Scroll through Pilates content on social platforms and you\u2019ll find instructors executing impressive-looking moves that require expert-level core strength and control.<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s tempting to try and replicate them at home, you\u2019re unlikely to be able to do them with the precision they require.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n \u201cThe biggest mistake I see is beginners choosing more advanced [exercise] variations before establishing a strong foundation,\u201d says Marina Enright, certified instructor and founder of Amare Pilates.<\/a><\/p>\n Latest Videos FromFit&Well<\/p>\n This can have serious implications.<\/p>\n \u201cIt means you may compensate with the wrong muscle groups, creating unnecessary tension in areas like the neck, shoulders and lower back,\u201d says Enright.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n \u201cOver time, this can reinforce poor movement patterns and potentially lead to discomfort or injury.\u201d<\/p>\n Getting the basics right is a necessary part of the practice, and rushing ahead to more advanced moves can actually slow things down in the long term.<\/p>\n Below, Enright shares three key pointers on how beginners can get the most out of Pilates.<\/p>\n 1. Focus on quality over quantity<\/p>\n Pilates isn\u2019t about blasting through as many repetitions of a move as possible, Enright says.<\/p>\n \u201cSlow, controlled movements with proper alignment are more beneficial than rushing through repetitions. Always focus on quality over quantity.\u201d<\/p>\n What to read next<\/p>\n She says participants should focus on engaging the right muscles, rather than trying to do the hardest variation of a move.<\/p>\n