Pilates Class: What to Wear!

When my friend invited me to my very first Pilates class the first thing I asked was “What do I wear?” I mean, I probably should have asked: “what is Pilates?” Or, “why am I doing this?” But, as a competitive runner, I knew what to wear for cardio, I knew what to wear to the gym to lift weights. But, I honestly had no idea what to wear to Pilates. I mean, I hadn’t even been to a Yoga class at this point! So, after my friend laughed out loud at me she sweetly smiled and said: “whatever you would wear to yoga class silly!”

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • May 17, 2018
Table of Contents

Pilates Class: What to Wear!

When my friend invited me to my very first Pilates class the first thing I asked was “What do I wear?” I mean, I probably should have asked: “what is Pilates?” Or, “why am I doing this?” But, as a competitive runner, I knew what to wear for cardio, I knew what to wear to the gym to lift weights. But, I honestly had no idea what to wear to Pilates. I mean, I hadn’t even been to a Yoga class at this point! So, after my friend laughed out loud at me she sweetly smiled and said: “whatever you would wear to yoga class silly!”

Now, I really can’t remember if I rolled my eyes at her physically or just in my own head. I mean, I didn’t even know what to wear to Yoga so how would that help me. And, this was over ten years ago so the abundance of workout attire for all the different kinds of exercise regimens was nowhere near today’s range of options.

Today, there is workout attire that you don’t even work out in! There are clothes specific to dance, yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, cross fit, boxing, spin, running and more. Why? Because, not only does it matter how you look, hahaha just kidding, not only does it matter how you feel in your workout clothes they need to help you do the workout you are attending.

Yes, clothes matter. No, you don’t need to buy the most expensive lulus or the newest Stella McCartney. But, you need to be able to do Pilates in whatever you are wearing without worrying about adjusting your clothes, embarrassing see-through moments, showing more than you want or worse, your clothing getting caught on equipment. And, your teacher needs to be able to see your body. Before you worry about having to get a leotard I’m not saying it has to be tight fitting. But, some of those fabulous yoga pants, that even as I write this I am comfortably wearing, are simply too baggy for a Pilates workout.

See, in Pilates, your legs are sometimes up, down, split wide, crossed, bent, straight and everywhere in between. If your pants are baggy they will fall down your legs, shorts too tight they will keep you from being able to open your legs or sit cross-legged.

So, what do you where to Pilates? Are shorts better than pants or should you go barefoot or wear socks? Here are some tips for outfitting yourself to enjoy your Pilates practice:

Men: Shorts are fine, but I don’t recommend basketball shorts. They tend to be too baggy and so when legs go up or overhead they show more than you may want to show or that your teacher wants to see. Also, the waistband is often not secure enough and well, we all know what that can mean.

My male clients often wear compression shorts under their workout shorts so that they can move their legs in all directions and also not feel overexposed.

Tanks or T-shirts are all fine. When you put your clothes on can you easily squat? Round forward? Open and close your arms? LIft your arms overhead? These simple moves will let you know if your clothes are going to work out with your or against you.

Ladies: Function before Fashion! I too love to look like I can go from workout to dinner but most of my workout gear is better to teach in than to Snake in! So, my go-to’s for being able to go from workout to work or to drinks are the Takara pant by Carbon38 (ps it pays to be friends so use LESLEYLOGAN50 to save some $$). This shiny-ish pant comes in almost every color you would want and pair it with boots or tennis shoes and you are good to move and to work.

For tops, I really like to make sure that my shirt isn’t too baggy. So, I enjoy these tops here and tie them on the side (not the back it gets in the way) or tuck them in a bit.

For you Feet: I am mostly barefoot but my clients tend to wear socks. Here’s the deal, if you look at old pics of Joseph Pilates studio they are wearing little socks. And, socks are definitely more sanitary. But! They must have the stickies! My favorites are Toesox! I personally love the Bella’s with the cut-offs. But, any sock with a grip on the bottom will due. Your feet are essential in life and in Pilates. They help you connect to the equipment and while we do have sticky pads for those who show up with regular socks you will feel the difference when you go without or with some grip socks!

Lastly, if you really want to make sure your clothing is en pointe than nerd out with me and other Pilates lovers! Yep, Pilates Nerd, a haven for Pilates gear that shows just how much you heart Pilates.

What will you wear to your next Pilates class? Still needing advice or not sure? Tag me in a picture on Instagram or Facebook of you taking a class online with me or at your favorite Pilates space and I’ll help you out!

xx~LL

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TOPS 'N TAILS

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

xx-LL

AROUND THE CLOCK

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

It’s time to rock around the clock…literally!!!

The Around the Clock exercise has been called a “stunt” and “A Commando Exercise” - one that Mr. Pilates advertised would help us develop muscles and tissues that regular physical activities could not. He stressed that we couldn’t just read about it, but that it must be done! And done twice daily. I imagine him pointing his finger at me and trying to get me to agree to this daily regime!

This week we’ll be exploring everything that makes up this Commando Exercise. I like to think of this exercise as a mash up of Double Leg Stretch, Teaser, The Hundred, and Rolling Like a Ball. It starts by igniting a fire in our center and continues to warm us up as we rock and stretch, rock and stretch, rock and stretch until we’ve made a full circle (clock)…and then we get to go back. It’s fun and challenging!

Let’s ROCK ON (or around) all week long!!

See you in class,

Rachel

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

LEG PULLS ARE FUN

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright so maybe they're not fun! But, what we think about an exercise does matter! And if you don't like an exercise or you tell yourself you can't do an exercise I promise you your brain and body will believe it!

So, I'm taking Leg Pulls (Control Push Ups on the Reformer) and making them fun! So we can ALL enjoy what is possible from these dynamic duos!

Have a squishy ball or stuffed toy nearby for our Leg Pull moments on the Mat. Reformer no props needed.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a squishy ball or stuffed toy and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

CONTROL YOUR BALANCE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright loves, you may not like going overhead and you may not be able to…yet..

But this week on the Mat and the Reformer we will be ready-ing ourselves to Control our Balance.
Yes, the exercise but there are so many ways to work this that if you are not going upside down you're going to feel your balance get controlled!

Think long legs, asymmetrical legs and maybe even a little single leg deadlift.

On the Mat, if you do struggle with balance go to a wall during the standing work or have a chair nearby. No extra props needed for the Reformer.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLINKY SPINE?

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I know you remember the slinky! So wouldn't it be nice if our bodies could move like that? Well, it's not necessarily good to be super bendy, but it is good to be able to articulate the spine when we are able. In the classes this week we will work through the articulation and flexibility of the spine, as well as pay attention to trying not to go too far. Finding your strength and connections in your flexion and extension is going to be the key! Hopefully, you will feel like a slinky here and there throughout the class!

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS SKIP TORSO DAY!

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

I was thinking of arm days and leg days at the gym, and even the memes you see, which can go both ways. Either dragging yourself around the day after because you're so sore, or you have no muscles at all to hold you up because you skipped those days. Always the extremes with the memes (hey, that rhymed!), and that’s why we love them.

But this is what I love about Pilates - it’s the full body, the whole body. Everything is working together so one part is not overdoing it, while another part is doing nothing. The upper body, the lower body, and the side bodies are connected to our center, so that’s where our focus will be. Even when you think it’s about the arms or the legs, how can you ask a little more of your center to engage?

Props for the Wunda Chair: yoga block and long box for some exercises

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

TOPS & TAILS

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋