Intimidated by the Gym? Pilates in Westminster, CO
Intimidated by the Gym? Pilates in Westminster, CO
Today is the day, ...right? The day that you start looking into self-care wellness. You watch people walk into a gym like they know exactly what they're doing, and you do some quiet math on the decision to walk in.
If that's you, this post is for you. I'm Lana June, I've spent more than 25 years in therapeutic movement and bodywork, and I run a boutique studio in Westminster's Historic Art District. This is about where to start, and what to ask before you ever walk in.
Where do I start if the gym intimidates me?
Most of my clients do not want people watching them when they work out. They worry about their size, if someone is looking at them or if there is a threat. So how do we start? Start somewhere smaller than a large gym, where an instructor is able to help ease you through the first stages of functional movement. That's the short answer. The rest is why, and what a new client looks like at my studio.
The feeling isn't in your head. In interviews with adults who struggle with their weight, people described staying out of exercise settings after stigma experiences, and out of fear of them. A separate survey of more than 1,500 people found that people who are overweight or have obesity felt more embarrassed and intimidated about exercising around fit, young people and around gym sales staff, even though their intent to exercise matched everyone else's. So the wish to move is usually there. The room is the problem. (interview study)
The usual big box gym advice is to tour the gym when it's empty, put on headphones, and stick to the machines. That's fine, and it assumes the gym is where you have to end up. It isn't. My sessions are one on one, or in small groups. In a private session it's you and me working with YOUR body. I'm guiding your specific movements and modifying exercises to fit your needs.
Is Pilates plus-size friendly?
Yes. Of course! Pilates is built around fitting the movement to the person, and that's how I teach it.
On the reformer, there are many adjustments I can make to fit your size, range of movement, and ability. If a movement squeezes your stomach or strains a knee, we change it: a different spring, a different position, a different exercise. Nothing about that means you're doing it wrong.
I won't promise what Pilates will do to a number on a scale. I always say, I am fluffy, but super strong. Pilates is a resistance exercise, not cardio. What it builds is strength, control, and a better sense of how your body moves. That's what I can stand behind. If you're on a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound and wondering where strength work fits, I will post about that soon.
Is there a weight limit on the Pilates reformer?
Every reformer has a manufacturer's rating, and it differs from machine to machine. I'd rather give you a straight answer about my equipment than a guess from a website. Send me your question before you book. It's a normal question and I'm glad to answer it. (contact)
What does a first session look like?
Wear whatever lets you move. Skip zippers and hardware that can snag the equipment. Grip socks are required, and I sell them if you don't own a pair. Bring water, and eat light beforehand.
Before your first session I need clearance from your healthcare provider. The Pilates release waiver is on the site, so you can read it before you book. It matters most if you're coming back from an injury or managing a chronic condition.
Pilates is foundational movement. This is a great method to build strength towards other modalities or cross training. Once you feel comfortable with squats on the reformer, and rolling your spine down on the long box, you will for sure be building towards some other goals. Come try it with me, and take advantage of a New Client Special I am running at Pila-Teas. We'll debrief over a cup in our Tea Bar.
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