Ever feel like you want to try Pilates because everyone says how great it is, but you look at videos online or pictures on Instagram and you’re pretty certain your body will NEVER move that way?
There’s also NO WAY you’re going to wear a crop tank, because the roll around your middle would squish out like the ice cream in a chocolate chip cookie sandwich!
I get it. We all HATE being “newbies” at anything, but especially Pilates. Everything seems overwhelming. You don’t want to wear the wrong thing, have the wrong mat, or WORSE, look stupid when you start moving. You don’t want to FEEL stupid. So, you tell yourself you’ll start “when”:
When you lose a little weight.
When your back doesn’t feel so stiff.
When you get new workout clothes.
When you (magically) feel more confident in those spiffy new workout clothes.
Even if ANY of those “when’s” actually happen, you’re lying to yourself about eventually feeling “ready” to start Pilates. I’m going to tell you, right now:
You’re NEVER going to feel comfortable getting starting Pilates.
But you should start it anyway!
Here’s why you need to ditch YOUR “when” and just get your Pilates practice started already:
You’re worried about your weight
If you’re worried about being ‘too fat’ for Pilates, here’s some good news. EVERY body is a Pilates body.
I see every imaginable size of client – thin, overweight, muscular, obese…and it doesn’t matter. All I’m looking at is how you’re moving and what is best for your body to feel great today. And every instructor I’ve ever known have spanned every imaginable size as well (even me!).
I’ve been ALL the sizes in my Pilates career. I’ve been thin, I’ve been pregnant, I’ve been “holding onto the baby weight” thick, I’ve been “hello hormone changes” pudgy. But I’ve ALWAYS been able to do Pilates.
Sometimes I’ve not felt the most fabulous in my workout clothes when I’ve first gotten on my mat, but by the end of my workout, IT DOESN’T EVEN MATTER. Because I feel strong, and connected, and kick-ass fabulous because – aside from it being Pilates and the workout giving you that amazing Pilates feeling – I moved my body, worked like a champ, and showed up for myself!
You need new workout clothes
Yeah…NO. You’re just giving yourself another excuse to delay starting your Pilates practice! You DON’T NEED A NEW WORKOUT WARDROBE.
We’re not hitting the mat to look “cute”. I don’t actually care WHAT you’re wearing, just that you’re wearing SOMETHING! I’ve had clients workout in their pjs, in their work clothes, in old baggy sweats, and in flashy new outfits. As long as you can move in it, and you feel GOOD in it, I don’t care what your outfit looks like.
The great thing is, it’s just you & me! Even if you decide to take group class, no one else is caring either! You’re in the comfort of your own home and they’re in theirs, and they’re watching ME instead of anyone else. So, no pressure! Don’t get anything new until you know you’re ready to commit. Then it can be a big pat on your back for actually getting started!
You’re afraid to look (or feel) stupid
If you’re worried about looking or feeling stupid, let me let you in on a little secret:
NO ONE knows all the things when they first start Pilates.
What?!? Shocking!!
Not even me (I’m literally cry-laughing right now)! I was a MESS when I started Pilates, and I can only imagine what it looked like to the instructor, because I had NO IDEA what I was doing (or what it even was).
And guess what? Your instructor LOVES that!
You’re coming to me fresh, with a clean slate. I can connect you in ALL the ways without you telling me “My previous instructor told me to do it THIS way” or with all kinds of bad habits that are a little harder to get rid of. I get to share the Pilates love with you and watch how it changes you, inside and out! I see the lightbulb moments, the small wins, and the work you put in to get to the big successes.
I consider it a huge honour to be your guide on your Pilates journey, and that honour is NOT one I take lightly! We always start small, so you can be successful right from the start. It really is a way of moving that is foreign to everyone when they start, so it’s important to get your foundation strong right from the beginning.
So, please, change your mind from “I’ll look stupid” to “My instructor’s going to be so excited to show me the way” and we’ll both be on the same page!
You’re worried you won’t be able to do the exercises
Listen. We’re not doing anything crazy here, okay? NEITHER of us wants you to get hurt. Which is why we always start small and build from there when you’re ready.
Yes, I will push a little when I can see your connection is better or you’ve finally gotten the hang of actually breathing during an exercise. I am well-trained in knowing when a body will be able to progress an exercise, and I don’t try it unless I see that you’re ready in the OTHER exercises that support it.
The great thing is, if we DO progress an exercise, I’m always checking to make sure it feels accessible. If we’re *not quite* there yet, we work on other things to get you more ready.
And just so we’re clear…I can GUARANTEE you’re not doing any of those crazy things you’ve seen on the internet anytime soon when you’re first starting (but we WILL get there, eventually)!
If you came to me “perfect” – well, let’s face it. NOBODY’S perfect. We all need someone else to push us, someone else to encourage us, and someone else to tell us what they see (because we can’t see ourselves while we move, now, can we?).
You’re afraid you’ll be too stiff when you move
Between our society’s collective neck tension, lower back stiffness, and hamstring tightness, I’m pretty sure you WILL be like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz when we start! Most people I see for the first time have lots of tightness and tension, but it’s something we work to get you OUT of.
That’s also another reason we always start small. We need to coax out the movement in your body, rather than jumping out with a sneak attack. You’ll find your connections and it will allow your body to move more fluidly, in your own time.
Your stiffness is actually one of the main reasons you should start Pilates sooner than later. Every movement we do balances strength and flexibility, so before you know it, nothing hurts as much! If there’s no other reason to ditch your “when’s”, this one is probably the biggest lie you’re telling yourself. Yes, you’ll be stiff while you move, but not for long, and you’ll feel SO much better when everything feels good again!
So, what “when” are YOU ready to ditch right now? Are you ready to lose the excuses, jump into your Pilates practice, and start feeling better?
I’m ready if you are! Get your first three sessions today at a reduced rate using this link.
We’ll go over your goals and any trouble you’re having in a Zoom chat, then we’ll book your sessions and get you moving and you’ll feel better than you have in a long time.
You’ll wonder why you ever waited for “when” in the first place!
Xo, Kimberly
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