10 Important Tips For Achieving Pilates Goals
Posted December 22, 2021
Although Pilates is a low-impact workout, it’s no less intense – or rewarding! – than standard workouts and exercise programs, like going to the gym or taking up running. Pilates does offer a vast range of benefits that few alternatives can provide, and this can make achieving your fitness goals that much more gratifying in the end.
Are you currently working toward fitness or health goals? Here are 10 important tips for achieving your Pilates milestones!
1. Set Realistic Goals
While Pilates is a rewarding and intense workout, it’s important to keep your goals and training in perspective. Working toward long-term health and fitness milestones may require more dedication than you initially expected! Instead of setting distant or lofty goals that are difficult to achieve, set realistic ones that provide positive reinforcement as you work toward them.
2. Start Out Slowly And Build Endurance
After becoming familiar with the equipment and focusing on proper form, take things slowly at first as you recover from the initial adjustment period. You don’t want to injure yourself by pushing too hard too fast; instead, gradually increase intensity after building endurance and strength through consistent training sessions.
3. Keep Track Of Your Progress In A Journal
When starting out, it can be difficult to realize how your training is affecting your progress. Keep track of your daily activity as well as your weekly and monthly milestones as you work towards achieving Pilates goals!
4. Rest When Necessary
If you’ve ever felt exhausted after an intense Pilates session, you’re not alone. Like any healthy workout, Pilates puts a lot of stress on the body and requires adequate rest and recovery time between workouts. Make sure that you’re rested and ready for each session.
5. Stay On Track With Nutrition
While working out is important for achieving sustainable weight loss and fitness goals, nutrition plays a major role in overall health and wellness as well! Stay on track with proper nutritional intake by including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
6. Use Props Wisely
Props and Pilates equipment – like the Pilates ring, ball, and band – can be extremely beneficial when used correctly! However, using props without proper instruction can also lead to inefficient movement and wasted time. Make sure that you’re using props appropriately and benefiting from their use.
7. Warm Up And Cool Down Properly
Warming up and cooling down are essential for preventing injury and maintaining flexibility. Make sure to spend a few minutes stretching and warming up before each Pilates session, and take a few minutes to cool down afterward as well.
8. Be Patient - Results Won't Happen Overnight!
Like any other form of exercise, Pilates requires time and patience to see results. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate changes in your body or fitness level – it takes weeks, sometimes months, of consistent training to see real progress.
9. Modify Exercises As Necessary
Not everyone is the same, and not every exercise is appropriate for everyone. If an exercise feels uncomfortable or causes pain, modify it to fit your needs! There’s no shame in adapting exercises to make them more comfortable and effective for you.
10. Find A Pilates Instructor You Trust
A good Pilates instructor can be worth their weight in gold! Not only can a good instructor help keep you safe and on track during your workouts, but they can also provide you with a wealth of knowledge and insight about proper exercise, injury prevention, and more. Make sure you’re working out at a studio or with an instructor that you trust!
Achieve Your Fitness Goals at Club Pilates!
If you’re interested in learning more about our Pilates classes, view our studios and class times here. We offer online scheduling, affordable memberships, and flexible class times – all in an inviting studio environment! Come join us today!
