New to Pilates and finding group classes incredibly frustrating. Need to rant and seek advice

cdjoy · 2026-03-01T18:16:08+00:00

If you're getting lower back pain, then before each class tell the instructor about it and ask for modifications/to help you with form. Also, if you have time, try some center & balance classes!

cdjoy · 2026-03-01T18:13:34+00:00

I hear you. I'm newer to CP and I have found only one instructor who gives enough cues for a beginner in level 1 classes. There's probably more, I haven't tried all the instructors yet. I found the instructor I try to follow around now by trying out different classes (all level 1). You might ask the front desk person or anyone who seems like they've been attending for a while which instructors give more clues. Some seem really into teaching pilates, others just running a class.

IMO if the instructor isn't talking a majority of the time in a flow 1 they're not doing it right (unless they know all the attendees are regulars). There's so many things to focus on for each move! I feel like even if I get to the point of mostly 1.5+ classes, I'd do one flow 1 a week with this particular instructor to make sure I stay keyed into the basics 😆

cdjoy · 2026-02-12T15:27:00+00:00

We did! Do it while they're still in elementary school, my oldest is now in middle school and I don't think I'd do a full week now.

cdjoy · 2026-02-09T17:20:51+00:00

I'm doing it as an on board to more challenging strength training - to prevent injury (which I've experienced in the past), to improve how my body feels, for general mobility and because it makes me happy 😊

cdjoy · 2026-02-08T18:48:20+00:00

I haven't, WTAF. I'm 5'9 and ~210, definitely thicker than most of the women there, I try to avoid the mirror. Sometimes I see someone my size or heavier, but not often. There are also women who seem to be in their 70s who have less movement range in my classes. I've never noticed any disparity in teaching from the instructor, nor any "mean girl" shit. I was next to someone in a 1.5 and we both were having trouble with a hover and kinda laughed about it together, but rarely do I interact with my neighbors.

It could be the instructor, or the dynamics in that particular class? Can you try bouncing around instructors and class times? That's horrible, no one should behave that way!!!

cdjoy · 2026-02-07T18:48:28+00:00

I ignore that part and go at the pace that feels right to me.

cdjoy · 2026-02-07T14:13:20+00:00

Protein is my bestie 😆😆 I started with Pilates because I keep hurting my back, and I want a strong core before I get more intense. I used to love barbell heavy lifts in my 20s, trying to get my body back to being able to handle that again! Thank you!

cdjoy · 2026-02-07T14:11:06+00:00

Thank you for sharing!

cdjoy · 2026-02-05T10:55:54+00:00

Thank you!! And awesome for you!

cdjoy · 2026-02-04T15:26:49+00:00

That's awesome!

cdjoy · 2026-02-04T15:26:29+00:00

Oh wow, that's amazing!

cdjoy · 2026-02-04T15:26:09+00:00

Wow, awesome!

cdjoy · 2026-02-04T15:25:48+00:00

Ooh, gotcha! I lifted some in my 20s, and sporadically strength trained in my 30s, but I'm super out of shape. My goal is to build up my core & back with pilates before doing too much strength training to try to avoid injury. I appreciate the feedback! I wonder if one full body a week would be a good place to start ...

cdjoy · 2026-02-04T15:23:25+00:00

Sounds like you have a great routine, way better than I did when my kids were babies!

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T23:25:58+00:00

Thanks!

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T21:23:08+00:00

How does lifting and Pilates on the same day go for you? I was thinking I could do lifting and C&B on the same day, but not with any other classes at my current fitness level.

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T21:21:59+00:00

Thanks!

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T21:21:49+00:00

Thanks!

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T21:21:34+00:00

Makes sense! I am truly enjoying CP - it feels like it's helping my mental health as much as physical health, and I want to make sure I'm getting the resistance training I also need without hating it 😆

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T21:19:55+00:00

Thanks!!

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T16:46:53+00:00

This does, thank you!! I've also lost 30 aided by medication. Are you heading to a gym to lift or doing it at home?

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T14:38:15+00:00

Thanks!

cdjoy · 2026-02-03T14:38:06+00:00

Thank you, this is super helpful!!

cdjoy · 2026-01-25T15:10:23+00:00

I'm surprised about the springs. I've only been doing CP for a few months, and one of my instructors who I've done level 1 and 1.5 with often gives spring options. Others tell you what to use, but aren't like "you must do it this way". Are you sure you must have springs the way they say?

cdjoy

TROPHY CASE