in the studio.
- Correct placement is vital for Pilates to be effective. In Pilates classes, you have access to both professional instructors to help align your body and ensure proper form as you learn each Pilates movement.
- Pilates equipment such as the Reformer machine. Reformer classes are especially great for those with limited mobility or history of injury as the machine can help modify your movements beyond what you’d be able to do on the mat alone. And if you are experienced, the Reformer can also be modified to offer even more of a challenge.
- While Pilates is generally safe, if you are pregnant, rehabilitating an injury, or haver never done Pilates before, it is highly recommended to take an in-person class before practicing Pilates at home to avoid the risk of injury.
Mastering the Fundamentals of Pilates in the Studio
Having a professional coach in person you will help build your knowledge and confidence in Pilates fundamentals and principles:
- Breath
- Concentration
- Control
- Precision
- Centering
- Flow
One of the greatest advantages to attending Pilates classes in the studio is the guidance you receive when executing each movement as you engage in these principles. Especially when first beginning Pilates, it can be difficult to be sure just how to align your body, engage your core, and focus on breathing—all properly, and all at once! This can be very difficult to do at home when only gauging by feeling. Having someone be able to see your body in alignment (and correct it when necessary) will give you the fundamental tools to understand how the movements should feel when performed and how to self-correct your form and placement to focus on these six fundamentals of Pilates.
Making the Most of Your Home Pilates Practice
In order to make the most of practicing Pilates at home, you should be sure to seek out good resources for at-home Pilates. Many professional Pilates instructors have their own streaming channels on popular platforms. Try and select a practice that is similar to your skillset and what you have been learning at the studio so you can solidify your foundations. One of the biggest advantages to practicing Pilates at home is the ability to slow down and repeat movements to ensure you are executing them correctly. Focusing on your breathing and alignment at home can help build that endurance to tackle more challenging routines. While not necessary, you can also take advantage of your at-home practice by utilizing additional Pilates tools such as the Pilates ball, bands and/or the Magic Circle.
To get you started with Pilates at home, sign up with your email address to take the Sheppard Method anywhere you go with a free 7-minute mat workout and self-assessment video!
Sheppard Method Pilates: Your Los Angeles Pilates Studio
At Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood, we have several different options for Pilates sessions with our experienced instructors. Several beginner Pilates classes and group Reformer classes are available every day to schedule. Classes are small to allow for personal instruction; let your instructor know if you are interested, or already do, Pilates at home to enhance your overall Pilates practice and gain more resources. We understand that busy schedules can often prohibit attending classes, which is why we also offer private, at-home classes, where Sheppard Method Pilates come to you!
Call the Westwood Pilates instructors at Sheppard Method Pilates to discuss how we can help you include Pilates in your exercise regimen and boost your overall health!