"There is such a clear explanation of what each part of your body should be doing. It's so easy to understand." - Alice
There’s a reason why the world is so obsessed with Pilates: it’s effective and accessible for everyone, no matter your age, gender or fitness level.
We've teamed up with el be Pilates to unlock the world of Pilates for The Edge community, and it starts here with a beginners guide that will help you to lengthen, align and sculpt your body - and leave you feeling stronger inside and out.
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that builds full body strength, while improving postural alignment and flexibility.
Every movement is controlled, precise and performed repetitively to target small muscles that realign, stabilise and sculpt your body.
Not only that, Pilates combines breath work and intention to connect your body and mind, bring you into the present moment and regulate your nervous system.
WHO CAN DO IT?
This is the best bit: Pilates is for everyone.
No matter your age or fitness level, it’ll meet your needs and create real change to your body - for life.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
No equipment, just some space and 20 mins to move. It couldn't be easier to get started!
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
There are so many, but let's start with seven of the key benefits.
1. Improved posture and spinal health
Pilates strengthens the deep, stabilising muscles that support the spine and corrects postural alignment. It also moves your spine in all planes of movement, keeping it young, mobile and healthy.
2. Improved core strength and stability
A strong core provides a solid foundation for all movements, leading to improved stability and overall functional strength.
3. Better flexibility and mobility
Pilates increases flexibility in muscles and joints, promoting greater range of motion and ease of movement.
4. Enhanced overall body strength
Pilates targets all muscle groups, building even strength across the body, and enhancing muscular power and endurance.
5. Stress relief
The combination of concentration and breath work help calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels, reducing stress and enabling you to enter a relaxed state.
6. Injury prevention
The low-impact, targeted movements support and mobilise joints, and address muscle imbalances, realigning the body, reducing the risk of injuries and alleviating any pains.
7. A boost for mood and energy
Pilates stimulates feel-good hormones, oxygen flow and blood circulation, making you feel brighter; its gentle nature also means you finish classes feeling energised, rather than fatigued.
YOUR EL BE PILATES WORKOUT PLAN
Designed to lengthen, mobilise and strengthen muscles across your whole body, each class will guide you through fundamental exercises of Pilates, building your understanding of both Pilates and how your body moves.
This workout plan is perfect for you if you want to feel confident on and off the mat, want to experience the transformative power of Pilates, and want to workout in 20 mins, from anywhere, at any time.
Day 1: Glutes, Back, Core & Hips
Day 2: Rest
Day 3: Core, Inner Thighs & Spine Mobility
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Core, Shoulders & Stability
Day 6: Rest
Day 7: Upper Body & Arms
TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Form is everything
Listen carefully to Louise as she guides you through your first Pilates workout to make sure you are perfectly aligned. Correct form is crucial to ensure you’re activating the correct muscles and benefiting properly from each exercise.
2. Go slow
Don’t rush the movements. Be controlled, focus on your breath and think about the muscles that you’re working as you move. If anything doesn’t feel right, then stop.
3. Set up your home studio
Dedicate a space to your Pilates to make it as easy as possible to start (and as hard as possible to find an excuse!).
4. Make it part of your routine
Think about when it can fit into your schedule and maybe even put it into your calendar, like you would a work meeting.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Enjoyed your first workout? Great! Welcome to the world of Pilates!
Continue your Pilates journey with el be Pilates with a 25% discount, a 14-day free trial and unlimited access to 600 Pilates workouts and 40 curated programmes.
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