Progress takes time. Joseph Pilates said "In 10 sessions, you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions, you'll have a whole new body." He wanted his clients, that attended his studio 2-3 times a week, to understand that learning the Pilates repertoire was a process. Only with time and commitment would they notice differences in strength and in how they were able to move their body.
I am a big believer in measuring progress. There are many Pilates exercises where progress is easy to notice. Try to recall your first 'high plank or side plank.' How long were you able to hold it? Did you begin by modifying? Did you work your way up from 10 to 20 to 30 to 60 seconds? Try to recall the first time you did a Full Roll Up. How did it feel? Perhaps, right now, you're working your way towards completing Pilates Push-ups, Teasers, or Leg Pull Front? When you keep track it's easy to see all you've achieved and how far you've come. Pilates exercises have been designed with built-in progressions, so you can begin at a starting point that matches your strength; when ready, you can move to more challenging variations & modifications.
Celebrate your WINS! By setting goals for yourself, whether that be by time or executing an exercise/sequence with control, you are able to see all you've achieved and how far you've come. Likely, there's someone in your corner, like me, celebrating alongside you.
Our end goal in Pilates is whole body health & mobility. Joe knew there was no quick fix and that many exercises would continue to humble us. He also knew it was a process which requires a commitment to learning through controlled repetition and strengthening.
So go ahead and set a measurable goal for yourself, be it small or grand. One day you may be pleasantly surprised by how long you hold your plank or when your half roll up, effortlessly turns into a full roll up!
yours in health & wellness,
Christy