Everyone’s Pilates journey story is different and Pilates is about so much more than external changes; it is about improvement of the mind, soul, and body. Yes, it’s a great way to get in shape, but the full Pilates experience is so much greater.
Most of the time, when a person signs up for their first Pilates class, it’s because they want to get in better shape physically. And Pilates can get you there, make no mistake. But Pilates is all about state of mind and spiritual improvements as well, and that’s not always apparent for a studio first-timer. The true Pilates Before and After experience is not something you’re going to capture in an Instagram post. It’s much deeper than that.
Mindset Shift
Think of Pilates like a choreographed dance routine. Apart from the physical aspect, it requires mental quickness and mindful elasticity. It is an exercise of the mind and spirit just as much as it is an exercise of the body.
Is Pilates Good for Mental Health?
Yes! In addition to being a fun and challenging physical workout, Pilates has been proven to help maintain and strengthen mental aspects and improve focus. This mental strength and composure can be highly beneficial in our work and home lives as well. Pilates routines require focus and attention to body movements and responsiveness, which exercises not only your muscles but your mind as well.
Healthy Energy
Pilates instruction includes working on your circulation, flexibility, muscle stimulation and so much more. And in doing so, you’ll experience a rare boost of energy to get you through the day. Because of the natural energy sustained through Pilates, many enthusiasts choose to get in a quick 10 or 15-minute session every morning as a healthy alternative to a coffee or caffeine boost.
Does Pilates Make You Tired?
You might feel a little tired after your first few sessions, or at least until you are more accustomed to Boom Pilates. But it’s not like the exhaustion you might feel after cross fit or boxing workout. Pilates can be intense, but focuses on the body as a whole rather than just one part at a time. With a little practice and experience, that feeling of tiredness will be replaced with a feeling of rejuvenation. In addition, regular Pilates sessions can do wonders in terms of relaxation, so when your head does hit the pillow for the evening, you can look forward to a deeper and more relaxing night’s sleep.
Calm Sense of Strength
Unlike other routines or fitness courses, the sense of strength you’ll get out of Pilates instruction is more calm and mindful. This feeling isn’t aggressive; it’s harmonious. You’ll learn how your mind, body, and spirit can work together to give you a sense of strength and peace of mind simultaneously.
Does Pilates Make You Taller?
This question has been asked more often than you might think. There’s nothing we can do at Boom Pilates that will elongate your bones or take you from 5’4” to 5’9”. This is a physically impossible feat, but an understandable feeling that you might experience.
However, Pilates does help you strengthen and stretch your muscles through eccentric contraction workouts, which can have a positive impact on your posture. After a few sessions, you may notice yourself sitting a little straighter, carrying yourself more confidently, and walking a little “taller” than you did before. But to say that your legs or torso are longer would be…ahem…stretching the truth.
Sense of Pride for The Challenge
One thing we haven’t mentioned yet is the fact that the Pilates Booming lifestyle is for EVERYONE! Regardless of your level of experience (or lack thereof), your Pilates experience can be customized to ensure that you get the most out of your sessions. Your instructors can help you get started on the challenge levels that are right for you by adjusting the equipment or adapting the routine. Your challenge level might not be identical to the person next to you, but that’s okay! It’s not a competition. It’s a community.
How Does Pilates Make You Feel?
The Boom Pilates is all about positive energy. Our courses are designed to encourage you to test the limits of your body and mind. You might feel a little tired after your first Pilates experience, but rest assured that as you get more acclimated to routines and the atmosphere, you’ll start leaving the studio happier, stronger, and more confident. The hardest part is taking that first step and our experienced instructors will be there with you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates instruction, once said:
“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see a difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body”.
This is absolutely true and at Boom Pilates, we take it a step further: in no more than 30 sessions, you’ll have a completely new mindset. That’s the goal. That’s the challenge. There’s nothing wrong with Pilates before and after photos if that’s your thing, but just know that they don’t reflect everything you’re getting out of your Pilates classes and the Boom Pilates experience.