Courtesy of the author
With so many types of Pilates classes out there, I decided to test as many as possible to find which ones worked best for my body.
I wanted fitness and toning, but I also needed an experienced instructor who knew how to care for my body which was still feeling the impacts of having a baby.
I tried mat, clinical, studio, reformer, sculpt, somatic, and rowing Pilates. While some helped strengthen my weak muscles, others were a little too intense.
Reformer Pilates classes are popular with those wanting a different type of cardio workout. While the class features Pilates moves on a reformer bed, it's ramped up by about 50% by adding high-intensity circuit exercises, such as squats, lunges, burpees, and planks.
I decided to start at the beginner level and I'm glad I did. There's a focus on getting your heart rate up so the exercises and reps can be intense. I was mindful of trying to keep the correct form so I didn't injure myself.
While I got a sweat up and felt great afterward, I'd rather do my Pilates on a reformer in a more controlled way and leave the burpees for when I'm on the floor.
I hadn't thought of experiencing Pilates in the same way as a spin class but after testing out rowing Pilates that's what I got.
The class uses a converted reformer bed with a rowing machine at one end. You might do a mix of some Pilates moves on the reformer, interchanged with exercises like squats, step-ups, rows, and chest lifts. Stints on the rower are thrown in at intervals to keep the heart rate up — all to a pumping soundtrack and an instructor motivating you every step of the way.
I liked the rowing and weights aspects of the class but found the Pilates moves a little too advanced to be doing at speed and again, I was conscious of hurting something. If burning calories is the goal, then I can see how addictive this class could be.
A traditional mat Pilates class is based on the classical repertoire of Joseph Pilates. There's a big focus on activating your core and pelvic floor muscles through a series of small and controlled exercises. Gentle doesn't mean easy though. The amount of effort you need to execute the moves correctly is challenging.
Sculpt Pilates is also done predominantly on the mat but involves light weights and other props together with bodyweight exercises like tricep push-ups and squats to increase the intensity. I found it to be a great way to tone and strengthen areas like your glutes and arms.
In another variation on a mat class, I tried somatic Pilates which is based on slow and mindful movements to help release muscle tension and strengthen them. I found the exercises to use more of the whole body and it took me a few goes to build up to some of the more advanced ones requiring some strong core action.
I went to clinical Pilates classes at a physiotherapist during my pregnancy and after I had my daughter.
In these classes, a physiotherapist designs a program to treat any injuries or to strengthen up parts of the body. In these classes I worked on exercises to help with pelvic pain, plantar fasciitis, and tight hip flexors and calves.
The series of movements are repetitive, build strength and target problem areas in a clinically safe way. I was able to manage a lot of physical injuries through these sessions and improve my balance and core strength.
Studio Pilates classes are also based on the teachings of Joseph Pilates. These classes are taught one-on-one or in small groups by a qualified instructor trained on the different apparatus, including the reformer bed, trapeze table and Pilates chair.
I enjoy these classes for the variation, the challenge of the exercises, and the benefits to my body. Attending studio Pilates has helped keep my plantar fasciitis at bay and I feel a lot stronger through my core, glutes and back.
With a focus on targeting different muscle groups, improving functionality and movement, and preventing injury, these classes suit a whole range of people and can be adapted accordingly.
As someone with some niggling physical injuries and who really values a good stretch, the best types of Pilates classes for me were those that helped strengthen and improve my flexibility in a safe way — like mat, clinical, and Studio Pilates.
Trying different classes showed there is something out there for everyone. It's a matter of choosing a style and a space that suits you and your body, so you can get the benefits without injuring yourself in the process.
