Recently heard from a person new to Pilates: “How did I live my whole life not knowing this?” In my words, I wish I’d known this – and done this – many years before I did.

I’d heard about this Pilates “thing”, but it wasn’t until I was in a cast and on crutches that I bought my first Pilates DVD (a less than advisable approach, by the way.) As I followed the moves the stunningly fit woman executed, I found that I was unable to do some of them. Having spent almost a lifetime dancing, and thereby having a pretty good handle on doing any movement I set out to do, I was astonished to discover that there were some things I couldn’t do. By the way, this had nothing to do with wearing the knee high cast. I spent the first of many months doing Pilates with the cast/boot on and even added an ankle weight on the other leg for symmetry.

What did I learn? That it isn’t necessary to do everything, especially in Pilates. If there is something that you are unable to do, a good instructor will find something similar that you can do. You may still need to skip certain exercises in order to stay injury-free and well balanced. Learning this work well will help you improve your overall fitness level both in and out of class, and in finding exercises that are right for your body.

Pilates exercises are designed to retain or restore the natural curves of the spine and balance the muscles around the joints. Emphasis is placed on integration of all the parts of the body working from the deepest layer of stabilizing muscles (the “core”) to the outer layers of larger muscle groups. Preparatory exercises and personalized modifications are key to allowing Pilates to be successful for most every body type and ability.

The Pilates principles should be learned at the outset. And then? You will likely find your every day life enhanced. Try answering this question: How could Pilates not be right for you? If you’re thinking you’re not a “Pilates person”, think again. I’m using principles of Pilates right now as I sit typing this (my first!) blog.

See you in class!

Leslie