You’ve finally decided you’re going to try Pilates.
You’ve seen the videos. You’ve heard your friends talk about it. Maybe you’ve even saved a few Pilates workouts to your phone with every intention of actually doing them.
But now you’re wondering:
Where do I start?
Do you need to be flexible? Do you need special equipment? What if everyone else knows what they’re doing? And what exactly is a “hundred” anyway?
Good news: you don’t need to know anything before your first Pilates class.
That’s what your instructor is there for.
You Don’t Need to Be “Good at Pilates” to Start
One of the biggest misconceptions about Pilates is that you need to be fit, flexible or coordinated before you begin.
You don’t.
Pilates is a practice, which means you start where you are and build from there.
Your first class might feel a little unfamiliar. You might move the wrong leg, forget which way you’re supposed to turn — and that’s completely okay. Your instructor will explain what to do, and if you’re unsure at any point, they’ll guide you through it and can demonstrate the exercise if that helps.
Completely normal.
You are not expected to walk into your first class knowing the exercises.
You’re there to learn them.
So, What Actually Happens in a Beginner Pilates Class?
Think of your first class as being guided through a movement session rather than being thrown into a workout and left to figure it out.
Your instructor will talk you through each exercise, explain what you’re doing and give you cues to help you find the right position.
You’ll move through different exercises at a controlled pace, with time to understand each movement before progressing.
And because our classes are live online, you aren’t simply watching a video and trying to copy it.
Your instructor can see you.
That means they can watch your form, help you make small adjustments and give you feedback as you move.
Sometimes that might be as simple as:
“Relax your shoulders.”
“Keep your ribs a little softer.”
“Try moving your leg slightly lower.”
Or:
“That’s perfect — keep going!”
Those little corrections can make a big difference, especially when you’re just starting out.
What Do You Need?
Not much.
For your first mat Pilates class, you’ll need:
- A Pilates or exercise mat
- Comfortable clothing
- A little space to move
- Your phone, tablet or computer
- A stable internet connection
- Yourself!
You don’t need a reformer sitting in your lounge.
You don’t need a cupboard full of Pilates equipment.
And you definitely don’t need to spend hundreds of rands buying things before you’ve even decided whether you enjoy Pilates.
You can start with the basics and add equipment later if you want to.
What Does Pilates Actually Feel Like?
This is where beginners are often surprised.
Pilates doesn’t necessarily look difficult.
The movements can be small. The pace can be slow. There might not be any jumping, running or heavy weights.
And then, suddenly, your leg starts shaking.
Welcome to Pilates.
The aim isn’t to move as quickly as possible. It’s about moving with control and paying attention to how your body is working.
You’ll often hear your instructor talking about your breathing, alignment, posture and core.
At first, you may feel like you’re concentrating on about ten things at once.
Eventually, they start to become second nature.
And that is when Pilates gets really satisfying.
What If I Can’t Do Something?
Then we modify it.
Simple.
Every body is different, and not every exercise will feel right for every person on every day.
A good instructor should be able to give you options — whether that means making an exercise easier, changing your position or progressing it when you’re ready.
This is particularly important if you’re returning to exercise after a break or working around an old injury or physical limitation.
You shouldn’t have to push through something that doesn’t feel right just because everyone else is doing it.
Pilates isn’t about getting everything right straight away. It’s about learning the movements, listening to your body, and progressing at your own pace.
Why Choose a Live Online Class?
You could, of course, find a Pilates video online.
There are thousands of them.
But there’s one important difference between pressing play on a recorded workout and joining a live class:
A video can’t see you.
When you join one of our live online classes, your instructor is there with you.
We can see how you’re moving, answer questions, offer modifications and adjust the class as we go.
You don’t have to wonder:
“Am I doing this correctly?”
You can ask.
You don’t have to keep doing an exercise that doesn’t feel right.
We can modify it.
And you don’t have to worry about being the only beginner in the class.
We’ll guide you through it.
It’s the personal attention of an instructor, without having to leave your home.
What If I’m Nervous?
You probably will be.
Starting something new always feels a little strange.
But remember that your instructor isn’t expecting you to arrive knowing what you’re doing.
In fact, helping beginners learn is exactly what we’re here for.
You don’t need to impress anyone.
You don’t need to get every exercise right.
You don’t need the perfect Pilates outfit or a beautiful home workout space.
You just need to show up.
The rest can come one movement at a time.
Your First Class Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect
Your first Pilates class isn’t a test.
It’s simply your starting point.
You might finish feeling like you’ve discovered muscles you didn’t know you had. You might feel pleasantly challenged. You might even find yourself wondering why you waited so long to try it.
And that’s the lovely thing about Pilates.
You don’t have to completely change your lifestyle to make it part of your life.
You can start with a mat, a little space and a couple of sessions a week.
Then build from there.
Ready to Try Pilates?
If you’ve been curious about Pilates but haven’t known where to begin, this is your invitation to just start.
Join us from the comfort of your own home and let an experienced instructor guide you through the class, one movement at a time.
We’ll help you understand the exercises, watch your form and make adjustments along the way so you can build confidence as you go.
No Pilates experience required.
No fancy equipment.
No intimidating studio.
Just you, your mat and an instructor who’s there to help.
Join Pilates First and take your first step into Pilates from the comfort of your home.
Got a question before your first class? Get in touch with us, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram for tips and class updates.
