WHEN WILL YOU SEE RESULTS FROM PILATES WORKOUTS? SCOOP

By Lynda Lippin, CEO Lynda Lippin Pilates, founder Pilates Teacher Mastermind® & Strong Bones

As entrepreneurs we tend to be very results oriented, with precious little free time. One of the first questions someone new to Pilates will ask me is, “When will I see the results from my workouts?”

Well, Joseph Pilates himself had an answer that I tend to agree with.

In 10 sessions you will feel a difference, in 20 you will see a difference, and in 30 you will have a whole new body.

Note that he separates feeling, seeing, and living the results. This is important, as often times you will feel different first - less back pain, better breathing, maybe some muscle soreness, maybe better posture

Then, you and others will start to see the difference in muscle tone, definition, and posture. Finally, you’ll start to notice changes in how you look, feel, and move even when not exercising - how you live in your new body!

IF YOU’RE NEW TO PILATES, HERE ARE SOME OTHER FACTORS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT:

HOW FIT ARE YOU TO START WITH?

If you do no exercise at all and start any new program, you will see more dramatic results quickly as you stretch and strengthen areas that haven’t been exercises before. You’ll see results quickly, even working out only once or twice a week

If you are already used to exercise and start Pilates for cross training or simply for something new, it may take a little bit longer to see the difference from the new addition, like Pilates 2

HOW OFTEN ARE YOU DOING YOUR PILATES WORKOUTS?

You can do Pilates every day, but most people like to take a day or two off in between workouts. Following Joseph Pilates guidelines, the more often you do Pilates workouts the quicker you will see results. At once a week those 10 sessions will take 10 weeks, at 3 times a week you will see results 3 times faster

HOW INTENSELY ARE YOU EXERCISING?

Intensity is the deciding factor in how quickly you will see results from any exercise program, including Pilates If you focus and work as hard as possible during every Pilates exercise, breathing and maintaining great form as you move as quickly as you can with control, you will see results more quickly. If you tend to move slowly, take lots of breaks, and shy away from hard intense physical work, it will take a bit longer to see results from your Pilates workouts

If you can, I recommend starting out with a certified Pilates teacher in live or online privates or smaller classes, so someone can correct your form and explain how to do the exercises. If that is not possible, there are many great books, audios, and videos on the market In fact, I offer many free, short, and effective Pilates workouts on my YouTube channel

Set aside 15-30 minutes at least twice a week where you can focus on Pilates.

Try to do the Pilates workouts to the best of your ability, focusing as much as possible on proper form and breathing

Stick with it! Pilates workouts can really be fun and effective.