Five Helpful Tips for Your First Pilates Class

I will be the first to admit that running on the treadmill, day after day, is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Or, watching other people run on treadmills. To keep yourself from burning out or getting bored, change you exercise routine a bit. Personally, I like nothing more than humiliating myself in public, so I highly recommend group exercise classes. On a plus side, working out in a group keeps me motivated - I never want to be the person that leaves in the middle of the class. On the days I don't feel like working out, I count on complete strangers to keep me going. And it works. This attitude alone kept me in my first Pilates class for its entirety, and allowed me to learn a few things too (all of which are common sense to savvy Pilates practitioners, but were all new to yours truly).

So here you have them - the five tips to kicking butt in your first Pilates class.

Get a pedicure, or wear cute socks. Yes, I would venture to say that this is the most important tip for the newcomers to Pilates. This class doesn't require shoes, which makes it very freeing and much different from other classes you may have attended. No big deal, really, but just be prepared (and curtious to others).

Don't wear shorts. Well, no short shorts. You will find yourself in some very strange positions. If you want to focus on Pilates, and not on pulling your shorts down so that you don't flash strangers in public, wear long or capri work-out pants.

Bring and drink water. Pilates is tough (see tip four). Treat it like a kick butt workout that it is. This, of course, means staying hydrated. As my Pilates instructor declares, "Listen to your body." Take water breaks as you need them.

Focus on form. There are various levels of difficulty in Pilates. For your first class, do not expect to be able to lay face down, and reach your toes with your arms extended over your head. Recognize that things will get easier as you keep working out, so focus on form and do your best. Overextending yourself, when you are not familiar with the poses, may cause you to pull a muscle or two (I'm just saying!).

Remember to breathe. As a beginner, you may find yourself so focused on the poses that you inadvertently forget to breathe. But one of the most important aspects of Pilates is the breathing. Don't forget to inhale and exhale as directed. This makes the whole experience easier; it will also come more naturally after a few classes.

Now that you are properly outfitted and you know that no one expects you to be as flexible as a Cirque du Soleil dancer, you are ready to enjoy your first Pilates class. Go! Oh, and don't forget to breathe.