A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started With Pilates (2024)

Since Pilates is low intensity, it’s fine to do every day. But you don’t have to do it that often, and adding in other resistance and cardio workouts can help you build a balanced workout regimen.

The experts we talked to suggested starting with Pilates sessions twice a week, ideally after tougher strength-training workouts. “Pilates can be a great recovery from heavy resistance training,” Barnett says. “They complement each other really well.”

According to Cleveland Clinic, one of the reasons founder Joseph Pilates developed his namesake exercise program in the early 20th century was for recovery and injury prevention for dancers.

Beyond the Pilates and resistance training, Barnett says to weave in zone 2 cardio workouts. According to theAmerican Council on Exercise (ACE), zone 2 is medium-intensity cardio exercise that makes it somewhat difficult to talk comfortably but can be sustained for a moderate amount of time (think bike riding, swimming, walking briskly, or jogging slowly).

The following workout plan from Barnett incorporates the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus two strength training sessions each week, according to theAmerican College of Sports Medicine and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (PDF) physical activity guidelines for adults.

Barnett suggests aiming for 60 minutes for the strength training workouts, focusing on all the major muscle groups. But if that amount of time feels like too much, start with a shorter workout and build up to it if you can.

Feel free to adjust the plan below to your fitness level. If you’re a beginner or getting back into it after a break, take your time building up. Also, it’s always a good idea to consult a fitness professional as the best exercise program is tailored to your specific needs, Barnett says.

Ready? Let’s go.

Week 1

Day 1 Strength or resistance training

Day 2 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 3 45 minutes cardio

Day 4 Strength or resistance training

Day 5 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 6 45 minutes cardio

Day 7 Rest

Week 2

Day 1 Strength or resistance training

Day 2 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 3 45 minutes cardio

Day 4 Strength or resistance training

Day 5 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 6 45 minutes cardio

Day 7 Rest

Week 3

Day 1 Strength or resistance training

Day 2 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 3 45 minutes cardio

Day 4 Strength or resistance training

Day 5 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 6 45 minutes cardio

Day 7 Rest

Week 4

Day 1 Strength or resistance training

Day 2 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 3 45 minutes cardio

Day 4 Strength or resistance training

Day 5 30 minutes Pilates plus 30 minutes cardio

Day 6 45 minutes cardio

Day 7 Rest

A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started With Pilates (2024)

FAQs

How many times a week should you do Pilates as a beginner? ›

Beginners should do 1 to 3 Pilates workouts per week to see results. Research shows improvements in balance, strength, and pain reduction with one to three Pilates sessions per week. Two days per week is better than one, and three is better than two, but beyond that, there's not much benefit.

Can I teach myself Pilates? ›

Can I Teach Myself Pilates? Of course! If you're curious about this type of exercise and how it could help you achieve your fitness goals, it's always a good idea to try it out beforehand. There are a ton of resources available online to help you on your way to becoming a Pilates master, from helpful videos to books.

Can you start Pilates with no experience? ›

Tips and Advice for Beginners

One of the great things about Pilates is that it can be practiced every single day, and even a beginner can jump into a daily practice. You may want to mix up your workouts and take an easier class one day and a more challenging one the next day.

What type of Pilates is best for beginners? ›

Mat Pilates is perfect for beginners because you only need your own body, a Mat, and some floor space to start.

Is Pilates good for weight loss for beginners? ›

Pilates is an effective workout for beginners, long-time athletes, and everyone in between. The exercises done in Pilates are challenging for the muscles but easy on the body as a whole. If you're working on losing weight, Pilates is an excellent tool to add to your fitness routine.

Is 20 minutes of Pilates a day enough? ›

Yes, definitely! If you're doing the right workouts, just 20 minutes a day is enough to get you fit with Pilates.

Is Pilates harder than yoga? ›

Pilates is certainly a more intense workout that burns calories faster and produces physical results quicker, so you could make the argument that Pilates is the harder of the two. But again, everything comes down to what you wish to get out of the class and the methods your instructor takes to get you there.

Can Pilates flatten your stomach? ›

Whether you're looking to relieve back pain or want to tone and flatten your stomach, everyone can benefit from incorporating Pilates-inspired exercises into their routine. I do many of these exercises every day to keep my core tight and trained to engage properly in my daily movements once I get off of the mat, too!

Is 50 too old to start Pilates? ›

Even if you aren't in the habit of exercising, it's never too late to start. Pilates is possible at any age and may help prevent falls and improve joint health. Pilates is a mind-body, low-impact exercise focusing on core muscles while improving flexibility, balance, coordination and overall strength.

Can an unfit person do Pilates? ›

If you have any pre-existing conditions or have not been active for a while, we recommend you consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise. It's never too late to learn to move your body more efficiently and with Pilates, you can regain your strength, flexibility, and mobility.

What is needed for Pilates at home? ›

All you need is a mat and your body weight to get started. Adding resistance bands, standalone cables for your arms, and tools like Pilates rings can up the resistance and challenge, but they're not necessary for a good Pilates workout.

Is Pilates at home as effective? ›

With the proper approach, practicing Pilates at home can absolutely be effective and safe, with no additional equipment needed—which is why Pilates is so popular.

How long does it take for Pilates to start working? ›

Once you get into a steady workout habit, how long does it take to see results from Pilates? While individual results may vary, most people can see noticeable body changes within just three weeks. However, those who do Pilates less often may take up to eight weeks to see noticeable results in their bodies.

Is there a free Pilates app? ›

If you're a dedicated Android user looking for a fantastic, free app, then the Pilates Exercises – Pilates at Home app could be the perfect fit. With a 30-day program designed by a professional trainer, you can start toning your body at home with no equipment necessary.

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