Why doesn’t Pilates get easier? - Carrie Pages Pilates (2024)

FAQs

Why does Pilates never get easier? ›

You begin to put the movements or notes together in ways that make them more challenging. You may learn to execute more turns or hold notes longer but the fundamentals remain the same, therefore the process doesn't get easier you just get better.

As a general guide, the first significant improvements in function start to occur at the 6-7 week mark. This is because at this stage your body has started to make more efficient neural (nerve) connections into the muscles, so that when the muscles contract, they can better match the force required.

The reformer consists of a sliding carriage, springs, and other attachments that provide resistance to the movements being performed. This type of Pilates can be challenging because it requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and control.

One of the main reasons you may not be feeling or seeing the results of your Pilates workouts is your consistency, or lack thereof. While you may be getting some benefits from yo-yoing from 5 classes one week, to a two week break, you'll find far greater results from building a solid foundation from the get go.

Why is Pilates so hard? Pilates focuses on control and technique, rather than pushing out as many reps as you can as quickly as you can. It is actually easier for your mind and body to exhaust your muscles through this repetitive work, rather than focus on moving smoothly, with control and good form.

Your muscles are likely getting stronger. If you're not getting sore, it could be a sign that your workout isn't effective enough. You may need to ramp up the intensity to see better returns.

Studies have shown that the “Pilates effect” can give the appearance of weight loss by trimming and toning unwanted flabby areas. Pilates, however, is not a cardio workout and you will burn less calories than a high-impact cardio session; therefore, you may not see a drastic change in the numbers on the scale.

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.

The boomerang is considered one of the hardest Pilates exercises, as it requires every muscle in your body to do. How to do it: Sit tall on your mat, legs in front of you, ankles crossed, and hands by your sides. Scoop your belly and round back, lowering yourself onto your mat one vertebra at a time.

What is the secret to Pilates? ›

If taught correctly, it works by exercising the body with many varied movements based on articulated spinal motions while reinforcing focus and control. Fewer repetitions are applied in these movements to encourage correct form and postural awareness. The goal is not to fatigue the body, but to invigorate it.

Reformer Pilates, as suggested, uses the Pilates reformer machine. It is arguably more intense and dynamic than a mat Pilates class as the machine is designed to add resistance to each of the Pilates exercises.

On the mat, your body weight provides resistance against gravity, making the workout more challenging in many cases. You must be in full control of your body, rather than relying on the assistance or support of the springs and cables of an apparatus.

It is safe to do Pilates every day, but you certainly don't have to in order to experience its benefits; three times a week is enough. Not sure where to start? Try one of Peloton's Pilates workouts, which range from 20 to 45 minutes.

"When you're at home, it's the same idea and just as effective because you're getting the slow twitch muscle fibers because you are moving really slow and building that tension and eventually bringing it to failure. And you're still getting the same burn feeling [as a reformer studio class]."

Until you learn how to get in touch with those smaller, inner muscles, the bigger, outer muscles will take over. Absolutely nothing in the Pilates repertoire is “easy” when done correctly, with proper muscle recruitment and intention. The good news is that you will get better at performing the Pilates exercises!

The boomerang is considered one of the hardest Pilates exercises, as it requires every muscle in your body to do. How to do it: Sit tall on your mat, legs in front of you, ankles crossed, and hands by your sides. Scoop your belly and round back, lowering yourself onto your mat one vertebra at a time.