How long before I see results from my Pilates practice?
The question I often get from people is “how long does it take before Pilates makes a difference to my health?”. Great question.
If you’ve just started your Pilates practice – or are about to start – I’m sure you’re keen to see changes quickly. But like anything in life, it does depend on your commitment to regular practice.
And it also depends on what sort of changes you’re looking for and the current state of your body. If you’ve experienced a sports injury or if you have the normal ‘wear and tear’ associated with getting a little older, seeing results may take some time.
What type of changes should I expect to see with regular Pilates practice?
Most people are looking for a stronger, leaner body. They’re seeking a way to build-up their strength and improve how they feel every day. And that’s all possible.
If you haven’t previously done a lot of strength exercises, perhaps the road is a little longer. Like most worthwhile things in life, real change won’t happen overnight. But doing regular Pilates practice will lead to these benefits:
Pilates will give you more control over your body
It’s a full body workout - strength building, endurance and balance training
You’ll have more fluidity of movement – you’ll feel more confident as you move through your day
The best approach? Choose a Pilates class that suits you
The best results from Pilates come when you choose an approach that suits your body and your lifestyle.
Pilates classes at the gym
Some people start their Pilates practice at a local gym. You’ll usually be part of a big class consisting of people at different levels of fitness. You may save some money, but individual tuition may be limited. If you’re an experienced Pilates practitioner, this may suit you perfectly. But for a beginner, you risk injury if you try and keep up with the more advanced members of your group.
Private Pilates classes
If you’ve never done Pilates before, you might want to consider first taking private, one-on-one classes. Your instructor will help you understand your strength and range of motion. They can create a custom-made program (5 – 10 weeks) and work on your physical weaknesses and limitations.
Small studio Pilates classes
The most effective tuition for beginners right through to more experienced people, are classes in a small studio. You’ll have the advantage of having personal access to a qualified and experienced Pilates instructor. They can help you make adjustments and advise you on how to make the most of your fitness sessions.
Starting with a beginner level group class (at least 10 sessions), your instructor will help you and your body learn to move effectively. They’ll teach you how to apply the Core Pilates Principles and to build a solid base for more challenging exercises.
All fitness levels classes (10 sessions) are suitable for fit, injury-free individuals or sportspeople who would like to perform better at their favourite sport.
If you’ve been doing Pilates for a couple of years, you’re probably ready for the challenge of Barre Fusion Pilates. Barre Fusion is a unique blend of Pilates principles, strength training, barre and high-energy workouts that will make you feel graceful, flexible and strong. But you need to be committed – and prepared to workout to the point of exhaustion. (I’m serious!)
How often should you do Pilates before you see results?
Everybody can benefit from doing the right practice regularly. To see real results, I recommend at least 2 to 3 sessions per week. It does mean making a commitment to your health – and it’s important that you feel good after each session.
Active Pilates runs both private classes and small group Pilates sessions. On most days, you’ll enjoy your practice in the open air. And we love to laugh, even when we’re working hard! See you soon!