Pilates for Beginners

Welcome to the world of Pilates! Beginning a new fitness journey can be both exciting and a little daunting. As a beginner, you may have heard about the many benefits of Pilates, such as improved flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Pilates is a fantastic way to introduce low-impact exercise into your lifestyle.

Common Questions about Starting Pilates

What type of Pilates is best for beginners?
Mat Pilates is a great way to begin because all you need is a mat and a bit of space to move around. Your own body provides the resistance, with an emphasis on strengthening the core muscles. Joseph Pilates originally developed mat exercises to help build his own strength.

Should beginners take a class or work with a Pilates instructor?
Experts agree that attending a few sessions at your local Pilates studio or gym is a sensible and safe way to begin. It’s important to learn correct Pilates technique — particularly regarding movement and breathing — which is best explained and demonstrated by a qualified Pilates instructor. To find a certified instructor near you, visit our Instructor Directory. Many studios and gyms offer a free mat or Reformer class to introduce newcomers to Pilates.

Can beginners do Pilates at home?
Absolutely! While it’s beneficial to start with classes led by a certified instructor, you can continue practising Pilates at home with just a mat and some clear floor space. We recommend choosing a thicker mat that offers additional cushioning and comfort. There are many online platforms where you can find Pilates exercise videos to follow at home, including Balanced Body Streaming Video, which offers both free and subscription-based content.

As you advance, you’ll find that some instructors incorporate props such as hand weights, soft balls, and resistance bands. You can also practise Reformer Pilates at home! Look for a Reformer that’s compact and easy to store. Balanced Body’s MetroIQ Reformer, for example, has a low profile and a telescoping frame for convenient storage.

Pilates and Physiotherapy
Pilates is also increasingly available in rehabilitation clinics and wellness centres. If you’ve experienced an injury or are receiving physiotherapy for ongoing back or neck pain, joint replacements, stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, or other conditions, research shows Pilates can be an effective part of treatment. Always discuss any programme with your healthcare provider. For more on Pilates in rehabilitation and sports medicine, see our PT/Rehab Training Resources.