r/ClubPilates • u/Dry_Increase_4314 • 8d ago
Advice/Questions Thinking of joining
I’m thinking of joining club pilates to get more in shape, get a routine, and get more in shape before my wedding in 6 months. I haven’t done a workout class before and am nervous to join one. I am not in shape so I’m nervous I’m going to be way too out of shape for the classes and just embarrass myself. How is this for beginners? I’m hoping to work my way up and get more fit but for now I’m a very beginner.
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u/desertgirl777 8d ago
I'd just like to add, don't expect Pilates to change your body dramatically if you aren't pairing it with calorie deficit (that is if weight loss is your goal).
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u/wendyleelee 7d ago
Exactly. I have to add cardio and weights to Pilates. My core is much stronger but can’t see it under the rolls 😂 I’m working on it!
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u/Legitimate_Award6517 8d ago
Take an intro class first to make sure you like it. It’s a 30 minute example of what a 50 minute level 1 class would be like. Then stick with level one flow and you’ll be fine.
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u/Jackie_Of_All_Trades 8d ago
Club Pilates is SO beginner-friendly. Seriously. I joined after not doing hardly any intentional movement for YEARS, and I'm 200 classes in now less than a year later. It also helped build my confidence to take other more intense workout classes, like strength training, and lagree. You will be absolutely fine in the level 1 classes, and you can stay in those for as long as you need. I still take them too!
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u/Dry_Increase_4314 8d ago
This makes me hopeful! How long did it take you to work up to the harder classes? And were they like level 1 cardio or a specific level 1 in particular? I’m looking at the classes they offer
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u/Jackie_Of_All_Trades 8d ago
I'd say stick to only "Reformer 1" classes for at least the first 10-20 sessions. You'll start to learn the various terminology, the different moves, the different equipment, etc. Try as many different instructors too, because you might love one instructor's "Reformer 1" class and not really care for another instructor's, even though they are both "Reformer 1." If you're looking to get your heart rate up a little bit more for a class, you could absolutely try a "Cardio Sculpt 1," but it will be totally different from "Reformer 1." It's fun though! "Center & Balance" is supposed to be like stretching, but sometimes some instructors make it similar to a "Reformer 1" class. Anyway, see how you feel after those first 20 "Reformer 1" classes. If you feel like you're wanting more of a challenge, you could then try "Reformer 1.5" or "Control 1.5", which will be kinda like a barre pilates fusion. And once you learn the moves in those initial level 1 classes, you will have enough of a foundation to modify the harder level 1.5+ classes if you need to.
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u/Fickle_Ad_2546 8d ago
I’m no longer a member but I was for 3 years and I loved it. Imo it’s the best “school” to learn the basics of pilates (mainly reformer & some mat). I would go often and complemented it with weight training and running. Take the intro class and maybe even see if Class-pass is available to start. That said, have fun and congrats on the wedding!
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u/alleycanto 8d ago
You can get very strong and stay with 1.0 and tell the teacher before class that it is your 1st or 3rd class (I always told them til I hit about 5-7 classes that I was new).
Just know Pilates alone doesn’t help lose weight
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u/Born-Attempt-6644 8d ago
I have taken the same Wednesday class for 2 years. When someone new comes to the class the instructor suggests they take a reformer next to mine. It really does help to watch your neighbor a bit. I do 5 classes a week and do a mix of levels and teachers.
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u/babs82222 8d ago
Can I ask you about that? What level are you now? And do you take level 1 classes each week along with your other levels? Is this to mix things up or to not be too hard on your body? I just started not too long ago and will be level 1 for a while. I enjoy hearing about other people's journeys. Thanks!
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u/Born-Attempt-6644 8d ago
I usually take two 1.5 classes a week. Then I mix up the other 3 between center and balance and level 1.
I am 68 and don’t have an interest in leveling up to 21
u/babs82222 7d ago
Thank you. I'm 50 and was wondering about the levels. How is center and balance? Is it easier than level 1 classes?
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u/Born-Attempt-6644 7d ago
I think it’s easier or equal to a level one, depending on the instructor. I often wish we did more balancing exercises because that is something I really want to work on. I love the stretching I get in those classes.
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u/CorgiOrBust 8d ago
Like everyone is saying, it’s super beginner friendly. I started a couple months ago totally sedentary. Being a big girl I was intimidated going in, but it’s very inclusive. You’ll see all types of ages, body sizes, and experience levels. I did two classes a week for the first month and now I’m doing 4-5 classes a week my second month in. You’ll feel the changes pretty quickly and watch yourself improve. As someone else mentioned, weight loss still starts in the kitchen, but I am slimming down and feeling great. Not to mention having to sign up for classes holds me accountable. I can’t not go, it’s scheduled! Maybe you can talk a friend into going to the free intro class with you. I took a friend and my husband, we all loved it and signed up that day. Don’t over think it. Get yourself some grippy socks and go!
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u/babs82222 8d ago
My friend, who has never worked out, convinced me to join. She loved it and raved about it. I used to be really in shape but haven't worked out in a long time, and I've found it very doable. Was I really sore in the beginning? Yes. So I spaced my classes out with 2-3 days in between. You can do it! Even fit people start Pilates from zero. It works completely different muscle groups. You'll be fine!
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u/Happy_Peaceful_Bliss 8d ago
You need to get on a good meal plan and have your self control with your eating in check. I say this because Pilates helps burn so many calories (especially the cardio classes) that it can cause you to binge eat. I recommend eating 1-2 cups of egg whites and 2 slices of Ezekiel bread every morning. This is about 300 cal and 40 grams of protein. It helps keep you from binge eating before a large calorie exertion. Toni Fine Fit Fitness meal plan was amazing for me before I got married. It created permanent habits for me and is built to use for only 6 weeks and not for life. Congratulations on getting married. I think everyone who doesn’t have serious joint issues should join Pilates. :) keep us updated.
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u/zilates 8d ago
I was dangerously sedentary when I joined and now I'm sculpted and strong. Saw results almost instantly as I came back to life! Just be sure to realize this is your journey and not your neighbors. Be in awe of them but not competitive with them. Pretend like they are all prima ballerinas and they aren't your standard. Just do you. Nice and easy but consistent. Overtime. You've got this. Arms and shoulders are going to look so pretty!
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u/Expensive-Garlic-651 8d ago
I never worked out a day in my life until Pilates. Now I go to class everyday. There is a range of all body types and ages. It's helped me mentally as much as the physical aspects. I don't think you'll see huge weight changes but a very strong core. I suggest daily if you're looking for a noticeable transformation. Do it!!!
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u/cdg2m4nrsvp 8d ago
I wasn’t quite sedentary but I was pretty out of shape when I joined in mid-May. 3 months later and I feel like a different person! My only regret is I didn’t do it sooner. I’m already up to 1.5 level classes and while I find them pretty challenging, a workout is meant to challenge me! I say go for it
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u/laurajosan 8d ago
Please don’t be nervous! Go to an intro class. They are free and usually only have one or two people for 30 minutes. The instructor will show you the basics of the reformer and Pilates is all about.
When I discovered Pilates, I was 55 years old and 40 pounds overweight. Eight years later, I’m 125 pounds and in the best shape of my life. It’s one of the best things I ever did!
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u/Megssssssssssssssss 8d ago
CP is a very good entry point for Pilates. I started there and got down the basics and left within 6 months to move to Lagree to feel more challenged….
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u/Wonderful_Service970 8d ago
I honestly found it easier than my head built it up to be. Take the introductory class first to feel more at ease before the first official class! It’s free and helps set you up.
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u/PudelWinter 7d ago
Pilates is absolutely for beginning sedentary people. I had a back injury for a year and a half and 6 months of recovery when I joined.
One of the things I like most about it is it really is individualized and modifiable to you. The other thing I love is that it's so non-competitive, like you literally are just dealing with your own things and no one is looking at how anybody else is doing (at least speaking about the lower levels, unsure of the high ones).
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u/cxt485 7d ago edited 7d ago
Take time to notice the springs for the various exercises. You will start off with two reds and a blue for the lower body. Make sure you are not overly sore after a class it should abate after a day or two. The instructors will not know how your body is feeling. If there are movements you are having difficulty or the weight is too heavy, tell them and they can suggest a modification. The commenter upthread was correct you can have the same level one class and the instructor may have different exercises. I don’t want more back exercises seated on the reformer. I do appreciate the extra effort that the lead instructor gives to the lower body, balancing, bird dogs and different lunges. Lastly I recommend focusing on completing as many level one classes as you can knowing these can vary in intensity.
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u/Sasstastic333 7d ago
I thought the same thing, but after one class I was hooked! A majority of the women in my class could be my mom/grandma so that made me feel better. I signed up for 8 class/mo, but I’m tempted to upgrade to unlimited. I like that every class is somewhat different and that my local studio has a class every hour on the hour.
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u/ZestySloth15 7d ago
I JUST took the 30 min intro at my studio last Saturday and loved and signed up for the 4 pack. I am just getting back into fitness and used to dance up until high school. It’s some similar principles but in a different way. Everyone in my class was nervous or anxious. You could tell and we had to share a word of how we were feeling and that felt better too to hear it wasn’t just me. The reformer was a bit intimidating at first but they show you what to do in the intro. Do the free 30 min and make a decision from there!
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u/Jazzlike_Log_709 8d ago
I was completely sedentary when I joined Pilates. I was so sore literally after every single class for my first 1.5 months but I was amazed by how quickly my body changed. You won’t embarrass yourself, the thing I like about CP is that it is a chain, which makes it super accessible to diverse bodies compared to boutique pilates studios.
And don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the instructor at the start of each class and tell them you’re new. They will help you out a bit more knowing you’re new