Less is More
With the heat rising in Arizona, we’ve seen quite a few new students trying Pilates and Surprise Pilates for the first time. I love having the opportunity to be someone’s first experience with equipment Pilates. There are so many Ah Ha and Oh Boy moments.
A common misconception that I see with first timers about Pilates is the need to do more. It can be a bit of a mind shift from other physical pursuits where the goals are faster, heavier, and more repetitions. I can see that look of skepticism on a new students face when I say we are only going to do six repetitions. I’ve been that new student so I get it! How could six be enough? That’s the beauty of Pilates and what Joseph Pilates figured out so many years ago. Six well done movements with the right form far exceeds three sets of 12 sloppy movements.
The next ah ha in a first Pilates session is less weight can be more challenging. That seems counter intuitive. The reality is we are working deeper and need a lighter weight to challenge stability, balance and control. It can be hard for a new student to wrap their head around heavier is sometimes easier until they experience it for themselves. I like seeing that lightbulb moment!
I am also often asked by new students why we don’t have more reformers. Once again the answer is less is better. Less always for each student to get individual attention while keeping the class moving. Less allows for requests and modifications to accommodate everyones unique body and needs. Less means there is no hiding in the back and going through the motions. I want you to have success. I want you to see results, In
order to accomplish this, precision and proper form are necessary. I think back to the very first Pilates class I took in a larger group setting. The instructor was not able to come around and correct everyone. I can safely say I went through the motions but did so many things wrong. It wasn’t until my second experience in a smaller setting that I was guide on how to do it right. Oh boy what a difference between those two sessions!
The final less is more observation I have with new students is about range of motion. There is a desire to reach farther, bend farther, extend farther and so on. In Pilates a smaller controlled range is so much more effective than a big sweeping motion. It can be hard to shift that mindset until you feel the difference and what muscles have to work to control a movement. These ah ha and oh boy moments making teaching first timers so fun and rewarding for me!
If you are new to Pilates - embrace those moments and the fun of discovering the benefits of Pilates. If you are a regular student, try adopting a beginner’s mindset next session. Tune into to your body, really listen to the cues, minimize range a bit and perfect form. I bet you’ll feel it!