Making Progress in Pilates

When you are no longer getting the same results that accompanied the start of your Pilates training, you have encountered the unavoidable: the Pilates plateau.

Advancing in Pilates Levels

You have been attending Pilates sessions religiously for the past three months and are no longer getting the same results that accompanied the start of your Pilates training. You have encountered the unavoidable: the Pilates plateau. The plateau is a limbo for physical progression, a place where the pounds are no longer coming off and your favorite Pilates exercise, the Teaser, seems harder to find every class. It’s frustrating, but there are actions and attitudes you can adopt to help you get over the plateau.

	Should you be disappointed with only losing 10 pounds... ?

Pilates Progress for Beginners

In the first 4-12 weeks of consistent Pilates training, rapid success and progress are expected. As with any new fitness program, early growth and accomplishment come quickly as you learn new skills and movement patterns. If you are bored in the beginning stages of training, the odds are that you haven’t spent enough time learning the fundamentals. If you are taking group classes, consider private sessions to strengthen your basic skills. If you are taking private sessions and not progressing past your plateau, it might be time to find a new instructor who will challenge you to reach the next level. Progression in Pilates involves both physical and mental development. You might be physically capable of achieving certain postures, yet have no command of the progressions and are still dependent on the instructor. True progress happens when the client begins to take command of the work and responsibility for the Method. Work with your instructor; let them know you want to take ownership. Unlike other forms of physical conditioning, Pilates lends itself to the promise of autonomy, complete command of the flow.

Review Basic Pilates Exercises

For more accomplished (lifelong) clients, surpassing a plateau requires deeper analysis. Start by reviewing your original goals and motivation for training in Pilates and take pride in the progress you have made since your first mat class. Unfortunately, Pilates students commonly fail to acknowledge their progress, which is crucial to building and keeping momentum. Take note of the changes in your life: Do clothes fit better? Is walking up and down stairs easier? Does your back hurt less or is the pain more manageable? Refer to your fitness journal (hopefully you have one) for quantifiable measures of progress or ask your instructor for feedback. All of these changes are indicators of real progress—be sure to honor them.

Review the Benefits of Taking Pilates

Once you have taken into account where you have been and honestly assessed your current situation, it’s time to make some decisions. If your original motivation was for the enjoyment of the class, don’t undo that personal gratification by making your sessions a job and trying to force the issue. The time you get to spend at the gym or in the studio should be enjoyed and you should never feel like you have to do anything. Be aware of this as you try to shake things up by changing instructors, trying a new class, or taking some private lessons. Try to find the enjoyment and inspiration again in gentle ways, without the workouts feeling like a chore.

Keep a Fitness Journal and Take Notes

For the more goal oriented, if you have not been keeping notes on where you started, I suggest you begin now. You also need to examine if, in fact, you are setting yourself up for success given your current path. Have you examined all aspects of your fitness goals? You might be doing everything right with your workouts, but have not addressed lifestyle or nutritional issues affecting your progress. Time to set new, attainable, short-term goals. Could it be your current expectations are incongruent with your fitness plan? Should you be disappointed with only losing 10 pounds if you really have not been paying attention to all the factors in the fitness equation? Can you be upset about your progress when you do nothing outside the gym or studio on your own? Understand the limits of your dedication and set your expectations to the reality of the situation.

In dealing with your own personal plateau, take the time to fully understand where you have come from and where you currently are. More often than not, people are not honest enough with themselves, nor are they compassionate enough. Take stock of the current situation, try and make decisions based on your true motivation, and move gently from there. While you want to continue your forward progress, you certainly do not want to throw out the baby with the bath water in terms of change. Know that quick results are easy, but making lasting changes and braving the plateaus takes true commitment and a conscious effort.