As with most forms of exercise, Pilates does come with its own set of risks and potential for injury. Luckily, serious injuries are uncommon and minor injuries are prevented by exercising with caution. The golden rule is that you need to listen to your body and not push it further than it can go.
Overcompensating for lower rep counts with increased weights is not advised. It’s good to challenge yourself, but don’t go beyond your ideal range of motion as it can affect your posture and placement, which will result in injury.
Three pro tips for practising Pilates at home
Know your limits and don’t push yourself
Pilates has been created to work with your body while catering to the individual needs of everyone exercising. By using your body’s resistance, you can tone and strengthen your it. By collectively using core strength, body weight and flexibility, you can tailor your approach to work with your fitness level and not against it.
As you progress, you will learn to incorporate more parts of your body and continuously improve on your fitness level.
Healthy habits and variety
When it comes down to leading a healthy lifestyle, it’s about more than just exercising. Healthy eating patterns and making safe choices when it comes to your body is key to staying in the best shape possible.
Always remember to consult a professional when trying something new, especially if you have any underlying conditions or previous injuries.
Another aspect to consider is trying different variations of the exercises to keep on strengthening your body without getting bored.
Ensure proper form and alignment
The back is one of the areas most prone to exercise-related injury and it’s often as a result of improper form. When doing Pilates, the back is generally flat on the ground and, unless you’re exercising your back, it should stay there. If you are unsure about whether or not you are doing the exercise correctly, please consult a professional.
Another thing to remember is to take it slow. Do not force yourself into a position if your body does not allow it. Instead, work towards achieving it. Overtraining can also result in injury, so take it easy – especially in the beginning.
Although it may seem difficult at times, power through, more so when you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, find ways to shake up your exercise programme and set new fitness goals for yourself. Once again, it is essential to know your limits to ensure your safety while exercising.
By choosing to try Pilates in the comfort of your own home, you have the opportunity to safeguard yourself from harm. It also means that you have the chance to adapt your current lifestyle to a healthier version. Be sure to be sensible with your approach to exercise and making lifestyle changes. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your fitness journey isn’t either. Hard work and dedication will be critical to initiating this positive change.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
Want to become a Pilates Instructor? If you do, then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.
