Building a Pilates Practice at home
Can building a Pilates practice at home be that simple? I don’t have a reformer, a ball, box or any of the props. Lucky you, you do not need any equipment to start your own Pilates practice, well, maybe, just a mat. So this means that you can take your Pilates with you anywhere that you go. Why not start your own practice just like good ole’ Joe Pilates?
Let’s be real, the hardest part of creating any routine is self motivation. So much easier when you have to go to The Studio on Third, and one of our amazing instructors is watching you. Start with 5 minutes a day or find an instructor that you like on youtube or Pilates Anytime. They will get you started, and you will learn from them too. Another great resource is Lesley Logan’s flashcards They offer pictures, tutorials and modifications on each move. The original routine is not a bad place to start. (I know from personal experience!)
Here are five moves to get you started so that you hit every muscle:
Roll back or 100’s if you are feeling zesty!
Swan
Side leg series- lower and lifts and leg circles
Saw
Plank
And, bam, you have hit flexion, extension, side work, rotation, and of course, core! Start with these five exercises at 30 seconds to a minute each, and there is your five minute Pilates workout for the day. (Plank can be 10 seconds for three rounds) Practice these moves for a week, and you will start to feel each get stronger and more controlled.
Do you see how simple it can be? Yes, there will be days that you may not want to do Pilates or any movement. Maybe that day you choose another workout or you go back to your five minute routine. You do not need fancy equipment, and do not go out and buy the props until you have committed to your practice at home. After just starting with five minutes at home, coming to the studio, your body and brain will start to want more and your body will feel stronger and more connected.