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Pilates: Beginner Level 1

Beginner II
(55 Reviews)
PREMIUM

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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
estherggg
April 5, 2020
Comment:

Excellent class. Very enjoyable. I am a woman over 70 with pelvic floor issues. My gynecologist told me that many yogis experience pelvic floor issues as a result of all of the cues directed at pulling it up and holding it. Is this your understanding as well? Another related question: I'm able to hold a plank for a seemingly indefinite period of time, but I've heard recently that plank position is actually harmful for women with pelvic issues. Is there anything to this? Finally, I'd love a class that's focused on the pelvic floor if at any time you can do one. Thank you so much for your wonderfully clear instructions!

Comment Replies

Kathi Ells
April 5, 2020
Comment:

Hi Estherggg, thank you so much for your feedback and questions. I agree with your gynaecologist and believe the best way to increase pelvic floor strength is to lift your pelvic floor first, hold it during the intense part of the exercise and then fully relax it. I also agree that in order to protect your deep pelvic floor the plank, and some other exercises on your hands and feet like push ups, are not ideal. Also avoid: high impact exercise, abdominal exercise with a heavy weight and intense abdominal crunches . Stick to gentle Pilates, lower intense abdominal contractions, low impact cardiovascular exercise and a focused 3-dimensional breath (into the back and sides of your rib cage) while relaxing your buttocks. I hope this helps. Thank you for the suggestion for a Pelvic Floor class. I will look into this. :)

Comment Replies

LucyHB
February 4, 2020
Comment:

This was so helpful, thank you! I've been doing vinyasa classes on here for years but am a pilates novice, I really felt this in my core and the neck stretches were wonderful. The 21 Day Pilates challenge brought me here, this was Day 2 so I'm looking forward to learning lots more!

Comment Replies

Kathi Ells
February 5, 2020
Comment:

Great to hear LucyHB. I'd love to hear how you feel after the 21 days. Enjoy!

Adishion
January 12, 2020
Comment:

Please more beginner classes with Kathi! I love this video! Core and pelvic floor videos would be amazing.

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