Pilates: Beginner Level 1

Beginner II
(52 Reviews)
Access this free class

Kathi teaches a beginner level pilates mat class to take you forward from the Pilates Fundamentals: The Five Principles. If you are looking to understand how to engage your core properly, strengthen your back and connect your core strength to your shoulders, arms and legs, this class is perfect for that. It may also provide significant relief for lower back discomfort and pain, as well as help with other back and shoulder-related issues. If you feel you're ready to progress to the next step in Kathi's Pilates series you can have a look at Pilates: Beginner Level 1, Class 2. 

Equipment

  • None

Focus

  • Strength
  • Core Strength

Style

  • Pilates
starflower
April 4, 2021
Comment:

How did you know you I closed my eyes when I was on my right side? haha! Thank you for this class!

SMZalokar
February 7, 2021
Comment:

I've never felt successful in Pilates class, no more! I learned that I have unexpectedly developed some core strength already, and that mat longways supporting underneath the spine made that roll up exercise assessable to me. Thank you!

Mbot
October 25, 2020
Comment:

Hi Kathy, thanks for such a wonderful intro class. One question about the leg circles while lying on our side: ideally are the legs straight or are they out a bit in front of the torso. I wasn't sure what we were shooting for and kept wobbling back and forth. ;) Thanks again!

Comment Replies

Kathi Ells
October 25, 2020
Comment:

Thanks for the great question Mbot. In a perfect world the centre of the circle is you hip. Your gesture leg should therefore, move slightly forward, below, behind and above your hip bone. There is a little bit of balance required and therefore we use our hand on the floor in front of our belly for gentle support. This is where the 'wobbling' comes in. Remember also, a little bit of wobbling is a good thing. This means we have to engage our core to try to stabilize. Embrace the wobble! :)

Comment Replies

seequinn
November 17, 2020
Comment:

Hi Kathi, I just started this challenge today too. I'm guessing the hip circles are a bit trick for me as I am more of a small hourglass so have less torso support. I'm finding it quite sore balancing my weight on the hip bone, but if I lean more on the buttocks, it feels better but I am not sure that is the correct position. Any advice?

Comment Replies

Kathi Ells
November 17, 2020
Comment:

Hi Seequinn. Thank you for your great question. Oddly, the more you do this one the less you feel it in your supporting hip. When i first did this move I was in great pain but now I don't feel any pain in my supporting hip. Everyone's weight is distributed differently however and you are correct to shift your weight slightly back to compensation for the pressure /pain but try not to crease at your hip. Remember however, to activate your bottom leg and keep all your muscles engaged. Think 'muscle to bone' on the bottom leg (and of course in the top leg too). Once you've done this move for a while you will be able to shift more to a hip-over-hip position. I hope this helps. :)

Comment Replies

seequinn
November 18, 2020
Comment:

Thanks so much for the very thoughtful reply. I'm moving on to day three this evening so will try and keep all this advice in mind!