Without a solid foundation, the bricks you begin to lay as you advance your pilates practice will not be secure. Given the name of our studio, it should come as no surprise that we take a properly formed foundation seriously.
Our Foundations class prepares you with the fundamental knowledge and skills you will need as you progress into faster-paced classes. This is not to say that the Foundations class is easy. In fact, the more advanced you are, the harder this class will be. The Foundations class puts heavy emphasis on correct form, intentional movement, addressing asymmetries and correcting your posture. In classes taught at a faster pace with more complicated maneuvers, these key fundamentals are harder to target and correct. If you want to possess greater intuition with your body, our Foundations class is key.
What to Expect in a Foundations Pilates Class
This class is one of our most universally appealing classes, as it offers a challenge for both the advanced practitioner and someone with less experience. It is designed to help you learn the Pilates method of movement, the Pilates language of cues and imagery, and how to feel your body move in space. This class uses a variety of pieces of Pilates equipment, including Pilates Reformers, Chairs, Towers and Springboards™, Pilates Barrels, and other small props. Each class is 50 minutes. You can expect to walk out feeling stronger, limber, balanced and in tune with your body. Unlike many other types of exercise, there is no need for you to stretch beforehand. Mobility balanced with strength is a primary focus of Pilates practice.
Connect With Your Core
Your core is your anchor in Pilates. Learning how to engage it correctly is paramount to the success of your journey into some of the more challenging classes. The pace of the Foundations class is intentionally methodical, focusing on precision and form. You will learn how to achieve a neutral spine, which balances an anterior and posterior pelvic tilt. A neutral spine serves as a baseline for greater spinal mobility in additional classes. When your core is properly aligned, you will have a stable base that enables you to perform challenging leg and arm movements with control, flow and precision.
Focus On Breath
Breath is one of the key principles of Pilates. Learning to employ breath to your advantage is essential to reaping the rewards practice has to offer. We frequently use set breath patterns, inhaling for a portion of the movement and exhaling for another. Breath is the focus in every movement experience and is cued intentionally. In order to do this correctly, learning to control your breathing is crucial. Pilates uses lateral breathing, diaphragmatic and dynamic breath, and you will learn how and when to properly engage each type. Lateral breathing, for example, allows you to keep your core engaged while taking deep breaths.
Learn the Terminology
We use a broad range of machines in our Pilates classes and the Foundations class is a place to grow your familiarity with these machines and the new lingo. Pilates is much like learning a language or musical instrument, it takes time to hone your skills. The Foundations classes offer a thorough explanation about the different movements and the pace can be more comfortable to those with less Pilates experience. The Pilates Reformer is the most well-known piece of Pilates equipment, but there are many other common pieces used like chairs, barrels, boards and other smaller props that enrich your Pilates practice.
Pilates Classes For Beginners
Though people who are less experienced will find the Foundations Pilates class easier to keep up with, it is not for people who have never done Pilates before. We require that all new students complete three one-on-one sessions before advancing into group classes. If you are concerned about the investment in your health, we offer Intro to Pilates classes. Four Intro sessions are required before admittance to a Foundations class. We want your Pilates journey to begin in a way that offers the maximum benefits for you. We have no doubt you’ll catch on quickly under the gentle and patient guidance of our instructors, but Pilates is a whole new way of thinking about your body’s movement. It takes time to learn the style and lingo.
Book a Class
Book NowBefore the Foundations Class
We provide everything you need to get started, so no need to bring any equipment! Reforming Foundations has thick Pilates mats, equipment, fresh towels, and reverse-osmosis-filtered water. Plus, each new client will receive a complimentary pair of Pilates socks that we require for safety. The socks have grips on the sole of the foot, helping you stay stable and balanced on the smooth and potentially slippery equipment.
What to Wear
Form-fitting clothes are a popular choice. As you move, tighter clothing does not catch on equipment, will not fall out of place if in complicated positions, and keeps body parts covered. Tighter clothing also helps you and your instructors monitor how your body is moving while you perform the exercises. You don’t need to wear skin-tight clothing, though. Just make sure that whatever you’re wearing allows you to move comfortably and is fitted enough for your instructor to see how your body moves underneath. The pronounced, visible seams on many exercise pants can also help act as guidelines for identifying correct alignment. Avoid wearing clothing with zippers, studs or other embellishments because these can damage the equipment. Also avoid shirts that tie back and avoid belts.
What to Do
Avoid eating a big meal immediately before class, but eat something light so you can sustain your energy and focus on your lesson instead of your hunger. Make sure you are well-hydrated before going into class and don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle. Begin class by focusing on acceptance and confidence. If you have anxieties prior to class, expect them to melt away as you feel the positivity permeating throughout the Reforming Foundations tribe.
After the Foundations Class
Don’t be surprised if you are sore in muscles you didn’t even know you had! Pilates Foundations classes can demand more from your body than usual. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get the rest your body needs. The Foundations class is not just for Pilates beginners. Even the most seasoned Pilates practitioner needs time to focus on the basics. Pilates Foundations classes often allow you to push through barriers as you prioritize precision, tune into the individual muscle groups, and focus on your body’s movement. The work you do in this class is extremely beneficial and highly recommended as a compliment to other classes. The better your base, the more you will excel in faster-paced classes. Given the name of our studio, it should come as no surprise that we take a properly formed foundation seriously. To feel more centered, focused and flexible, reserve a spot in one of our Foundations classes. Pilates beginners can contact the studio to arrange a new client session and begin reforming your foundation.
