videos

1. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about starting any new exercise program.

2. Whether you are brand new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, I suggest starting with the Pre-Pilates videos. There is always something to be learned by starting at the beginning. From here, progress to the Fundamental videos. Spend some considerable time on these basics. They are important and the other skills are built on these.

Once you feel confident that you know these in your body, it's time to move onto the Intermediate 1 then Intermediate 2 videos. Everything you need for proper maintenance for your body exists in the Intermediate repertoire. If you are still after more, progress to the Advanced videos.

3. Please work within your limits. At The Pilates Tree, we always remind our clients to work with what their bodies need on that day. Not every day will be the same. Give yourself permission to go easy if you feel you need it but to challenge yourself just enough so you are not in a place of excessive tension or pain. We never work through pain. This is your body's way of telling you that something is not quite right. Listen to this. You can either skip that exercise (for now) or replace it with a Fundamental exercise that you are confident in.

4. Remember, it's not about being perfect but about practice, patience and persistence. Movement patterns (good or poor) exist for years in our bodies. To correct these, it takes time (like all good things). I'm still learning, changing and progressing myself! Most of all, I hope you have fun.