7 Tips For Your First Pilates Class

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are good you’ve heard about the Lagree Method form of Pilates, and how it’s hands-down one of the best ways to slim down and get toned.

This certainly isn’t new news.

What may be new, however, is your decision to give Pilates a try yourself.

And since we were all newbies at one point in time, we know how it feels to walk into your first class, take one look at the Megaformer, and think “and how exactly am I supposed to use that?”

This colossal machine and its bells and whistles is undoubtedly intimidating at first, but don’t let the transformer-like Megaformer scare you away from trying what will likely end up becoming your new favorite workout.

To help ease your fears for your first Pilates class in L.A., we are here with some tips you can walk into class with, so you don’t feel as if you’re totally jumping off the deep end.

So grab yourself some grip socks, a bottle of water, and get ready for your first Pilates Platinum class!

 

What To Do For Your First Lagree Class

  1. Learn the machine.

You may or may not have taken a reformer Pilates class before, but either way, the Megaformer is a different machine.

Though it looks mostly similar to the reformer machine, it comes with some extras.

The Megaformer’s resistance comes in the form of springs that you can customize to make the load heavier or lighter.

In addition to springs, you’ll also find a number of different handles that your instructor will have you use in a variety of poses. These can all be twisted and turned different directions, depending on the move you’re using them for.

And, you’ll quickly become very familiar with what is possibly the most important part of the machine: the carriage. You’ll move this main part back and forth for nearly all of your moves during class.

You’ll also find hooked to the back a bungee that you’ll soon develop a love/hate relationship with, as well as a front platform and a back platform.

All of these different pieces are integral to you sculpting that toned body you’re after.

Make sure you come to class 10-15 minutes early your first time so that the instructor can walk you through the Megaformer basics and how to use it.

 

  1. Bring the right gear.

Really all you need for your L.A. Pilates class is a pair of grip socks.

These will keep you from slipping all over the machine, especially once you start to sweat (which trust us, will happen).

Speaking of sweat, you might also want to bring along a towel to dry off with, as well as a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout class.

Because this workout is much harder than it appears.

 

  1. Slow it down.

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Though it feels like human instinct to hop on the Megaformer and blast through your moves, the key to the Lagree Method is slow and steady.

Keeping it slow will continue to be even more of a challenge as you feel your muscles start to shake. Though it feels weird, this Pilates shake is definitely what you’re after.

By slowing it down to the point where your muscles are shaking and twitching, you are able to really target specific muscles, burn fat, and in turn, lose weight.

If you’re speeding through your Pilates moves, you won’t be getting nearly the workout the rest of the class is, and your body won’t get the toned results you’re after.

 

  1. Look at your neighbor.

For your first class, pick a middle machine so that you can look to your neighbors for help when the instructor calls out a move that means absolutely nothing to you.

The time between each move in class is short, and especially for your first few classes, you won’t know what moves are what.

And that’s where your fellow Pilates classmates come in handy.

Sneak a peek at what they’re doing, and mirror yourself after that.

 

  1. Consistency is key.

We’re going to be honest here — your first Pilates class is going to be tough.

But it’s the kind of tough that you’ll learn to love.

The only way you can expect to really see the results from the hard work you’re putting in is by being consistent with your workouts.

We don’t recommend going multiple days in a row, particularly when you’re new to the Pilates scene, but you should aim for 2-3 times per week.

And when you have a rest day, make sure you give your body just that: rest.

Though being consistent with your Pilates workout is essential, so is giving your body the proper break — giving your muscles the chance to recover and prep you for the next round.

 

  1. Modification will be your BFF.

While it’s a good idea to watch your neighbors for some help, don’t worry if you can’t do exactly what they’re doing.

You cannot expect to walk into your first Lagree class and know how to do every move!

Your instructor will offer up modifications for newbies that allow you to get the form down before you add resistance for a more difficult move.

As you’ll likely hear your instructor say many times, it’s more important for you to have the correct form than it is for you to have that extra spring of resistance.

 

  1. Be patient.

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Know going into your first class that it will probably take you at the very least 5 classes to become comfortable with the machine and the moves.

Even then, there will be lots of new things that pop up.

So, give yourself a break and allow the moves to slowly come to you. Remember — everyone was a beginner at Pilates once, and now it’s your turn.

If you stick with your Lagree Method regimen, we guarantee you’ll be thankful you did.

 

All new Pilates Platinum students get your first class for just $10. Head on over to our website to sign up today!