Pilates Equipment FAQs
Should I be doing machine Pilates or mat Pilates?
What’s the difference?
For machine Pilates you will work one-on-one with a certified instructor
who has been trained to be able to design programs for people who need
help in specific areas. There are more than 500 machine Pilates exercises
from which a person can choose.
On the other hand, mat Pilates usually includes another 5-10 people
in a class performing the same exercises at the same pace. If you are
without injuries and are relatively fit, there is no need to do machine
Pilates, but if you need some kind of rehab, machine Pilates may be
best.
What is the best way to start a Pilates program?
It might be best to start off with a private lesson. This will help
slowly introduce you to the equipment and exercises. It will also allow
an instructor to make recommendations based on the things he or she
is seeing in you. After this initial lesson, you would probably be fine
just signing up to take Pilates classes at a local gym or studio.
How often should I do Pilates?
Two to three times a week is a good amount to do these exercises. Like
any form of exercise, it is most important that you are consistent with
the kinds of workouts you do. Do not let too much time pass from one
workout to the next to make sure your body doesn’t become complacent.
Some people choose to do a couple of class lessons and one private lesson
each week.