Make The Most Out Of Group Pilates

I am so excited to share today’s guest post with you. Jennifer Phelan is a Pilates professional in Boston, Massachusetts. She is widely known for her phenomenal Pilates Fusion classes and has a loyal following of clients and fans due to her energy and passion for Pilates. Her and I laugh because it often feels like we are living parallel lives on opposite coasts. I swear, on any given day we’re probably doing the same thing! She is a fellow Equinox instructor, trains private clients and encourages others on their fitness journies through social media.

This post is perfect for all of you who participate in group classes. I love what she has to say and couldn’t agree more. Enjoy!

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF GROUP PILATES

Group Mat Pilates classes are such a convenient way to bring balance, strength and focus to our lives. Make it a date with your friends, save yourself some money and exercise your body and mind all at the same time. What could go wrong?

As wonderful as group classes can be it’s often easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of it all or to hide behind the mask of the class and not get the full benefits of your practice. As an instructor, I too often see my students making simple mistakes that prohibit them from obtaining all the ooey gooey fabulous benefits that group classes have to offer. It’s easy to succeed in private sessions because all eyes are literally on you. It’s harder to get that same feeling in a group class, but it’s definitely not impossible.

Follow these tips below and you will be on your way to making the most out of every group class you take.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Nothing leaves you feeling more frazzled than running in late to your favorite class. Plan ahead and arrive early. I always tell my students to arrive 10-15 minutes before class starts. This gives you ample time to set up your mat, talk to the teacher and wind down and mentally prepare. All you need is a few minutes before class begins to settle into your mat and tune your body into ‘you time.’ You come to Pilates class not just for the workout but to also balance your body and mind. This is a simple first step to starting class on the right note.

Hey Wallflower Come Out of Your Corner

Are you that person who walks straight to the back of the room to set up your mat? Does just the thought of being in the center row send you back to the locker room light-headed? Well get over those fears because smack dab in the front of the room is exactly where you should be.

I always tell my students that the best seat in the house is right in the front of the class. Many of my group classes tend to be crowded and it can sometimes be hard to make my rounds in the room, but I always see the people right up front. They are usually the students I end up being able to correct the most, just because of convenience. They also clearly see my demonstrations and easily hear everything I’m saying.

When you are in the front of the room, you are usually more aware of the effort you are putting into your workout. There’s no hiding from the teacher or the other students and that’s a good thing. You come to class to work hard not fade away in the back where it’s easier to cut corners.

Develop a Relationship with Your Instructor

No, I’m not talking about dating your Pilates instructor. I’m referring to putting yourself out there and letting your teacher get to know you.

Of course it can be scary to walk up to a teacher but it’s super simple and easy. All you have to say is “Hi my name is Jennifer. I’m new to your class today…” If your teacher is a great one he/she will probably take the conversation from there and ask you some questions. (Example: Do you have any injuries? Have you ever done a class like this before?)

This is the bridge to a whole new class experience. Once a teacher actually knows who you are, you’re entire workout will change. You will feel more invested in the class because you know that you are not just another nameless new student. You have made a personal connection with the instructor, even if it’s just small it will make a difference.

Trust me, teachers want to know the people in their classes. After all, who is a teacher without students?

Listen

You may be advanced and attended class 100 times before but treat each class as though it’s your first. Just because you know how to do the Abdominal Five Series does not mean that your teacher isn’t going to throw in his/her new twist or variation. Always be open to learning new styles and following your teachers plans for you and chances are your body will thank you.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve experienced some of my very own students rushing ahead of me before I’ve even given them a cue. I’m sure this correlates to our already hectic lives, but if you can’t slow down in a Pilates class, when exactly can you lessen your pace and be present in the moment?

Stay for the Entire Class

I know all of the excuses. I want to beat the crowds to the locker room. I have to get back to the office for a meeting. I need to catch my train home. Just as bad as it is to arrive to class late it is to leave early. The end of class is usually a cool down and quite frankly it’s sometimes my favorite time of the day. I like to give my students just a minute or two to close their eyes and feel the incredible effects of their hard work. For a lot of people this may be the only time during the day where you have a few moments alone to yourself to just breathe and be. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to round out your practice by rushing out the door.

If you are in a real bind, try to consider other ways to save a few minutes in your outside routine or come to class a different time.

What are your favorite ways to focus and get the most out of your group Mat Pilates classes? Do you have any tips to share? I’d love to hear them.

A little bit about Jennifer…

Jennifer Phelan is a nationally certified and trained Power Pilates instructor. She teaches at Equinox , private studios and homes in Boston, Massachusetts. She has experience training celebrity clientele, athletes, dancers and pre/post natal clients. Jennifer is a 2012 Naturally Powered Athlete with Team ZICO and a Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear Ambassador. In 2010 Jennifer was selected as a Lululemon Ambassador and her Pilates Fusion class was awarded “Best Exercise Class in Boston” by the Improper Bostonian Magazine. She has also appeared in numerous online and print publications including the Boston Herald, New York Times, Pilates Style Magazine and Stuff Magazine.

Learn more about Jennifer by visiting her website www.jenniferphelan.com and following her on Facebook and Twitter, @JPPilates.