Source: Women’s Health
Even though COVID-19 has changed the way we live, it doesn’t have to take away from doing things that you love, like joining a Pilates class! There are plenty of online Pilates classes west London where your health is their primary concern! But if it’s unsafe for you to be in-person, there are several virtual Pilates classes you can join.
If you are unsure of where to begin, don’t fret! Below is a complete guide on when and how you can start taking online Pilates classes in the midst of the pandemic.
Joining Pilates Classes In-person Safely
It might not even be an option to go to in-person classes for some of us. But for those who are in a low-risk situation, being in-person offers many benefits that virtual classes cannot. Below are some tips to help you get the most out of your classes at the studio!
Benefits of In-person Pilates Classes
You are probably wondering why you should even take the time to go to a studio when you could honestly just do it at home. Fortunately, there are many studios in west London that offer safety and multiple benefits virtual classes just can’t compete with!
Change of Scenery. Staying at home all day can get mentally exhausting. Waking up to the same thing every day, even if you are doing something different, still doesn’t cut it all the time. Going outside or to another building can feel refreshing and will most likely boost motivation and mood.
Building connections. You might be able to build a connection virtually, but there’s nothing like interacting in person. Those social and emotional skills are the most strong when it is practiced in real-time, face-to-face. Pilates classes are a great way to do it safely and in a fun way, without too much interaction (for those introverts like me).
Less screen-time. Sitting on the screen all day is not only bad for your eyes but your brain gets tired of it too. Taking classes in-person is a great way to break from the screen, especially if all your work or school is online.
A large space. Some of us don’t have a space to do Pilates at home so really, taking classes at a studio is the best option. You have a place with the right equipment and plenty of light to help you.
Professional help. Having an instructor will not only help you do the form correctly but can also help motivate you and push you farther than you think you are capable of.
Practice Cleanliness and Distance During Pilates Classes
While going to the studio has its benefits, it’s still a good idea to take precautions. Many of the studios in will already have their own routine to help promote cleanliness but here are some guidelines to follow at your local studio:
Make sure to follow the sanitary guidelines your instructor gives you. Whether you’re using your own mat or a reformer, clean and sanitise the area after you’re finished to ensure both your and others’ safety
Wash those hands. Take extra care not to touch your face during or after class. Washing your hands immediately after can help eliminate any spread of germs.
Maintain distance. Being with people can be so refreshing, but during the workout, make sure you are six feet apart from your classmates to ensure safety.
Take care of your face. By the way, sweating inside a mask isn’t the best for your skin so as soon as you leave the studio, be sure to wash your face to prevent break-outs.
Joining Online Pilates Classes
The hardest part of taking online Pilates classes is the struggle to stay motivated or just making the time to do it. Fortunately, many studios in Fulham and Hammersmith offer online and livestream. Below are some key tips to help you prepare for the Pilates at-home lifestyle.
Benefits of Virtual Pilates Courses
There are several studios in Fulham London where you can livestream the class. You sign up to join the class virtually and voila! You are taking online Pilates classes right in the comfort of your own home. Benefits are discussed below:
Schedule flexibility. Depending on the studio you sign up under, you may join a class live in-session or watch it later. Either has its pros and cons. A big pro is already having that time-slot picked out for you so you don’t have the option to cram it in at the end of the day. A con is having to stick to a time-slot you might not like.
No travel-time. No time set aside to drive. No gas money. Right there in your own house, you’re there.
No one’s going to bother you. Taking the classes is all up to you. No one is going to ask you to move or tell you if you’re doing something wrong. You get to figure it out with no one judging.
No worry about appearance. No one is going to judge you for what you wear because no one is looking! You have privacy to wear whatever you want!
No pressure to be as good as the person next to you. Again, no one is looking. You don’t have to feel pressure if you don’t want to! Go at your own pace, without panic.
Free. A lot of live online studio classes require a sign-up or a membership, but they are still cheaper than going in-person.
Adjusting to Pilates at home
If you need to do Pilates at home, it might be harder to keep a consistent schedule, let alone stick to it! Follow the tips below to help you get the most out of your virtual Pilates classes:
Time of day to do a workout?
Don’t be worried about which time you should do Pilates— but whatever you choose, try to stick to it. Choose…
Morning: if you’re someone who likes starting their day with a workout and refreshing shower
Afternoon: if you like a break between classes and/or work and want to do something to wake you up
Evening: if you just want to end your day and get the last burst of energy out to get ready for sleep
How many min and how often?
3-5 times per week. Doing Pilates this often will help you get the most out of your workout. Make sure to give yourself rest days.
45-60 minutes. If you join a class, you don’t have to worry about how long to workout since your instructor will do that for you. If you’re taking free classes online, however, try to keep it to this length of time. Of course, make adjustments as needed.
Where to do the workouts?
Set aside a place. Your brain associates activities with places. For instance, your brain associates relaxation with your bed because that is where you sleep or maybe watch a favorite TV show. You can use this to your advantage by setting up a specific room or area in the room where you do your Pilates. From then on, only do your Pilates in that specific space so that your brain can get into the mindset it needs for the workout!
Look in the mirror. When you’re at home, your instructor will help you correct the form, but it’s still difficult to understand exactly what and how when you can’t even see yourself. You might be able to look in the camera (if you’re zooming) but looking a full-length mirror will allow you to see yourself real-time and help you better adjust your body to the right position.
How to Stay Motivated
The hardest part of doing anything is to keep doing it for more than once. It’s even harder when the world has been in chaos for the past year. It’s hard to go to class when you don’t want to. Below are a few tips to help you stay on track:
Stick to a schedule. Setting a time to take your classes is probably the best thing you can do for yourself. If you dedicate a block of time in your schedule for Pilates, you are more likely to do it, especially on the days you don’t want to. This will be pretty easy if you sign up for classes (in person or online) but if you are watching free classes online, it’ll be up to you to stick to your block of time.
Have a Pilates-buddy. This might be a little harder to find but having a Pilates buddy can make all the difference in the world when it comes to motivation and fun! Your instructor may be pushing you and you may have a schedule but when things get tough, having a friend to tough it out with you can help you achieve your goals and stick with it.
Switch up the routine. Don’t do the same thing over and over again or it’ll get boring. Make sure you’re taking classes that involve different exercises and stretch your body in different ways.
Keep track of progress. It’s easier to keep doing something if you have a goal to work toward. It’s like running a race with the finish line straight ahead! Write down your goals and look at them to remind yourself. Reward yourself when you reach your goal.
Be Safe!
Adjusting to online Pilates classes at home is not the easiest thing to do. It may feel daunting so much so that you don’t even start. But don’t let COVID stop you from doing something you love! Having a moment to get away from the stress of this world and the day-to-day tasks is healthy! Give your brain a break. Love yourself.
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