A Pilates mat class can be a little different from the average gym exercise class. Frequently, Pilates classes limit the number of students, and they can tend to be aimed at specific levels. They are traditionally structured without music, and they begin promptly without a long warm-up, so regular gym-goers sometimes find that Pilates takes a little getting used to.
Be Prepared
Arrive early enough to secure your place. Find out if you need to bring anything with you - some classes require you to bring your own mat, and many require socks and a towel. If you're supplying your own mat, make sure it's thick enough to cushion your spine. Yoga mats are generally too thin. You'll need to be able to curl into a ball and roll back and forth on your spine without getting bruised.
Keep Your Instructor Informed
If you're new to class, introduce yourself to the instructor, and let him or her know about any injuries or limitations you have. These might include ongoing injuries or simply tightness or weakness - for example, if you have tight hamstrings from a long run the day before class, or your neck is feeling stiff from too much computer work. It's best to mention this so that your instructor can tailor the workout to you, or at least avoid challenging you too much.
Look After Yourself
It's common, especially for new students, to struggle with certain parts of the Pilates workout. Many people find that it's easy to develop a stiff, overworked neck in the Series of Five because of the challenge of holding the head and shoulders off the mat, for example. In a group setting, the instructor can't monitor everyone the way she or he can during a private session, so be careful with your body. If your neck gets tired, rest your head down on the mat for a few repetitions. If your lower back is arching or aching, it's generally easier to reach your legs up to the ceiling, rather than holding them at the forty-five degree angle that many exercises call for. Take breaks when you need to, and ask for modifications if there are exercises that just don't seem to work for you.
Learn the Lingo
One of the key Pilates principles is flow, and it's difficult to make your workout flow if you don't know what's coming next. Try to gradually learn the names of the exercises and the placement of your body. In a traditional mat class, for example, exercises are performed in a set order: once you know that the Series of Five starts with Single Leg Stretch and then goes to Double Leg Stretch, and so on, you'll be able to work more efficiently and get better results. When you know where to hold your hands for Seal, you won't have to stop your workout for an explanation - you'll flow right into the exercise.
Focus, and Have Fun!
A class is a social time, and if yours is a regular group, you'll probably find that there's a great rapport between regular students and the teacher. Try to remain focused so that everyone gets an effective workout, but enjoy the opportunity to learn from and encourage other members of the group.
Remember, Pilates is mind-body exercise - and your concentration and dedication can make every mat class a thoroughly worthwhile learning experience, as well as a fantastic workout.
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