I am 51 years of age and have never done aa pilates class in my life. I hope to do thing correctly and have started with the beginners assessment and fundamental movements. Cara's beginner class Mat 1 is for me difficult to do ( the rolling back into sitting position needs a boost
I find that after each class my lower back is a bit sore and I have a light headache, is this normal?
Hendrina V ~ I hope you're enjoying Pilates! If you are looking for more fundamental classes, I recommend trying our program, The Successful Beginner. It offers modifications and more introductory/foundational classes that will help you strengthen your practice. Also, the light headache could be caused by neck tension. I get headaches frequently too and my neck is usually tight when that happens. If you feel that your neck is strained, I recommend trying some of the modifications in this program to help.
Already not a fan. I'm a beginner and therefore not very flexible. She doesn't address if a person can't sit in that position. It hurts my ankle and my knees and my knees are at least a foot off the ground. How about some alternate sitting positions for comfort?
Hi Gina L -- Natalia from the Pilates Anytime team here!
When it comes to sitting positions, you are always more than welcome to adjust your body to whatever is most comfortable. If sitting with legs crossed is uncomfortable, we would recommend either sitting with your legs extended out in front of you, or from that position, bending your knees with your feet planted.
You can also rest your back against a wall so that you feel more supported, or start the class seated in a chair, and then transition your way to the Mat for the laying down portion of the class.
We hope these options are helpful in your practice!
I’m fairly new to Pilates and am always confused with breathing especially when in the middle of a series of movements. Can I get some best practices for this?