I Tried Pilates for 2 Weeks, Here's What Happened
After thinking Pilates was an elite club for influencers and celebrities, I finally tried for two weeks to see what all the hype was about. I can relate to anyone who thinks Pilates looks way too hard and intimidating, the reformer itself is unlike any machine I've worked out on. The commitment was a challenge, but one that left me craving more because of the results I saw. From people recovering from injuries to fitness enthusiasts alike, Pilates offers an array of supported postures and movements each with their own modifications for all experience levels. If you’re Pilates curious, but uncertain on where to begin, take in the tale of a newbie’s journey then try it for yourself!
My journey began at BODY of Santa Fe’s idyllic, light-filled studio, with wood floors and six reformers. Classes span from beginner to sculpt — encouraging students to learn foundations and build upon them. My first class felt incredibly elongating with core work supporting every movement from arms to footwork. There were options to make the movements more challenging, or more supportive while still getting an effective workout in. Overall, the foundations class shows the fundamentals of Pilates and provides a gentle effective burn.
How long from the first class until I saw results?
I saw results right after the first class. Pilates is so targeted and controlled (originally dubbed ‘Contrology’) that after classI could see definition in the areas I worked on that only improved with each class. Now this doesn’t by any means boast unrealistic expectations, I didn't get into shape after just one class, but the muscles don’t lie!
In Pilates, you can feel the exact area being exercised, giving me more bodily awareness and confidence knowing I am targeting a specific area. In the HIIT classes I was accustomed to taking, everything went so fast that I felt I was getting a full body workout but never quite knew exactly where. When I say you can feel the exact muscle you’re working on in Pilates, I mean it. The low-impact slow-rhythmned nature of the method allows each area to get the burn and definition it needs to see real results.
Am I a Pilates pro after 2 weeks?
What I love about Pilates, is no matter how long you’ve been doing it, it will always find a way to challenge you. I know this from my instructors, who graciously admit how humbled they are when they take Pilates classes themselves. What I can say, is after 2 weeks I am in notably better shape than my first day and I am 100% a Pilates addict.
Getting a class pack has motivated me to show up for myself and stay consistent. The results I continue to see are the validation I need to know that hard work is worth it.
If you’ve heard about Pilates but don’t know where to begin, I recommend doing it. Coming from someone who was out of shape before my first class, to discovering a fitness modality that keeps me inspired and healthy has changed everything. The community at BODY has been motivating and inspiring with expert-level teachers who are trulypassionate about what they teach. Everyone's journey is different, but stick with it, you'll be so proud of how much stronger you can feel in a couple of weeks and beyond.