10 tips for starting your new exercise program:

As a Pilates teacher I often guide people through the process of starting a new exercise program. People start for a variety of reasons, but starting is a little more complex than booking and paying for your first class. What is my best advice when starting a new exercise or movement program?

1. Check with your medical practitioner if there are any precautions or considerations to keep in mind. 

2. Discuss the above, as well as any other topics of query or concern with your new trainer/instructor/teacher.

2. Start at the beginning - don't start with the people that have been doing it for years. 

3. Commit to a set schedule, if you don't make time, you won't find time. 

4. Make a commitment to someone, either a trainer, or a training partner, even if it is only for one of your sessions in the week. 

5. Hydrate - drink more water when doing regular exercise

6. Sleep well - remember you need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. Recovery is essential.

7. Reward yourself. After your first full week/month of training, get that new pair of shoes! The benefits of the classes will soon be the only motivation you need.

8. Be patient - give yourself time, space and kindness to grow and get stronger. It takes time for your body and mind to adjust and see results. 

9. Don't say no before you have tried it. Some movements, techniques or exercises look very intimidating. If this happens, share that with your teacher so that she can take extra care to build it up for you. I've often seen people love doing the thing they feared most when starting out. 

10. Be grateful and enjoy your body and the privilege to move. 

We are not beginners for long, but we were all beginners once. I think it is a very important time to set up your training experience for success. It is vital that you meet your body where it is now before gently taking it out of its comfort zone into new ranges of movement and physical challenges. Each person's journey is individual and your experience will be unique. Make sure to communicate this with your Pilates teacher.