Pilates. We know what it is now. We have been exposed to it for years. What is the best way of learning Pilates? Well face to face and in a studio setting of course! Videos are ok, but you need to be supervised and corrected so having an instructor there to watch and correct you is important.

Pilates is not a “copy me and try to keep up” type of exercise. It needs to be done right!

When lockdown came this was an issue for me. A lot of my clients with long term issues rely on the Pilates classes to keep them moving and pain free. So how could I continue this for them?

The learning curve for me (a technophobe) has been huge over the last 5 weeks. I have been dragged kicking and screaming into participating in the computer world.

Some things, however, have been a revelation.

Interactive Pilates on Zoom

It works…….

What do you really need for Pilates? A mat/towel/carpet/rug to lie on, a space where you can wave your arms and legs around when lying down and an instructor. Most people can mange that and Zoom means that I can be there with you. I have been able to watch, correct, interact while teaching. I have also discovered some unexpected advantages.

It has made me work much harder! I really have to think about how I am explaining the exercise, the way that I describe the movement I am after, and be more imaginative in the language I use.
I can see you all so much more easily from the angle I need to see you and in more detail so it is easier for me to help you do the exercises perfectly.
You can see me more clearly and have a better idea of what I am asking for with each exercise. You can make me the biggest person in the room so your attention is more on me and you are not thinking about anyone else in the room.
And you do not have to go anywhere! I am teaching people in different parts of the country and different counties. So now you can take me on holiday with you without actually having to have me with you!

I have had some amazing feedback from people taking part in the online classes both new participants and ones who have been doing Pilates for a while. So much so that I will be continuing with the online classes in the future.

So if you have not tried them be brave. Give it a go. You might be surprised.