10 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Pilates Class

1. Going to a class that is too advanced for your abilities:

If your abilities are not yet at an intermediate or advanced level, please stay in the beginner class. You may feel a beginner class is too easy or you want to work harder & feel the burn, however the beginner class is teaching you the principles of Pilates which is vital to advancing your practice.

2. Competing with the person next to you in class:

Pilates is not about competition but more about advancing your practice & abilities. Keep your focus on what you need to do to accomplish this.

3. Rushing through the movements:

Rushing a movement means you do not have the control & risks you losing your alignment. Slow the move down, if you feel you can not control the move you may need to take a step back.

4. Over recruiting your abdominals:

When you over recruit the abdominals you risk wearing them out. Listen to your instructor as to the level of recruitment required for an exercise. And allow the muscles to relax fully between exercises.

5. Over recruiting you neck:

It is easy to lift your upper traps as they are big muscles, but this will fatigue your other neck muscles & potentially give you a headache after the class. If you feel fatigue creeping into your neck, rest. Or keep your head down during an exercise. Join in again when you are ready.

6. Let your instructor know before the class if you have injuries:

You instructor can only alter your session when they know what you can & can’t do.

7. Holding your breath rather than using your breath:

It is common to hold your breath when things get tough, but it is better for the body & mind to use your breath. Exhale during the difficult part of the move. Inhale to recover. Using the breath will help you through the movement, plus you won’t risk getting dizzy.

8. Don’t focus on your favourites:

We all have our favourite exercises, but progression only happens when you challenge yourself & work on the ones that are not always in your go to list.

9. Being late to class:

Arriving late can be disruptive to the instructor & the other people in the class. Pilates practice is about mindfulness & respect for oneself & those around you.

10. Know your limits:

At the end of they day, you feel your body not the instructor. If you feel something isn’t right, please stop, let the instructor know. If you need to take a break, do so.