Category: Fitness & Health

Guide to Becoming a Pilates Pro in Boston

By Susie
updated 2 months ago

Longer, leaner muscles? Yes, please. Why wouldn't you want to do any activity that promised that? I'm a big fan of pilates and have learned how to navigate Boston picking up all my pilates supplies and making sure I look the part (hoping this will somehow get me in better shape). It doesn't take too long to start noticing the pilates difference, so you may as well get started now!

Find a Class

If you belong to a gym, chances are your gym offers pilates classes (oftentimes free!). They may not be the most top of the line classes, but they certainly get the job done and teach you the technique you need. Plus for all you’re paying for a gym fee, you may as well take advantage of the classes!

If you don’t have a gym that offers pilates classes, you’re in luck because there are plenty of Boston-area studios that actually specialize in pilates.

Buy a Video

I first learned pilates through the video method. Of course you don’t get the opportunity to have an instructor help you personally, but it’s a great way to learn the basics. By the time I started taking classes, I knew what to expect from the video and class then helped me perfect my moves. Videos are great because you can do them at your own leisure and whenever you have time.

If I don’t have time to make a pilates class, I often just pop my video in and do it on my own time.

Best Buy Back Bay

360 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

You can buy these DVDs at various locations, but Best Buy always has a huge selection of fitness DVDs, so you’re sure to find your pilates videos there.

Feel and Look the Part

You want to be totally comfortable when participating in pilates and a lot of that comfort has to do with what you’re wearing. In my class the other day, a woman couldn’t do lunges because her pants were too tight. You want your clothing to be loose and comfortable enough that you can participate in all the moves with no problem.

Pilates clothing can also be cute and when you look like a pilates star, you’re much more likely to be one!

Marshalls

350 Washington Street 1, Boston, MA 02108

Marshall’s always has tons of capri pants and tank tops perfect for getting that perfect stretch in the studio (or in front of your TV). Because let’s face it, you’re going to try harder when you know you look good.

Lululemonmass Llc

376 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Lululemons are some of the most comfy, stretchable pants you can possibly get, making sure you can hit every stretch!

Pilates Class Etiquette

There are certain rules you should be careful to follow when attending pilates class, so you can make the most out of the class and pay respect to your classmates.

Phones ringing in class- The other day in my class a woman’s phone rang 4 times. 4 times!! The first time she got up and shut the ringer off, but the other 3 times she just let it ring. There are locker rooms for a reason; keep your phone there. Or if you insist on having it in the studio, at least put it on silence. There’s nothing worse than being in the pilates zone and having an obnoxious ring tone start blaring.

Sitting too close to someone- If there’s enough room in the studio, make sure you’re not sitting too close to someone. If you’re forced to sit close, try and be mindful when it comes to exercises where you are stretching your arms, etc. If you find yourself hitting someone, try to readjust your movements as to stay out of each other’s ways.

Smelly, dirty feet- If you’re going to be taking your shoes and socks off, you really should make sure your feet are clean. It’s already hot enough in the studio; smelly feet can make an hour long session almost unbearable.

Breathing- I know breathing is an essential part of pilates, but nothing annoys me more than someone sitting right next to me, breathing as loudly as they can. Come on, can’t you breathe a little quieter?? I am. You should too.