Ok, it's not a competition. This is not a "my workout is harder than your workout" type post... after all, there is room and a necessity for a variety of exercises as I keep banging on about. However....
Most people who attend Pilates
do so because they want to learn about the practise. It may have been gentle encouragement from a friend or medical professional or curiosity due to so much media attention. Whatever the reason, the fact is that if you are reading this, you have an association with me and therefor Pilates.
I have had so many people tell me over the years that Pilates is easy or boring and that is absolutely fine. It is not my job to try and convert a reluctant individual although I will always suggest you try a few teachers before you write if off. After all, if you have a bad haircut you don't just decide to avoid hairdressers for ever more! You shop around, ask friends for recommendations and find the one that suits you.
BREAKING NEWS.
If you find your class easy, it doesn't mean you are so advanced that you are beyond the level. It means, I am afraid, that possibly, you are missing the point. If you are very experienced, then you can gain so much from a slower class, focusing on more basic moves as an opportunity to get even deeper into your practise.
If you are experienced, you have no excuse but to constantly revisit all the fundamentals and principles that Joe Pilates' work is all about. If you are a beginner, there is SO MUCH to learn and think about that you can't afford to let your mind wander for a single moment.
That said, you want your teacher to be clearly teaching and explaining the purpose and benefit of the exercise alongside the principles so if this isn't being covered, perhaps you need to consider someone who you connect with a little more.
Advanced need not mean harder exercises but a better awareness, connection and control of the movements.
Pilates is not a race. It is a method. It is a practise of movement, of control and awareness, of being connected to our centre, being conscious of movement with purpose, with coordination and balance and grace - skills to enhance our every day life.
The Method/Pilates/Contrology is a life skill. Something you can dip into when you need to find control, or the connection or the balance. It needn't be a full one hour class and with the development of technology there are lots of bite size options online to guide you if you don't feel confident to guide yourself. To unroll your mat, find a quiet 10 minutes and choose a few exercises to calm your busy brain, connect your mind and body, regulate your breathing and feel control can totally set up or reset your day. It doesn't have to be an advanced Teaser or full 100 with straight legs - a few more basic moves practised with precision, control, centering, breath, coordination and smooth transition will help you feel much calmer. more connected and ready to get back into your day.
So perhaps if you are only choosing the more advanced classes because you don't want it to be too easy, have a rethink. Maybe checking into some slower classes with more adapted levels and lots of teaching points is just what you need to bring you back to the true meaning of Pilates.
If it is feeling rushed, pushed, forced or stressed it aint Pilates in its truest form and if you still find it easy or boring, maybe it's time to try a different teacher.
