The Ultimate Beginners Guide TO PILATES

Pilates is an amazing exercise that blends strength, flexibility and mindfulness. Begin your home practice today and prepare to strengthen your core, create better posture and promote your flexibility and mobility.

Try this 10 minute mat Pilates class now!

A Very Brief History of Pilates

The Pilates method originated as “Contrology” in the early 20th century and was developed by Joseph Pilates. The principles of Pilates are central to achieving a balanced and effective workout. These principles are Concentration, Control, Centering, Flow, Precision, and Breathing.

By following these principles, you can tap into the full potential of Pilates and experience transformative results within your mind and body.

The 6 Principals of Pilates

(AKA amazing form of exercise)

CONCENTRATION

is the practice of focusing your mind on each movement to ensure your time on the effective and you receive the most benefit.

CONTROL

requires you to use your muscles in a deliberate, coordinated manner. Pilates is the ultimate presence practice, it’s a moving meditation.

CENTERING

emphasises the importance of core strength and the ‘powerhouse muscles’, which serve as the foundation for all movements.

FLOW

promotes smooth, graceful exercises, enhancing your strength and agility.

PRECISION

asks for your attention to detail, ensuring each movement is performed in a safe and effective manner.

BREATHING

involves coordinating your breath with each exercise to optimise oxygen flow and support core engagement.

The MerryBody Pilates classes draw inspiration from Joseph's Classical Pilates style, but we infuse them with our own unique touch and philosophy.

The 6 Principals of Pilates

Enhanced Core Strength

One of the most amazing benefits of Pilates you’ll experience is an increase in core strength. Pilates exercises focus on engaging the core muscles, which include the abdominals, lower back, glutes, and pelvic floor. A strong core supports better posture, balance and overall body strength.

Improved Posture

Pilates emphasises proper alignment and body awareness. By strengthening the core and back muscles and promoting a greater awareness of posture, Pilates can help you stand taller with more ease.

Better Balance and Coordination

Many Pilates exercises challenge your balance and require coordinated movements of different body parts. This can improve your overall balance, coordination and proprioception (awareness of your body’s position in space). This is so important as we age, the better you can balance the less likely you’ll fall and injure yourself. 

Stress Reduction

Many Pilates exercises challenge your balance and require coordinated movements of different body parts. This can improve your overall balance, coordination and proprioception (awareness of your body’s position in space). This is so important as we age, the better you can balance the less likely you’ll fall and injure yourself.

Enhanced Body Awareness

Pilates encourages you to pay attention to how your body feels and moves. This heightened body awareness can lead to better movement patterns, reduced risk of injury and a stronger sense of connection to your body.

Support for Rehabilitation

Pilates exercises are often recommended as part of rehabilitation programs for injuries or medical conditions. The low-impact, controlled movements can help improve strength and flexibility without putting excessive strain on the body. It’s important to work with the correct clinical Pilates instructor for these situations. 

Adaptable for All Levels

Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities. The exercises can be modified to suit individual needs, making it an accessible and inclusive form of exercise.

Now you know a little bit more about Pilates, we want to introduce you to…

The MerryBody Method

MerryBody combines Yoga, Pilates and meditation with the mindset work of self-belief, body confidence, and self-acceptance. It’s a practice that helps you work out in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. It makes Pilates at home not just convenient but empowering and transformative.

Access our classes via our MerryBody App. When you begin your free trial you’ll have instant 24/7 access to our entire library of classes, programs, recipes and masterclasses. 

Pilates for beginners

Starting a new workout can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner or you’ve had an extended break from exercise. Our goal is to reduce the amount of friction and excuses that stop you from trying Pilates. We want you to feel confident and excited to press play on your Pilates workout!

It’s essential to embrace the beginner mindset, allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes and grow at your own pace. Remember that even the best Pilates practitioners were once beginners themselves.

Take your time to understand the movements, and listen to your body. It’s okay to ask questions or even modify exercises to suit your comfort level. With patience, practice and a willingness to learn, you’ll even find yourself enjoying this amazing workout!

Starting a new workout can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner or you’ve had an extended break from exercise. Our goal is to reduce the amount of friction and excuses that stop you from trying Pilates. We want you to feel confident and excited to press play on your Pilates workout!

It’s essential to embrace the beginner mindset, allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes and grow at your own pace. Remember that even the best Pilates practitioners were once beginners themselves.

Take your time to understand the movements, and listen to your body. It’s okay to ask questions or even modify exercises to suit your comfort level. With patience, practice and a willingness to learn, you’ll even find yourself enjoying this amazing workout!

Where to begin!

Starting a new workout can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner or you’ve had an extended break from exercise. Our goal is to reduce the amount of friction and excuses that stop you from trying Pilates. We want you to feel confident and excited to press play on your Pilates workout!

It’s essential to embrace the beginner mindset, allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes and grow at your own pace. Remember that even the best Pilates practitioners were once beginners themselves.

Take your time to understand the movements, and listen to your body. It’s okay to ask questions or even modify exercises to suit your comfort level. With patience, practice and a willingness to learn, you’ll even find yourself enjoying this amazing workout!

If you loved that 10 minute Pilates class... you'll love this free Yoga, Pilates and Breathwork Fusion class!

Enjoy our Mood Lifter Fusion class that will take you from feeling blahh to ahhh-mazing in just 25 minutes!

Always Merrymaking,

Always Merrymaking,

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