If you’ve decided to start taking Align Pilates classes, well done! You’ve made a great decision to take your health and fitness to the next level. No matter your experience or current fitness level,  Align Pilates has classes to suit everyone. If you’re completely new to Pilates, we’ve put together some of our best tips to ensure you’re ready to go and making the most of your workout!

DO YOU NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH YOU?

Just a sweat towel! Feel free to bring a water bottle with you if you like, we have water for sale and a drinking fountain available just outside our studio – so all you really need to bring is your towel and smiley self!

Note: We do not allow glass bottles in the studio as if you kick them and they break it is a hazard for our bare feet! Feel free to leave them in your locker.  

ARRIVE 10 MINUTES EARLY

Don’t forget to arrive 10 minutes before your first class to meet your Pilates Instructor. We would love to welcome you in, answer any questions you may have and give you a rundown of how the equipment works before the class starts. This is also a great time to tell us if you have any injuries, pregnancy or contraindications so we can modify some exercises for you. 

NO SHOES ALLOWED

When you’re ready to start your first Align Pilates class, take your shoes off and leave them in the cubby holes and shoe racks provided. Be ready to work your feet! Some people prefer to workout with no socks but if you would rather wear them, you can easily purchase grip socks, which some people choose to wear for hygiene and comfort.

KEEP YOUR PHONE ON SILENT

To be courteous to your Pilates instructor and others in your class, we ask that everyone attending a class either switches off their phone or puts it on silent and leaves them in their cubbyhole. We do, however, understand that there may be an emergency in which you need to keep your phone close to you. In circumstances like these, please notify your trainer and keep it on silent.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PANTS

No-one can tell you what to wear, however, it’s recommended to wear tight pants or leggings rather than baggy pants. Tight pants allow you to make self-corrections more easily and will also help your teacher see if you are moving well in alignment or not. It’s also important that your pants are comfortable and allow you to move without limits. Pants with no zips or other fancy additions are also recommended; the simpler the better!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOP

Have you ever bent over and suddenly had your top fall forward over your head? It can sometimes be a little embarrassing – but it’s happened to all of us! As there are many movements in Align Pilates classes which might require you to bend forward, we recommend you wear a top that sits around your waist or hips without gaping or rolling up. This way, you can enjoy your workout without having to worry about wardrobe malfunctions!

LEAVE JEWELLERY AT HOME

Sharp edges on your jewellery are a hazard for you, your teacher and the equipment you use in the studio. If you wear any jewellery, it’s best to take it off and keep it at home before attending an Align Pilates class.

WEAR A HIGH OR LOW PONY-TAIL

Do you have long hair? No problem. But your pony-tail matters! You might find this a bit odd but the position of your ponytail can really impact your workout at ALIGN Pilates. When you lie down on your back there is nothing more annoying than a ponytail at the back of your head keeping you from lying flat and forcing you to tilt or turn your head. Keeping your ponytail up high isn’t just for comfort – it’s also important for keeping your spine in alignment. So, keep your ponytail up as high as you can!

NO EATING OR CHEWING GUM

It might sound ridiculous but chewing on gum while laying on your back poses a serious choking hazard. To ensure everyone’s safety, gum and food is strictly prohibited in ALIGN Pilates classes.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

After your first you may feel slightly overwhelmed but keep coming and you will see that after 5 sessions you feel better, and after 10 sessions you feel amazing! After 20 sessions you will see a difference and after 30 sessions you will have whole new ALIGNED Body.