Benefits of Regular Pilates Practice:

The benefits of regular Pilates practice has long been one of the reasons for Pilates being such a popular form of exercise. Although there are many variable situations for what you could experience when you start doing classes, here are some things that I have noticed with my own clients:

During the first class (or soon after) you might already become more aware of your posture and start applying postural corrections during and after class. I always say to my clients that it is not only the 1 or 2 hours a week that you come to class that adds up, but also all the hours between classes that you move your body better due to the classes you did. During the first 4 or 5 classes I often hear that clients start moving more comfortably through life. It becomes easier to bend or stretch to reach something, or your usually tight hip or shoulder could feel easier to move and less restricted. As we get closer to 8 or 10 classes you can expect your stability and strength to improve. My clients will often come to class reporting that it has become easier to carry the groceries, balance on one leg or go up the stairs. As you progress to around the12th class you can expect to start noticing a change in your body shape, you might notice more tone in your muscles or feel different in your clothes. Some clothing items might be looser and others tighter as you tone, stretch and strengthen your muscle tissue.

Once you've reached the point where you start feeling and seeing the difference in your body, the key is to continue with a consistent practice. Which is harder than you would expect. Life sometimes gets in the way of our best intensions. Your instructor will be able to guide you through these tricky situations - either by giving you a home program, some specific exercises to do every day or by providing an online training option for when you are away.

Once you have settled into a regular Pilates practice the progress and results might be less visible than during the first 10 sessions. It is important to note that you should keep seeing benefits over time. Your long term benefits might be different than the initial benefits you noticed. Here are some elements that will develop over time:

• Improving and maintaining your strength and mobility continuously.

• Improving your endurance during class. A great example is the plank, the first time its hard to get to 30 seconds, but you will soon be able to stay up in your plank for much longer.

• A slow and steady progress in your flexibility.

• Improvement in your co-ordination most noticeable in the execution of the more complex Pilates movements or specific co-ordination challenges.

• More comfort in your posture.

• Less injuries and periods of painful bouts.

• It often becomes easier to complete other activities like walks, runs or other sports that you enjoy taking part in.

If you stop seeing benefits, first take a look at your attendance. Have you been going according to your regular schedule? If yes, then take a look at the things outside your Pilates practice. Keep in mind that excessive stress, health challenges and special conditions could have an impact on the benefits you see. If this is the case, it is a great idea to discuss your personal goals with your Pilates teacher so that you can come up with a plan to help you achieve those results that are important to you. This is also a great opportunity for your Pilates teacher to work with other practitioners you may have. Like your dietician, Physical therapist or GP. For more complex cases it is great to form a circle of practitioners around you, to see the best progress. Another option to ensure results is to make sure you are not over training. Make sure to have regular rest days, and try out a lighter schedule for a few weeks to see if that might be the route back to progress. Lastly make sure you are drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep! These are often overlooked and play a very big role in your overall wellness.

Another wonderful benefit is that Pilates will help you manage your stress levels and give you the perfect weekly opportunity to connect with your body through mindfulness.

Which class or type of Pilates class will give you the best benefits?

The one you enjoy doing and keep on coming back to.