Know Before You Go: Pilates Studio
To get a newfound sense of control over your body, consider trying a Pilates equipment workout with a Reformer or its cousins.
If you’ve never been in a Pilates studio, you might wonder why anyone would spend their time contorting themselves on an array of torturous-looking machines. But if you give the workout a chance, you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
“Pilates is an exercise method that can apply to all of the movements you do in life,” explains Lynda Salerno Gehrman, Pilates director and founder of Physio Logic Pilates & Movement in New York City. “Its principles lie at the root of all activities and is one of the most effective disciplines you can do to look, feel, and move more efficiently every day.”
And while it’s true that Pilates has become the go-to workout for dancers and models, that doesn’t mean the rest of us should take a pass. “Pilates is a highly effective workout,” maintains Alycea Ungaro, owner of Real Pilates in New York and the author of several books on Pilates. “It’s highly adaptable, and there are so many variations and positions that there’s almost no one who can’t do some form of this movement.” Ready to give it a try? Here’s what to expect when you walk through the door.
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Grippy socks. Although many Pilates classes are done barefoot, if you’re not comfortable showing your toes, you can also wear socks with some texture along the sole. These help give you some much-needed grip for some of the exercises, without interfering with the machines.
Comfortable clothing. Avoid anything with zippers or hooks, cautions Ungaro, since they can tear the upholstered machines. Since you’ll be lying on your back, tummy, or side, make sure there’s no bulky strap or bulge that will dig into your skin, and wear something that’s comfy to move around in but not so baggy that it rides up.