If you are looking to work on your strength, flexibility and mindfulness, then the practice of Pilates is for you. Pilates is a transformative (inside and outside) fitness experience. The perfect place to begin is with our 7 Day Beginner Pilates. You can access this for free when you sign up to MerryBody on the free 7 day trial over here. Once you’ve activated your account, look at the ‘Challenges and Programs’ Section and you’ll find it!
If you’re looking for a bit more motivation before you sign up. Keep reading.
Pilates, a Brief History
Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer. Initially he called his set of exercises “Contrology”. His method focused on the mind-body connection, using controlled movements with the goal to enhance physical strength, flexibility and promote better posture. Joseph Pilates designed his exercises to rehabilitate injured soldiers during World War I. We told you it was brief, but you can read more over here.
Pilates Movements for Strength and Flexibility
Pilates movements are designed to promote both strength and flexibility through controlled and precise exercises. These movements focus on the ‘powerhouse’ muscles, including the abs, lower back, hips and glutes. Movements begin from the centre and extend out to every part of the body.
Get ready for small, controlled movements that may seem simple at first, but when done with proper focus, prepare for an extremely effective workout!
Pilates improves muscle strength and posture while also reducing the risk of injury. Exercises such as the Hundred, Roll-Up and Leg Circles not only strengthen and stretch muscles but also promote a mind-body connection that will boost your overall well-being.
Pilates movements are adaptable to all fitness levels, so if you’re new, don’t freak out! We have a selection of beginner Pilates classes waiting for you! Pilates can be super inclusive and versatile for everybody. Our preference is mat-based Pilates as it means you can do it anywhere, it’s more cost-effective and accessible to more people. This is what we teach within our MerryBody App. However, you can also try Reformer Pilates, read more about Reformer over here.
The MerryBody Difference
Pilates and Yoga changed our lives forever, but it wasn’t until we embraced the practice of self-acceptance that everything transformed in the most amazing ways. After years of working out from a place of self-criticism, constantly striving to lose weight and hating our external appearance, self-acceptance shifted our motivation and reasons for exercising.
The daily practice of Yoga, Pilates and self-acceptance allowed us to appreciate and celebrate our bodies for what they are and all they do for us. It helped us let go of low self-esteem and grow stronger both inside and out. The changes to our lives were so amazing that we had to share this journey and create the MerryBody Method.
It’s all packaged up in our app, where thousands of people experience our workouts every week. Every time you press play on a MerryBody class you’re not just experiencing an amazing workout you are also working towards a more self-accepting mindset and more space for joy.
Time is too precious to waste thinking you are not good enough.
You are amazing, just as you are, right here and right now.
Those words above are our MerryBody Mantra. We end every Yoga, meditation and Pilates class with. If you hear it enough times, you’re bound to believe it. We’d love to help you discover a way of exercising that not only looks after your health but also brings you joy, and helps you create an everlasting exercise habit.
If you’re looking to begin your Pilates journey, start with our free 7 day trial.
We know that starting a new fitness routine can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to Pilates. That’s why we offer a free 7 day trial, there are no lock-ins or contracts. Take the opportunity to explore all that MerryBody has to offer.
Why Our Free Trial is Perfect for Beginners
If you’re still reading, this means you’re thinking of trying the 7 day trial, but maybe there is also some internal resistance. We want to remind you, it’s a trial! Try it out, if you love it yay, if it’s not for you, that’s ok!
Ease of Access
Get started from the comfort of your home, with no need for special equipment. If you have a Yoga mat, perfect, if not, simply grab a towel and start. If you love it, then you can go ahead and buy a Yoga or Pilates mat.
Guided Instructions with Modifications
We will guide you through each session, ensuring you understand the movements and their benefits. We will offer you modifications and we’re available if you have questions about particular moves.
Variety of Classes for Everyone
Experience a range of classes that introduce you to the basics of Pilates, focusing on core strength, flexibility and posture. Once you are feeling confident you can continue to grow with the more challenging classes. We also have Yoga and Meditation, for us, this combination is the game changer!
Range of Times, Easy to Fit the Classes into Your Life
We know, life can get busy and so often your exercise can get forgotten from your to-do list. This is why we have a large range of class times. From 5 minute Pilates sessions to 30 minutes, you will find a class perfect for you. If you’re after the hour length session, then look no further than our Class Stacks. Our Mum designs these by joining 2-3 classes together to create the ultimate balanced workout. She does MerryBody Pilates each and every day.
Here’s our amazing Mum, she features in some of our classes!
To give you an idea of what our 7 Day Beginner Pilates Program is like in our MerryBody App. Here’s a list of the classes.
It’s the perfect starting point for your Pilates journey. We do have the option to use small hand weights (either 0.5kg or 1kg) in these classes, but we also demonstrate no weights. Both are perfect options.
Day 1: Breath, Arms and Abs
We will take you through both the breath and style of classes you’ll find within our app. This will help you feel more confident to try out your first class. You’ll also hit play on a 20 minute beginner Pilates Standing Abs and Arms class. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about trying your best!
Day 2: Super Sides and Thighs
This class is just 11 minutes, we want to prove to you that you don’t need a huge amount of time to feel; like you’ve done an amazing workout. This class is one of our favourites and the best part… you get to lay down the entire class. Hehe, gotta love that! Pilates is such a fun way to look after your body.
Day 3: Strong Enough Pilates
In just 19 minutes you will feel strong and accomplished with this class. You’ll not only work on strengthening your glutes and thighs, you’ll also get your heart pumping. You see, we take classical Pilates and shift the gears to create our unique MerryBody class style. Our goal is to get you feeling AMAZING!
Day 4: More Core Pilates
In every Pilates class, you will work on strengthening your core muscles. However, this class is directly focused on the core. The moves may look fairly simple but oh wow, you will feel muscles you have never felt before! And, in just 11 minutes! We call this class ‘More Core’ for good reason, it is such an effective class.
Day 5: Arm Pulse Pilates
You don’t need heavy barbells to strengthen your biceps and triceps, this class is proof! It’s one of our Mum’s favourites. She often pairs this arm-focused session with another class to get the most out of her daily Pilates routine.
Day 6: Feel Amazing Pilates
The ultimate core, booty, back and side workout! It’s a total body workout. A little more challenging than the other classes. So if it’s not for you, use our class filter feature to find the perfect beginner class.
Day 7: Arms, Abs, Fire
Your goal for day 7 is to have hyper-awareness of your control. Make every move count and be sure to engage your core and focus on the precision of your movement. Prepare for an amazing workout!
After these 7 days, we are sure you will love Pilates! But remember, this is just a taste of the over 550 classes available on our app. If you’re as excited as we think you’ll be, you can continue as a monthly or annual member for less than $1 a day!
If you have any questions, get in touch on social media. You can find us on Instagram over here. If you are not quite ready to sign up for the 7 day trial, why not try a FREE class over here.
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla