Wondering if Peloton Pilates class are for you? Feeling intimidated about tryin them? Not sure if they can offer you any benefit? Wonder no more! I just finished the week long Beginner Pilates program with Kristin McGee and I’ve got all the deets you need to know.
Peloton’s Beginner Pilates Program
Peloton aims to make all of their programs accessible and achievable for most users. This program does a great job of just that by explaining and demonstrating all the basic fundamentals of Pilates.
How does it work?
This week long program taught by Kristin McGee offers 6 classes (and one rest day) that teach the basic principles of Pilates and how to incorporate them into the traditional exercises of a Pilates class.
Day 1 has a 5 minute intro to the program where Kristin explains briefly what Pilates is, how it was designed and the 6 principles of Pilates: concentration, center, control, precision, breath and flow. Each subsequent class focuses on one of those principles to provide a foundation.
Kristin explains that our hips to our shoulders is our “powerhouse” and learning to focus in on the abdominal, back, hips and buttocks in a more concentrated and precise way will help to improve our form.
Who is Pilates for?
This Peloton Beginner Pilates Program is accessible for anyone at any fitness level. All of the exercises are low impact, done on the floor on your back. They are all short (10-20 min) and can easily be added to any current fitness regimen. Learning to be more intentional with your movement and breath can only aid in the execution of any other exercise regimen.
Day 1
Day 1 10 minute class focuses on “concentration” taking us through pelvic clocks, seated 100’s and pelvic rocks.
Day 2
Day 2 focuses on “control” while teaching slow and controlled execution of hundreds and roll ups in a 10 minute class.
Day 3
Day 3 principle is “center” advancing to 100’s in tabletop and rolling like a ball. Each day takes the moves learned in the previous days and adds on to them.
Day 4 is a rest day
I opted to skip the rest day and continue onto the next class.
Day 5
Day 5 extends to 15 minutes with “precision” movements that focus on moving with intention. Bridges and roll ups with spinal articulation are the key moves.
Day 6
This 15 minute class teaches how to use “breath” while performing hundreds, roll ups and single leg stretches.
Day 7
The last 20 minute “flow” class builds on all the previous classes by incorporating all of the principles. Pelvic clocks, roll ups , Pilates push ups and rotations are on the schedule.
Final thoughts
This Peloton Beginner Pilates Program changed how I view Pilates. I see the value in learning how to move through core exercises more intentionally by paying attention to my breath. Taking the time to tune into the muscles you are trying to exercise and move more intentionally is beneficial for everyone who enjoys exercising. I will be taking more Pilates classes. Add to stack!
Find the Peloton Beginner Pilates Program under the “programs” tab on the Peloton app. All classes have the 1/23/2023 date and find links to all of the classes here.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
This looks like a great program! I used to take Pilates classes and your post reminded me about why they were so good for me. I especially like the bit about being intentional – that transfers into so many other fitness activities!
Thanks for this review, Deborah!
It was a good reminder for me as well!
This sounds really great. I don’t use Peloton but if I did I might give this a try. I’ve done some Pilates before but always found it so challenging. I bet this will be useful for alot of people!
This program is so accessible for anyone to give it a try. I do have a 60 day free peloton pass if you ever want one 🙂
I think I will try this program out next month! I know that some of those exercises my PT had me doing when I had hip flexor tendonitis, to help me engage my lower core more instead of my hip flexors and I feel like it would be a good time to revisit those! Thanks for sharing this info!
I found that extremely useful as well. It’s easy to add this program into your existing schedule. Let me know what you think
Awesome!!! This is great to know. I know what I’ll be going come Monday (or Sunday). Thnx for the info!
I think you will like it. It gave me some good form tips for other workouts
I appreciate your review. I think the classes sound too tedious for me. 😛
I honestly found them very useful with great cueing.they are short and easy to fit into your stack
Pilates is such a great way to get fit! I’m fortunate that I have access to both mat and reformer Pilates classes at the fitness center where I work. And great teachers too.
I found the cues very useful
This is a great review. The fact that you got so much out of it shows that even if you’re experienced and in great shape, you can still benefit from learning the fundamentals. I used to do Pilates years ago and I know it’s a very specific set of exercises, and not just more random core work. I don’t have Peloton anymore but you’re motivating me to get back to it- I think I still have the book I used back in the day.
Well you know I am a huge fan of Peloton. Yes, you are right, even experienced exercisers can learn new tweaks to improve their form
Thank you for this overview! I have seen so many Pilates programs popping up on my social media, but I never thought of it as something I could do at home without a reformer. I love how you get such variety with Peloton.
We have lots of reformer classes popping up over here as well. You can definitely do traditional Pilates moves at home and get good esults
Kristin is a fantastic instructor. I do want to take this program some time soon.
the classes are short and it’s easy to add into your schedule