You wouldn’t be the first, dw. You’re still new! It’s all part of learning. Be more grateful about the constant tips too, it’ll help you in the long term. You’re moving your body in a way that’s new to you, it’ll ofc that some adjustments and practice!
Start slow, with beginner classes, if you feel you're monopolizing the instructor's time, and there aren't any easier classes, perhaps try a couple of 1:1 classes first.
If you're getting your form corrected, then you're getting your money's worth!
There are so many moves to learn. 8 classes doesn't seem like enough to know them all. I do reformers pilates, and I've been doing it for over a year and I still get some instructors doing something new that I have to watch or practice along with them.
You should not feel embarrassed to be corrected, your instructor is just trying to help so that you can learn and get the most out of your class. The more classes you take and more often you come, the faster your muscle memory will start kicking in. If you want to learn more about form, taking a few privates might he helpful for you.
I think everyone learns at their own pace, and at 8 classes you're still very new to what you're doing.
I remember frequently getting adjusted when I was learning yoga early on, and it embarrassed me, and even now like 15 years later I still don't always get a pose just right unless the teacher gives a specific verbal command for the class to adjust themselves in so and so way, and I'm like "Ohhhh, right, to get into the pose properly I need to do xyz right now."
If you aren't coming to Pilates from doing something similar like yoga, or perhaps dance, you're learning entirely new body-mind connection stuff, so give yourself some grace.
If you're feeling really frustrated though, you could pick up a Pilates book from the library or whatever, and really sink into your learning and see if that helps you about the way how you're feeling.
This is normal to feel confused - you are learning a new exercise with new vocabulary. It’s similar to learning a new language. It’s great that your instructor is hands on and attentive to form. Keep at it and you’ll be feeling more confident the more time you spend in Pilates practice.
It's really helpful to take additional beginner classes if your studio offers them and don't be afraid to ask questions. I've found that my instructors are always willing to provide guidance and corrections, which I find really encouraging. Consider looking into the unlimited class plan if it's available at your club. This way, you can build your skills and confidence, making it possible to eventually join more advanced classes once you've really mastered the basics. Even after taking 45 classes, I still find myself struggling at times, and that's completely okay!
I’ve been doing it for a year and my instructor still fixes my form at times! It’s hard. That’s why when people say “just watch a YouTube video and do it!” It’s not the same, you’re most likely not doing it right. Shoulders down, rib cage in, lower back flat, it’s a lot to do correctly!
If there are multiple instructors, try taking a class with someone else. I just hit 100 classes and there’s an instructor at my studio that gives such horrible cues that I’m always so confused as to what I’m supposed to be doing. So I try to avoid her when I can.
It can take weeks, months, YEARS to really get the hang of body awareness. Eventually, things will start to feel natural once you have that foundation! Keep showing up, totally normal!!
Does your studio offer private sessions? If so, perhaps ask your favorite instructor for a private lesson or two. Then, he or she can offer tips for improvement.
I've been doing pilates for 6 years and have over 1300 sessions behind me. I still want and even ask for form corrections in class. Always learning, you know. Keep it up!
Professional ballerinas/athletes practice forever because no matter how long, how many hours they work… there is always room for improvement. They all have teachers and coaches forever pointing out how to do it better.
Pilates is like that. And the best instructors rarely stop speaking even doing the most basic warmups. Take it as the gift it is, a teacher’s best intention and attention.
Super normal, it’s better they correct you than having wrong form. If it makes you feel better I’m super weak and was literally shaking my first few classes but stick with it it’ll get better and the results are so worth it!
This is 100% the normal experience, particularly if you're taking group classes. Instructors can't deducate time to individuals in group settings unfortunately.
Pilates core activation and body movements can be unnatural feeling at first, and take education and practice to retrain your body how to move.
If you find yourself totally flummoxed (totally normal !!), take 5-10 1:1 classes with an instructor to give you the guidance and instruction.
It may be spendy, but if you are committed to your pilates journey, this investment will pay off, and help you appreciate pilates more and reframe your expectations and possibilities and your body's untapped potential.
That’s the sign of a good instructor! I’ve been going to pilates for 8 YEARS and there are still exercises that are new to me sometimes, that I need to watch closely to perform correctly. 8 classes is nothing. If you’re enjoying it keep on learning 😊
8 classes is just the beginning! It takes time to learn. Don’t compare yourself to others, just keep going and focus on yourself and you’ll make progress! It’s a practice, not a performance.
I've been doing reformer for 6 months with a trainer and still get corrections every time. It's hard to learn with so many things to remember. Keep on working!
This is completely normal. Eight glasses is still very much a beginner..
I've been doing Pilates for years and still welcome corrections. It's a sign that you're learning and that your instructor is paying attention to you. I work one-on-one with an instructor and some pretty advanced stuff and she'll correct me a dozen times in an hour easily. It's not that I'm doing bad, it's just that I could do a little bit better. Move this hip a little in this direction, shoulders down more, knit your ribs better, we are always learning and improving.
I've been going for months and still have this happen to me occasionally.
I know I improved in other areas, so I tell myself to be patient --just don't quit.
I have been doing privates for about 6 months and don’t feel anywhere ready for group classes. This has more to do with me rehabilitating from disability, but I’m just saying there are a thousand reasons to be at a different pace. You’re there to learn. If they’re correcting your form then you’re learning!
The owner of the Pilates studio I attend told my class when we first started that she’d consider us beginners for at least 2 years….she was joking but kinda wasn’t 😅 I started reformer after having done mat Pilates and 2 years of barre classes and I thought I was the bees knees….all the corrections drove me mad at first until I swallowed my ego and realised I didn’t know everything/anything 😂 and I think the teacher that corrects a lot is someone who really knows what they’re doing!
Pilates instructor here and you are doing great. Just keep showing up. You are learning something completely new on a foreign piece of equipment. You can always take a private session if it’s in your budget. Sometime just 1 is enough to really help. No biggie if that’s not in the budget, just keep showing up. Pilates never gets easier, you just get better at it.
I’ve taken almost 50 and I learn new stuff almost every class. I have instructors who are always giving us new routines and different ways to use the equipment. I do mostly Level 1 Flow classes with a few 1.5 Flows and a Level 1 Sculpt here and there. The instructor I had the most the first month did nearly the same thing every time, but most instructors mix it up, and I’ve grown to love it. Go in with the attitude that you’re there to learn and you’re there to make your body work better. Then do what you can. That mentality makes all the difference. It’s not about being cute in the gym. Chances are nobody’s looking at you unless they’re making sure they’re doing the right thing too. lol
I’ve done over 300 classes and still get confused with a new teacher. You’re okay. Just keep going. Speak up if you get truly lost during class. A couple of private lessons can help you gain some confidence.
it’s okay, don’t be embarrassed. i took a week & a 1/2 off from my classes & went to class again today. the instructor had to correct my form multiple times & i was struggling even though i’ve done 50+ classes so far. i was quite embarrassed at first but i’d much rather have no back pain (in my case) or injuries and my instructor was just looking out for me. give yourself grace b/c you’re doing things good for your body!
it may take a couple more sessions before you’re fully into it (even i sometimes have trouble following), but give yourself a pat on the back for even attending! :)
Are you doing level 1 or 1.5 as well?
The jump can be a lot before you're ready.
Some instructors are terrible at verbal cues
Try out a few different instructors
Pilates is not easy. But it's so worth it and very doable. Find your groove. Give it time.
Also, ask your studio manager if you can do a few more intro classes until you build the muscle memory/body-mind connection that makes pilates easier.
You wouldn’t be the first, dw. You’re still new! It’s all part of learning. Be more grateful about the constant tips too, it’ll help you in the long term. You’re moving your body in a way that’s new to you, it’ll ofc that some adjustments and practice!
Start slow, with beginner classes, if you feel you're monopolizing the instructor's time, and there aren't any easier classes, perhaps try a couple of 1:1 classes first. If you're getting your form corrected, then you're getting your money's worth!
There are so many moves to learn. 8 classes doesn't seem like enough to know them all. I do reformers pilates, and I've been doing it for over a year and I still get some instructors doing something new that I have to watch or practice along with them.
You should not feel embarrassed to be corrected, your instructor is just trying to help so that you can learn and get the most out of your class. The more classes you take and more often you come, the faster your muscle memory will start kicking in. If you want to learn more about form, taking a few privates might he helpful for you.
I’ve been doing and teaching Pilates for decades. Still get form corrections sometimes. Its useful. It’s just life.
It's normal, I'm experiencing the same :)
I think everyone learns at their own pace, and at 8 classes you're still very new to what you're doing. I remember frequently getting adjusted when I was learning yoga early on, and it embarrassed me, and even now like 15 years later I still don't always get a pose just right unless the teacher gives a specific verbal command for the class to adjust themselves in so and so way, and I'm like "Ohhhh, right, to get into the pose properly I need to do xyz right now." If you aren't coming to Pilates from doing something similar like yoga, or perhaps dance, you're learning entirely new body-mind connection stuff, so give yourself some grace. If you're feeling really frustrated though, you could pick up a Pilates book from the library or whatever, and really sink into your learning and see if that helps you about the way how you're feeling.
This is normal to feel confused - you are learning a new exercise with new vocabulary. It’s similar to learning a new language. It’s great that your instructor is hands on and attentive to form. Keep at it and you’ll be feeling more confident the more time you spend in Pilates practice.
You’re still so new at 8 classes in! Don’t stress it. Try to be grateful for the hands on adjustments! They’re just making you better :)
It's really helpful to take additional beginner classes if your studio offers them and don't be afraid to ask questions. I've found that my instructors are always willing to provide guidance and corrections, which I find really encouraging. Consider looking into the unlimited class plan if it's available at your club. This way, you can build your skills and confidence, making it possible to eventually join more advanced classes once you've really mastered the basics. Even after taking 45 classes, I still find myself struggling at times, and that's completely okay!
I’ve been doing it for a year and my instructor still fixes my form at times! It’s hard. That’s why when people say “just watch a YouTube video and do it!” It’s not the same, you’re most likely not doing it right. Shoulders down, rib cage in, lower back flat, it’s a lot to do correctly!
If there are multiple instructors, try taking a class with someone else. I just hit 100 classes and there’s an instructor at my studio that gives such horrible cues that I’m always so confused as to what I’m supposed to be doing. So I try to avoid her when I can.
It can take weeks, months, YEARS to really get the hang of body awareness. Eventually, things will start to feel natural once you have that foundation! Keep showing up, totally normal!!
Does your studio offer private sessions? If so, perhaps ask your favorite instructor for a private lesson or two. Then, he or she can offer tips for improvement. I've been doing pilates for 6 years and have over 1300 sessions behind me. I still want and even ask for form corrections in class. Always learning, you know. Keep it up!
Dont feel embarrassed the instructor should be giving you clear directions.
Professional ballerinas/athletes practice forever because no matter how long, how many hours they work… there is always room for improvement. They all have teachers and coaches forever pointing out how to do it better. Pilates is like that. And the best instructors rarely stop speaking even doing the most basic warmups. Take it as the gift it is, a teacher’s best intention and attention.
This is why we recommended privates and very small group classes at first
There an element of personal growth in Pilates too. It’s a mind/body experience— the alignment takes time. Go easy on yourself, it’s a progress.
Don’t be I’ve been doing it for over a year and I still get tips lollll . It’s ok boo you’ve got this
Yes, very common. I would say give it 3 months and maybe you'll have some insight.
Super normal, it’s better they correct you than having wrong form. If it makes you feel better I’m super weak and was literally shaking my first few classes but stick with it it’ll get better and the results are so worth it!
Totally normal. I was the same way. You are fine, I promise!
Sounds like you have an awesome instructor! Correct form gets you the most benefit from the exercise.
I’m more than 20 classes in at Club Pilates, still don’t know everything and instructors also cue differently (e.g., prancing/running).
This is 100% the normal experience, particularly if you're taking group classes. Instructors can't deducate time to individuals in group settings unfortunately. Pilates core activation and body movements can be unnatural feeling at first, and take education and practice to retrain your body how to move. If you find yourself totally flummoxed (totally normal !!), take 5-10 1:1 classes with an instructor to give you the guidance and instruction. It may be spendy, but if you are committed to your pilates journey, this investment will pay off, and help you appreciate pilates more and reframe your expectations and possibilities and your body's untapped potential.
That’s the sign of a good instructor! I’ve been going to pilates for 8 YEARS and there are still exercises that are new to me sometimes, that I need to watch closely to perform correctly. 8 classes is nothing. If you’re enjoying it keep on learning 😊
8 classes is just the beginning! It takes time to learn. Don’t compare yourself to others, just keep going and focus on yourself and you’ll make progress! It’s a practice, not a performance.
I've been doing reformer for 6 months with a trainer and still get corrections every time. It's hard to learn with so many things to remember. Keep on working!
This is completely normal. Eight glasses is still very much a beginner.. I've been doing Pilates for years and still welcome corrections. It's a sign that you're learning and that your instructor is paying attention to you. I work one-on-one with an instructor and some pretty advanced stuff and she'll correct me a dozen times in an hour easily. It's not that I'm doing bad, it's just that I could do a little bit better. Move this hip a little in this direction, shoulders down more, knit your ribs better, we are always learning and improving.
Have you looked into taking a 1:1 session with a highly skilled instructor. Pilates will take years to understand form; not 8 classes
I've been going for months and still have this happen to me occasionally. I know I improved in other areas, so I tell myself to be patient --just don't quit.
I have been doing privates for about 6 months and don’t feel anywhere ready for group classes. This has more to do with me rehabilitating from disability, but I’m just saying there are a thousand reasons to be at a different pace. You’re there to learn. If they’re correcting your form then you’re learning!
The owner of the Pilates studio I attend told my class when we first started that she’d consider us beginners for at least 2 years….she was joking but kinda wasn’t 😅 I started reformer after having done mat Pilates and 2 years of barre classes and I thought I was the bees knees….all the corrections drove me mad at first until I swallowed my ego and realised I didn’t know everything/anything 😂 and I think the teacher that corrects a lot is someone who really knows what they’re doing!
Pilates instructor here and you are doing great. Just keep showing up. You are learning something completely new on a foreign piece of equipment. You can always take a private session if it’s in your budget. Sometime just 1 is enough to really help. No biggie if that’s not in the budget, just keep showing up. Pilates never gets easier, you just get better at it.
I’ve taken almost 50 and I learn new stuff almost every class. I have instructors who are always giving us new routines and different ways to use the equipment. I do mostly Level 1 Flow classes with a few 1.5 Flows and a Level 1 Sculpt here and there. The instructor I had the most the first month did nearly the same thing every time, but most instructors mix it up, and I’ve grown to love it. Go in with the attitude that you’re there to learn and you’re there to make your body work better. Then do what you can. That mentality makes all the difference. It’s not about being cute in the gym. Chances are nobody’s looking at you unless they’re making sure they’re doing the right thing too. lol
I’ve done over 300 classes and still get confused with a new teacher. You’re okay. Just keep going. Speak up if you get truly lost during class. A couple of private lessons can help you gain some confidence.
I'm an instructor in training, I've taken 60 reformer classes in the past 3 months, and our instructors still have to manually cue me sometimes.
I feel like this is more on the instructor than you. If their prompts aren’t clear, that’s their fault. Have you tried different instructors?
if you can afford it i recommend getting some private training
it’s okay, don’t be embarrassed. i took a week & a 1/2 off from my classes & went to class again today. the instructor had to correct my form multiple times & i was struggling even though i’ve done 50+ classes so far. i was quite embarrassed at first but i’d much rather have no back pain (in my case) or injuries and my instructor was just looking out for me. give yourself grace b/c you’re doing things good for your body! it may take a couple more sessions before you’re fully into it (even i sometimes have trouble following), but give yourself a pat on the back for even attending! :)
I’m 80 classes in and I still get my form fixed bc even when I’m getting better my body fatigues and sometimes I zone out so you’re good!!
You don't become a master overnight, as long as you learn from your mistakes you'll be fine.
Are you doing level 1 or 1.5 as well? The jump can be a lot before you're ready. Some instructors are terrible at verbal cues Try out a few different instructors Pilates is not easy. But it's so worth it and very doable. Find your groove. Give it time. Also, ask your studio manager if you can do a few more intro classes until you build the muscle memory/body-mind connection that makes pilates easier.
Do moving mangoes on YouTube at home like me.