Body + Mind is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through some of the links on our site.
Anyone can become a fitness enthusiast without leaving the house. All you need is a good video and some supplies. If you’re curious about how to start Pilates as a beginner at home, follow some simple steps to achieve your fitness dreams.
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that reduces a person’s stress, but only if you follow along with videos you enjoy. Instructors post videos on YouTube so people can work out in their living rooms, even beginners. Browse a few of the most popular Pilates instructors on the platform to see the differences in their teaching styles. You might prefer someone who is more upbeat and talks through the workout, like Cassie from Blogilates.
You could also be someone who prefers a quieter workout video with gentle encouragement, like ones from Move With Nicole. Watch a few minutes of both to gauge your preferences.
Experimenting with different kinds of Pilates videos is always a good idea. If you don’t enjoy one that focuses on your abs, you may feel fulfilled after a video focusing on your arms. Changing your targeted muscle group throughout the week will also help you achieve full-body toning.
Even though you could press play on a Pilates video right now, you’ll need some supplies to get the most out of your workout. If you don’t have them at home, the gear is easily accessible online.
Yoga mats are great for doing downward dog, but they’re also important during Pilates. You’ll want the extra cushioning under your hip bones and wrists while completing various exercises. Get one from a company known for making well-made products that don’t flake or crack with continued use.
If you’ve ever previewed a Pilates video, you might assume that the moves are too small to make you break a sweat. Many people think that until they actually do the workout. Make sure you have a water bottle nearby so you can stay hydrated before, during and after your exercises.
Experts recommend that women drink 11.5 cups per day, while men should drink 15.5 cups every 24 hours. You may reach that goal more easily by adding some low-impact exercises to your daily routine with Pilates videos.
When you start sweating during your workout, your feet may lose traction on your yoga mat. Keep yourself in place with grippy socks. If they’re the right size for your foot and don’t cut off circulation, you’ll have an easier time maintaining poses and supporting yourself while doing moves like crunches.
Once you have all the supplies you need and a great video in mind, it’s time for your first workout. Prepare to start Pilates as a beginner at home with some simple steps.
Many workout instructors add warm up stretches to their videos, but make sure you do them even if the video doesn’t. Stretching helps you maintain a range of motion for exercises. Without it, you’re at a higher risk of injuries during workouts. Even five minutes of stretching will prepare your body for Pilates workouts.
Some Pilates videos last 15 to 30 minutes. If you’re working out between piles of laundry, dirty dishes or other household chores that need your attention, you might feel tempted to only do part of your video and get back to your to-do list. Try to focus on the task at hand. Spending 15 to 30 minutes on your health will help you handle household chores with less effort over time. The dirty dishes and unfolded laundry will still be there when your video ends.
People who are new to Pilates sometimes feel surprised at how intense a beginner’s routine can feel. If your muscles are shaking or you feel uncomfortable, take breaks even when the instructor is still finishing a set. Your body may need you to take a few deep breaths, so ease your heart rate before doing more intense moves.
Pausing for a few seconds to breathe might feel like a bad thing, but you’re still helping your body. Oxygen supports the increased metabolic activity of your muscles while they’re working. You’ll give your muscles exactly what they need to conquer the rest of your workout if you listen and take breaks as needed.
Sweating releases extra water while you exercise. Even if you don’t feel super thirsty, remember to hydrate during your Pilates routine. The instructor might also pause and recommend when you should drink from your nearby water bottle. Try not to skip the reminders, or your muscles may not have enough hydration to benefit from your hard work.
Remember to cheer yourself on when your video ends. Your instructor isn’t there to give you an actual high five, so you have to be your own cheerleader. Congratulating yourself for your hard work could be the encouragement you need to press play on another video after a day or two. You’ll build self-esteem and feel more accomplished if you recognize your hard work with positive affirmations.
Stretching is also important after you work out. Your muscles may feel a little sore, so give them some gentle stretching to prevent them from becoming too tight. You may be more comfortable the next day and not feel as much of the post-workout soreness that sometimes prevents people from pressing play on another Pilates video.
If you have all the supplies you need and an instructor-led video that you love, you can become a Pilates pro in no time. Choose a day where you have 15 to 30 minutes of free time and add your workout to that timeslot. You could fall in love with the new form of exercise and discover why so many people choose Pilates over treadmills or stair machines.
Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter, and at any time you may unsubscribe. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
