Ahead of the launch of our brand new Lotus Collection, we spoke to Sasha Morgan about her incredible journey with Pilates, diving into everything from beginners tips to training plans.
Sasha tells us that movement has always been a sanctuary for her and an opportunity to deepen the mind-body connection, as well as a major creative outlet.
This is very much reflected in her teaching.
Pilates for Beginners- Is it suitable for all levels?
Newbie nerves and that feeling of doubt is something we’ve all experienced when starting something new. The fear of the unknown is often enough to unnecessarily turn us off something completely.
The great thing about Pilates, however, is that it can be adapted for all levels.
Sasha tells us “Pilates is absolutely suitable for everyone in all stages of life! This is one of the main reasons why I love the practice. It can easily be adjusted and modified to suit any student.”
If you are taking up a few Pilates classes, flag with your teacher where you are at and they will be able to support and guide you.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates can help posture, mobility and flexibility. It can also greatly improve core strength and overall muscle strength.
The exercise can also help you feel more connected to yourself and your body.
Since introducing it into her own life, Sasha has experienced so many benefits.
“Pilates made me more aware of my posture and how to take care of my body in a way that no other practice I have found does,” Sasha explains. “I have also found that nothing builds deep core strength or cares for my spine like it.”
Sasha tells us “It has improved my own postural issues, particularly the classic problems that many modern-day people experience such as forward head posture, rounded forward shoulders, underactive core and lower back compression.”
“My body is the strongest and most mobile it has ever been thanks to Pilates and it has also taught me how to breathe more effectively,” Sasha adds.
“My body is the strongest and most mobile it has ever been thanks to Pilates”
Sasha wearing the Gym+Coffee Lotus set in Khaki.
Pilates Tips for Beginners
- Patience is Key: Practice makes perfect. Give yourself time to grow and learn. Don’t expect the world overnight.
- Listen to Your Body: If something feels too much for you, listen to what your body is telling you. Opt for an alternative exercise or an adapted version. If you feel pain, stop. Follow your gut on what is best for you.
- Make Time: Pilates is all about taking time out of a busy schedule to just slow down and be present with your body. So, don’t try to rush it. Take some time in your day that you dedicate to yourself and your Pilates with no interruptions. Be sure to practice regularly too, to ensure you’re seeing the improvements for yourself.
Sasha also stresses the importance of an instructor for beginners, explaining “Try to find an experienced instructor you like or who inspires you and is able to break down movements in a digestible way.”
“Find an experienced instructor you like or who inspires you.”
Gym+Coffee Lotus Collection is available now.
“Pilates is very anatomy-informed and can feel like a lot of information at first, so starting with someone who can explain things so that you really understand the benefits of a movement for your own body is ideal,” she tells us.
How Often Should We Practice Pilates?
For beginners, the key is to start off easy. You certainly want to give yourself time to adapt to your new schedule and routine.
Sasha explains “I am slightly obsessed so I tend to practice maybe 5 times a week! But you can start with even just once or twice a week and over a few weeks with a good quality instructor you will really notice the improvements and benefits to your body.”
When your strength, mobility and confidence start to grow, you may find yourself wanting to up that number.
For more support on your wellness journey, check out our chat with Erin Dusek on habit building. You can also follow more from Sasha here.
Shop Gym+Coffee’s Lotus Collection now.
