I've done it for 20 years. Love it. Studios and classes have varying quality of course. Look at reviews, try to get an introductory deal, and see what you think. You should get individual attention. Pilates is very precise, so if no one is coming around and having you move your leg an inch and changing everything, take your money elsewhere. You don't necessarily have to go to an expensive studio. I've taken some really great mat classes at gyms where we still got the individual attention and the instructors were demanding that we do it correctly. If you start with mat classes at some point you probably want to progress to using the equipment, which you'll probably only find it at pricier studio.
If you are used to very vigorous exercise like kickboxing or CrossFit, Pilates may not feel like much at first. But, you need to get some basic movements down, and to do them precisely. It will get harder as you progress.
I believe @Abbi is an instructor so I'm sure she'll have great advice.
I've done it for 20 years. Love it. Studios and classes have varying quality of course. Look at reviews, try to get an introductory deal, and see what you think. You should get individual attention. Pilates is very precise, so if no one is coming around and having you move your leg an inch and changing everything, take your money elsewhere. You don't necessarily have to go to an expensive studio. I've taken some really great mat classes at gyms where we still got the individual attention and the instructors were demanding that we do it correctly. If you start with mat classes at some point you probably want to progress to using the equipment, which you'll probably only find it at pricier studio.
If you are used to very vigorous exercise like kickboxing or CrossFit, Pilates may not feel like much at first. But, you need to get some basic movements down, and to do them precisely. It will get harder as you progress.
I believe @Abbi is an instructor so I'm sure she'll have great advice.
Another one that has been doing Pilates for 15 years. I can go ski all day for 4-5 days and not feel any pains. I fall, I get up without much of a challenge unless it's a bit too steep... then it's a challenge for a different reason!
I will also say, and I am an instructor, that the work when done under a trained eye can be a lot harder than doing it on one’s own. I am home during school vacation week. So I scheduled three sessions with other teachers at the studio where I work during other than ski season. I was feeling it after Monday. I did a tower class today. I am feeling it more! Apparently what I do on my own (lazy) does not sufficiently work the transverse abdominals. Those are the lowest and most interior ones. And mine are announcing their reawakening!!
@Pequenita wouldn’t a petite size reformer be just the ticket?
I also don't find yoga suits my personality. Attended a few mat pilates classes at a fitness center when I was a member several years ago. Definitely made it easier to learn the basics.I'm definitely taking classes rather than trying to follow along at home with a video, but for getting the form right, and so that I actually do the exercise. Seeing that even an experienced instructor works better while in class confirms that's the right way to go.
Definitely planning on reformer classes, but I've no idea what the tower is! Guess I'll learn.
I'm also only 5'1" on a good day, so am used to exercise equipment, and just about everything else, being a bit too big.