How Many Pilates Classes To See Results?

One of the most frequent questions we get at our Pilates studio, is “How many Pilates classes do I need to take until I see results?” While it’s certainly a fair question, there are a few things you need to consider before answering (especially since "results" can be very subjective depending on who you are).

Pilates classes provide amazing toning and resistance training and can be taken by people of every age bracket or fitness level. As with any exercise routine, if you practice Pilates several times a week, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see results in a matter of months.

The thing is, though, that the results you get from Pilates training go much deeper and than the majority of other workouts available. The activities namesake, Joseph Pilates, offered up this brilliant quote when asked from a student how long it was going to take to see a difference:

“In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you’ll be on your way to having a whole new body.”

Joseph was emphatic about CONSISTENCY, and how a regular practice can do more than just tone and lean out your body. It's like anything you choose to do in life. If you want to see results, you have to put in the proper amount of time and energy. Basically, "you get out what you put in." What we’ve found through working with clients at our Pilates studio is that in the first 5 sessions, you typically start to gain a greater awareness and control of your entire body. Your posture steadily improves, and your breath will become more focused. You may even begin alleviating muscle soreness and back pain. With continued practice however, you’ll see increased muscle tone definition, and will feel different in the way you move in everyday activities. Additionally, your posture will get better and better.

Keep in mind that there are several other factors that play a role in how fast you see results from taking Pilates classes or private sessions. For example, proper nutrition makes up the vast majority of the equation when it comes to your health. This is why it’s critical to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest nutrition information and practices. Your session frequency also has a huge impact on how fast you see and feel a change in your body, as well as the intensity of your workouts. When you focus on form and breath, challenge yourself with each session, and integrate the six principles of Pilates each time you exercise, you’ll see changes faster than you could imagine!

Success in Your Pilates Classes Requires Concentration!

You probably know by now that the best way to improve your results in Pilates is by studying the six basic principles. It's a great way to enhance the work you do in Pilates classes and in your overall practice. Today, I'd like to talk about one of the most important of these prinicples - Concentration.

As you may remember from watching our Pilates at Home video series, the mind-body connection runs extremely deep. This means that it's our minds that have absolute control over what our bodies do. Because of this, it is critical to utilize a mindset that is focused on your mind-body awareness so that you can strengthen the connection you have with your limbs and muscles. Every movement you perform, whether you’re taking group Pilates classes, private one on one sessions, or working along with a pilates viedo, must be executed with precision, maintaining the correct form and posture, if you wish to garner the maximum benefits these exercises.

Whether you choose to work out at a local Pilates studio or at home, make sure to bring your full attention to each and every movement. Do it with enthusiasm and focus intensely on deepening your body awareness as you go. That way, even the most basic exercises are challenging and effective, no matter what skill level you are working at.

Never show up to a Pilates class and 'just go through the motions'. Your not only not getting the full health benefits, but you're missing out on a true mind-body experience and ultimately wasting your time.

July 2012 Newsletter

BMCD News – Welcome to BMCD, Luann Klein!
Welcome BMCD newest staff teaching member Luann Klein and receive 1 Free Pilates Class with Luann when you mention this newsletter. To learn more about Luann, click here.
*This offer is available for both new and existing clients




New BMCD Video: Strengthening Muscles in Extension
For your at-home Pilates practice.

The contraction of muscles is not just about shortening a muscle to make it strong but to properly support your workouts and everyday activities. Extension muscles also need to be balanced in strength, not to mention how it works and looks great for posture, leaning and toning the whole body. To practice these Pilates exercises along with Body & Mind Coe-Dynamics, Inc.

For Your Health: Market Vitamins/Supplements, Buyer Be Informed

Research shows that many people take supplements in an effort to compensate for years spent living an unhealthy lifestyle. However, the most important thing you can do for your overall wellness is to incorporate a healthy lifestyle through whole health and nutrition programs. In addition, when you buy supplements, it’s critical to be informed of the quality and know if your body is even needing what you are taking. Part of our mission at Body & Mind Coe-Dynamics is to provide the most up-to-date nutrition information available, so that you can live the best most vital life possible. Click here to read more.

To learn more about out nutrition counseling services, please contact 310.798.7600 or pilates@coe-dynamics.com



BMCD Client testimonial

Here's what one of our clients had to say about BMCD:

THE PILATES STUDIO WHERE YOU LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE BODY & MIND CONNECTION!
“I have taken Pilates for years at a time at other studios throughout Los Angeles, but my experience with Body & Mind Coe-Dynamics is by far the best I’ve ever had—the instruction methodology at this Pilates studio is absolutely unrivalled! Hands down, it’s the best Pilates instruction I’ve ever received—the knowledge I’ve gained about the mind/body connection is priceless and has changed all of my activity, from day-to-day errands and walking around to my training and workouts, which includes intense rehearsals and working out with a trainer to pro athletes. In addition, it’s helped my physical performance as a dancer tremendously. I’ve had sessions with Kelly and Tracy, and they are both amazing! I truly believe in the rehabilitative power of Pilates now—just last week, I came to my session with a headache, which I mentioned to my instructor. By the end of my session, I’d completely forgotten about the headache—because it was gone! I can’t say enough great things about Body & Mind Coe-Dynamics.” –BMCD Client, Chaton Anderson