Things to Remember for a Pilates Class
We asked Neat Ambassador Korin Nolan, founder of Power Pilates UK and Baby Body Bootcamp, what the top things you need for a Pilates class...
Water
Like any class, you should always take water to keep you hydrated. Keeping dehydration at bay,will allow your muscles and cells to stay nourished and your mind to stay alert and focused. It will also help to combat muscle fatigue and reduce the after-burn, all of which are essential when you’re working out and challenging your body.
Your Core
Keeping a strong core throughout your class is one of the fundamental elements of Pilates. Once you’ve learnt how to connect your core muscles correctly, you can apply this to any other fitness, sport or daily activity you do. You’ll soon notice a difference in your strength and performance! And most importantly, a strong core promotes a strong spine, which is vital for your overall strength, health and wellbeing.
A Good Kit
You may be tempted to go with cheaper gear as Pilates wear can be pricy. However, in this case you get what you pay for. Good quality fitness wear will feature material that move with you and absorb the stress of exercise. It will also last much longer and you’re less likely to show off a VPL in your see through leggings as you do your roll downs!
Grip Socks
Although sock are part of a good kit, they deserve a separate mention, as they are pretty important in a reformer or equipment Pilates class. Standing on a smooth surface can be quite slippery in normal socks (you could do it in bare feet, although some studios prefer that you wear socks and you may prefer it yourself) and the light grip under a good pair of Pilates socks will ensure you feel more secure: One less thing to worry about as you try to master your moves!
Your Focus
The great thing about Pilates is that it requires focus and concentration in order to perform the exercises properly and get the most out of your class. It’s pretty impossible to let your mind wander too much, as you will no doubt forget to breathe correctly or concentrate on drawing up your pelvic floor! Immersing yourself in your class this way, is a great stress relief, as for one whole hour you will have not allowed yourself to think about anything going on outside – a time to focus on just YOU and you alone!
Korin Nolan is the founder of Power Pilates UK (Dynamic Reformer Pilates Studio based in South East London) and started her Pilates training at The London a college of Dance, before qualifying with Body Control Pilates over twelve years ago. Korin has had a varied career also working in TV as a presenter on Five’s The Wright Stuff for four years. She went on to co write her cookery book 'How to Cook in High Heels' (released in 2010 with Absolute Press) which demonstrated her love for healthy food, as well as a few naughty treats! Following the birth of her second baby Olivia Grace earlier this year, Korin developed her unique online fitness plan The Baby Body Bootcamp, for busy mums on the go and is suitable for postpartum mums.