Top ten tips for getting the most out of your online Pilates class

For very many of us it’s the little routines that are the life-savers just now. If attending an online Pilates class is part of your essential weekly schedule — well done! Great job! You are prioritising vital windows of time to give your body a jolly good boost, and your mind a well-deserved and much-needed relax. (You can read more about the benefits of Pilates, especially in our current circs, in an earlier blog.)

As we saunter towards the colder months, a little reluctantly perhaps, there are a few things we can do to enhance our exercise sessions…to make them a bit more relaxing, a bit more luxurious, and a whole lot more effective.

Here are a few tips that I can almost guarantee will add an excellent extra to your online Pilates classes over the next little while.

Cheering you on from here!

top ten tips for enhancing your online pilates class

1.    Just as in real life, make class a phone-free zone. And as far as you can turn off any bleeps or clicks or dings that may interrupt your flow. Unplug. Unwind. Go off-radar.

2.    Open the window. Yes it’s autumn! And will soon be winter! But if you can, open a window or two and let the fresh air flow in. Pop another layer on if you have to. Deep cleansing breaths are one of my favourite things about Pilates. And it’s probably one of your body’s fave things about it too. Get that oxygen firing around your system. It’s beautifully relaxing – and energising.
Remember, our illustrious leader Joseph Pilates was a sincere advocate of outdoor exercise, preferably wearing smalls only. I can definitely recommend the former, but absolutely draw a line before the latter. In Scotland at least the health benefits right now would be slim to none.

3.    Attend regularly. Just like playing the piano, you have to practice consistently to improve. If you want to improve, invest the time. Remember you can attend as many Lark Pilates classes as you like each week, live and online, and there are a range of days and times to choose from. No booking needed, just rock up when you feel the need to stretch.
Also, show up on time. Feel the benefits of centring yourself, and thinking of posture and alignment before cracking on into the hard work of the class. Remember that stretching is essential to prep your body for the work it is going to do. Don’t skip it!

4.    Light a candle or two. It’s relaxing.

5.    Remember one thing from each class and try to put it into practice daily. Then you will begin to build the benefits into real life – which is awesome for posture particularly.

6.    Send in your requests. If there is something particular you would like to work on, let me know. I am super keen to keep classes as useful and practical and beneficial for you all as poss. So keep me posted! And let me know what you have enjoyed and found helpful too.

7.    Pop on some relaxing tunes. We used to listen to Spotify’s Music for Concentration playlist in real life class. Which was nice. Now however I have ditched Spotify. It’s rubbish for musicians. And if we don’t have musicians we won’t have new music. (I can buy an actual new album each month for the same price as my Spotify Premium. Whoop! CDs were not just for the 90s people!)

8.    Ensure your device is charged. We’ve all been there! And do check your set up beforehand if you’re new to class. Think about being able to see the screen in standing, as well as lying on the mat.

9.    Wear something super comfy, something that makes you feel good.

10. Drink a bunch of fresh water after class. This will enhance the benefits of your online Pilates workout.