How Many Times Per Week Should I Do Pilates as a Beginner?
When I first started working out during my senior year at Michigan State, I thought the only way I'd see results was if I worked out every single day.
Then one of my friends convinced me to join an eight-week fitness challenge.
The commitment?
Just two classes a week.
I'll admit...I laughed.
Two workouts? That wasn't going to change anything.
Fast forward eight weeks, and not only had those two workouts become one of my favorite parts of the week, but they completely changed the way I looked at fitness.
Because I learned something I still tell clients today:
You don't need to do more. You need to do what you can actually sustain and then build from there.
Should I Do Cardio or Pilates First?
If you've ever combined running, walking, cycling, or another form of cardio with Pilates-inspired strength training, you've probably asked yourself:
Should I do cardio or Pilates first?
The answer depends on your goals.
If your goal is improving endurance for a race or specific athletic event, your cardio workout may take priority.
But if your goals include:
Building lean muscle
Improving body composition
Getting stronger
Supporting metabolism
Creating more definition
Then Pilates-inspired strength training should usually come first.
And here's why.
Looking for a Pilates Student Discount? Here's Why We Offer One.
I remember being a senior at Michigan State University when a friend asked if I wanted to join an eight-week fitness challenge. I hadn't worked out consistently since playing high school basketball, so I figured it was probably a good idea. The challenge was simple: two workouts a week for eight weeks.
On the first day there were about 30 people in class, and before we even got started the coach looked around the room and said, "By week eight, fewer than ten of you will still be here."
My friend and I laughed. Yeah, okay. We were convinced we'd be two of the people who finished. So every Tuesday and Thursday we rolled out of bed before sunrise and walked to this little studio just off campus for the 6:00 a.m. class. Eight weeks later, the coach was right. There were six of us left.
So what made working out in college such a challenge for those other 24 people?