You can do Pilates at home whenever your heart desires. In fact, it is the most convenient way of doing the exercise method if you want to stick with the recommended 20 minutes per day, 6 days a week routine. For busy, full time working individuals and even for those who have no capacity to attend a class in a nearby Pilates studio, it is good to know that there are books and instructional videos you can follow at home.
These Pilates materials can be found online and in most sports stores. However, it is most recommended for a Pilates beginner to attend at least one beginner’s Pilates class before moving your workouts to your home. This will enable you to be familiar with the exercisevideos, s’ principles and how to do the positions properly in order to achieve maximum results.
Usually, Pilates videos will not include exercises that will require equipment found in studios. Basically, you will typically need no more than your very own Pilates mat and a sizable space where you can stretch out to your body’s full extent. Also, you’ll want to make sure that you use the right video for your own Pilates level. Remember that Pilates has targeted exercises with degrees and levels specifically designed for your own current Pilates status. Cheating levels will not do you any good.
Pilates, when done at home is called matwork and it is quite popular for those who feel threatened and awkward doing Pilates in studios in front of fellow participants. It was even promoted by its founder, Joseph Pilates back then, while demonstrating how to properly practice it at home. Joseph stressed that clothing is important when doing this exercise method such as wearing light clothing that will allow you to stretch. In fact, it was suggested that the participant wear as little clothing as possible so nothing will hinder his or her range of motion. It was also recommended to do all Pilates movements barefoot.
One more advantage of doing Pilates at home is that you work at your own pace without any distractions or conscious effort to look good, which is a common issue for group participants in Pilates studios. You can also pay for private services of a certified Pilates instructor if you can afford one. One-on-one sessions are the best because your instructor will be able to attend to your needs and correct you at once if you are doing something incorrectly.
Pilates routines can be adjusted according to your body’s needs. By doing it at home, you can stop whenever you feel the need to or slow down the tempo if a particular position makes you feel uncomfortable. You can also speed up the pace when you feel like it, and ultimately, the convenience is the biggest benefit, especially if you already know what you are doing.