6 July Website Host July 6, 2020 What Is Pilates? What To Know Before Your First Class General, Hot Pilates 0 Comment We know that it can be a little bit intimidating to try a new workout class. And, since there are so many different kinds of classes available today, it can be hard to keep them straight or to know which one is right for you to try. If you’re considering taking a Pilates class, we’re here to help you with some information you should know before your first class, and some tips to help you! What Is Pilates? Pilates workouts are movements that are meant to increase your flexibility, stability, flexibility, and overall fitness. These movements also help with stability and even train your muscles to work together, which leads to improved efficiency of your exercises and overall improved strength. Pilates classes tend to have a focus on “the core” muscles. And, while you may think that just means your ab muscles, pilates workouts actually are great for working and strengthening your glutes, lower back, hips, and pelvic floor muscles. And, similar to yoga, pilates involves a series of poses and movements that are done slowly and precisely, while paying close attention to your breath. While Pilates workouts might seem intimidating, they’re actually great choices for beginners. These classes are low impact and involve a combination of bodyweight exercises. Since Pilates doesn’t involve a lot of fast-moving cardio exercises (like burpees, jump ropes, etc.) or heavyweights, we think this type of class is great for beginners. What Should You Expect for Your First Pilates Class? To help you feel more comfortable about your first Pilates class, here are some additional details and tips! First, it might be a good idea to let the instructor know that it’s your first class. That way, they’ll know to watch out during the class and add any additional tips or adjustments for you throughout the class to help. At SunstoneFIT, all of our experienced instructors are here to help guide you through the movements and make sure you’re moving safely and confidently during each exercise! When you get to the class, grab a good spot in the room, and set up your mat. You generally will not need any props like workout straps, rings, balls, or even yoga blocks. Make sure to bring water, and dress comfortably so you can move freely without restriction. For example, you don’t want your clothing to be so loose that it gets in the way of the movements or moves around during your poses, but you also don’t want it to be so tight that you’re uncomfortable. If you’ve been considering trying a Pilates class, now’s the time! At SunstoneFIT, we have plenty of locations around the greater Dallas area, including locations in Southlake, Plano, Las Colinas, McKinney, and Flower Mound, Texas. Find a Pilates studio near you today! Related Articles Yoga Tips for Beginners: What To Know Before Your First Yoga Class Yoga Tips for Beginners: What To Know Before Your First Yoga Class If you’ve been thinking about getting into shape, you may have considered taking a yoga class. Yoga can be a great way to either get in shape or maintain your level of fitness. It builds strength and flexibility while simultaneously allowing you to focus on your breathing. By practicing yoga, you learn how to control your breathing, even during some rather challenging poses. This in turn helps you in virtually every other area of your life, as it allows you to remain calm and stay in control of your emotions. Yoga also helps you become more in tune with yourself. Therefore, you have the chance to reap both physical and mental benefits of practicing it. Here are some top yoga tips for beginners: What to Eat Before Yoga Class The proper diet is important in order to maximize any yoga practice. With Dallas hot yoga, eating appropriately before a yoga class is particularly important. Here, we combine the extreme temperatures of the Texas environment with the extreme heat of the yoga studio. To equip our bodies with the stamina to really use the heat, and to allow our bodies to work efficiently during practice, eating healthy food on a yoga-friendly schedule is an important key to a successful practice. Be Engaged Throughout Your Class Last week, we introduced Sunstone’s vision as well as the Five Teaching Principles that guide our teachers in helping our students cultivate their very best selves. These principles are our core values, the foundation on which we've built our studios. They are equally valuable for you, our students. They create the landscape for what your experience with us can be like. Whether you're in your second class, or well on your way to building a body, mind, and life practice, these words describe behaviors that can turn what seems to be the simple action of taking a yoga class into something truly life-changing. Taking Care of Your Hair and Skin So you are regularly attending classes at Sunstone, working hard, sweating like crazy, all the while loving the change that your yoga practice has created in your life. BUT, as you spend more time with your practice, you are noticing changes in your skin and hair. Hot Yoga vs. Vinyasa Flow: What to Expect I’ve done both Hot Yoga and Vinyasa for over ten years. I cannot imagine one without the other. I was fortunate to acquire a taste for both - and they are acquired tastes. I enjoy warm rooms and hot rooms, never cold rooms – that’s where I draw the line. Fortunately, Sunstone offers hot, warm and ambient classes! Here's some of my take-aways: Pilates vs Yoga Pilates vs Yoga – Which is Right for You? Since I was given the opportunity of growing up overseas as a Missionary girl; I learned at a young age to value the art of learning to understand where concepts originated from – so that would include the practice of Pilates or Yoga. I can share with you what I have learned so far and maybe you might be able to add something of value to your own experiences and journey. Comments are closed.