1. Pilates is famous for flat abs, but my waist is bigger than my hips.
Pilates is known for creating svelte figures. But the truth is that Pilates classes are full of all shapes and sizes. If you want to lose weight, Pilates is supportive of weight loss. According to an About.com poll, Why Do You Do Pilates?, achieving a toned appearance and general fitness are the top reasons that people do Pilates. Other reasons include increased strength and flexibility, as well as therapeutic effects. The bottom line (no pun intended) is that Pilates classes are full of people who are there for all kinds of reasons, and I assure you, many of them do not have flat abs, yet.
2. Pilates is different than regular exercise. I won't know what to do in class.
Remember when starting first grade and feeling like you should already know how to read and write? Same thing. Many people feel intimidated starting a Pilates class, and some specifics about its movements set it apart from other fitness systems. The good news is that when you go to a Pilates class, no beginner is expected to know what to do. In fact, in most classes -- beginner through intermediate -- the instructors give detailed instructions every step of the way.
3. I want to try Pilates for back and neck pain but I'm scared I'll hurt myself.
This is a legitimate concern. People with back and neck pain are more vulnerable to injury and some precautions should be taken. One mistake made by people to whom Pilates has been recommended is to try to learn Pilates from a book or video. If you have an injury, you need to work with a certified instructor who can help you modify exercises and make sure that you are doing the exercises correctly. When done properly, Pilates exercises develop core strength, which is key to relieving muscle strain in the back and neck. We will guide you step by step and taylor each exercise to suite your specific need.
4. I'm too old to start Pilates.
Pilates is not about fancy moves. It is about a fundamental set of movement principles that can work for any body that is still in motion. You really can't be too old to do Pilates and reap benefits from its practice. The adaptability of Pilates exercise makes Pilates classes accessible to people of all ages and levels of fitness. The movements are mostly low impact and benefit all ages.
5. I don't know what to wear.
You can wear anything you want to do Pilates in, as long as it is not too baggy and you can move comfortably in it. Also, you can visit the studio you are interested in and check out what other students are wearing. You don't have to be signed up for a class to drop in to a studio for a quick look around.
6. I'll go broke paying for Pilates classes.
No doubt about it, Pilates is a little more expensive than most exercise classes. Is it worth it? A lot of people think so. Quick results that enhance every other kind of movement you do makes Pilates a worthy expense. One nice thing about Pilates is that there are a variety of ways to learn and practice Pilates. So you should be able to find a way to do Pilates that fits your budget. For example, mat classes are generally less expensive than equipment classes, group classes are less expensive than privates, and one can create a budget-friendly workout schedule by combining studio and home exercise.
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