Hey Niedra - thanks for an awesome lesson. I've been doing pilates for some years now, mostly reformer work and it was good to get back to the initial movements, particularly rolling like a ball and rolling up/down. I've been rolling like a square for years, clunking around the place, so it's been great having the breakdown of movement for these exercises. It's also reassuring to know that others experience the same thing!! Thank you and have a fantastic new year.

Hi Lucy, Good to read your post and see that you enjoyed the class. Yes, I know it can be challenging to get that C curve and have the spine regain its flexibility. Mat is such a good compliment to the reformer work - keep it up and may you enjoy many break throughs in 2013.

Am going to use these beginner series more as I have a group of newbies coming up. Thanks!

That's great to hear Elayne, I wish you much success with your group.

Problems with video also!
Great to go back to basics.
Do wonder whether even this is a little advanced for people starting out.

Karen~ If you would email contact@pilatesanytime.com we would be happy to help you with any problems you may be having. Click here to learn about ways to fix your video play back problems.

Hi Karen,

i do understand that beginners is a generality and hwo knows? there is always someone who cannot do a class and needs something else - always.

I did work at a resort for a few years and as new people walked in every day of hte week, and it was always un predictable I averaged out what people can and cannot do and found these basics to be most popular and applicable. but as you point out - there is always those who need simpler, slower or more detailed work.

Should class #1 be done a few times or should you move on to class #2 the next time. And how often should these be done? Thanks.

Hi Eden, You have the option of moving on to the next class right away. Probably around lesson 3 , 4 or 5 you may want to repeat a few times if you are not finding that your body is settling into the form more easily. Then keep moving on. If you find yourself challenged then stay at that class a few more times. It is a balance between challenging your body and mind and mastery, which is an art to apply. I recommend doing Pailtes at least 3 times a week. You could do mat work every day if you like. Hope this helps,

Hi Niedra, I spent the day with intense lower back pain after doing this class. I wonder if it was raising both legs at the same time (I always lifted them one at a time before) and/or the lying down and circling legs, maybe my stomach is not strong enough to support my back in these positions? For the leg circles, can you do it propped on your elbows to minimise lower back strain, and do you have any other common adjustments if I am vulnerable in this area?