What to Eat Before You Do Pilates

The goal here is to make sure your mind is focused on your Pilates and not on hunger or digestion.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • March 28, 2021
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What to eat before you do Pilates thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes
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What to eat before you do Pilates thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes

Wondering what to eat before you do Pilates? It’s a really great question to be asking. Our lives are so busy. Fitting in Pilates is tough enough but then you’ve got to make sure you’re eating at the right time. Not just before Pilates but any workout for that matter. Food is fuel, and it’s important that we are giving our body the fuel it needs to get through the day and our Pilates workout.

When I first started doing Pilates, I learned the hard lesson of coming to Pilates after having had breakfast. Not only did I get to taste my breakfast a few more times during that class, but I had the toughest time feeling connected to my center.

It wouldn’t have mattered if I had egg whites and spinach or a bowl of fruit loops. The fact is eating too close to a workout is not ideal. And it’s not just because you have to work your core. It’s because when you are digesting food, your parasympathetic nervous system is on. Your body does not want to be working out while it’s trying to digest your food. In fact, if you notice you’re a bit more tired after you eat it’s because the same part of your brain that deals with digestion is also in charge of rest.

In my Pilates teacher training, my trainer said that “Eating 2 or hours or more before a Pilates workout is ideal”. And the research does back that up. If you’re having a full meal, 2-3 hours before a workout is best. But, she also said that if you’re hungry before your Pilates, it’s best to give your body a little snack. She recommended a “half of a banana or a handful of almonds.”

Now, the half of a banana definitely goes in line with nutrition research on simple carbs before a workout if you’re going to eat close one. Something that is super easy to digest and provides fuel for your workout. The almonds wouldn’t be ideal for that. But, back then I didn’t know. And here’s what I can share from my experience. A handful of almonds (5-10) was definitely helpful for calming a food craving. But inevitably I would end up choking on an almond skin halfway through my workout. Don’t even get me started on the banana suggestion…. I mean! What am I supposed to do with the other half of a banana?

After 16 years of doing Pilates, here’s what I’ve found helpful. If you can’t do your Pilates first thing in the morning, then definitely make sure that you have a reminder to eat your meals 2-3 hours before your workout. And if you’re not able to do that because life is busy, here are some suggestions:

  • A quick shake: I like Organifi greens juice with water and a little oat milk.
  • A small bar: Be mindful that not all bars are created equal. For me I use munk bars because they are great at giving me that snack moment without being a candy bar before a workout.
  • Small serving of overnight oats: These are easy to make in your home or office. You take 1 part oats to 1 part milk of your choice. Toss in the fridge. 4+ hours later you’ve got a great snack for a pre-workout.
  • Small latte with collagen powder: A little boost of caffeine before a workout can be great. Plus the collagen will give you some protein, and milk of choice will have some simple carbs. I love primal kitchen chocolate collagen.

If you have a way of having a half of a banana go for it!

The goal here is to make sure your mind is focused on your Pilates and not on hunger or digestion. Not only will you have a much better workout if you’re fueled correctly, but you’ll feel invigorated afterwards like you should after Pilates.

What’s your favorite pre-Pilates fuel?

xx~LL

     

Published
Categorized as Blog

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.

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

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL

THE CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

What Storms you ask? Well, Thanksgiving (USA) just happened and we’re kicking off the big Holiday Season right away. Let’s use this week’s Mat & Reformer classes to connect to our breath, center from the powerhouse, and find a little calm.

On the Reformer, we’ll be working to make Running more than that exercise you do to stretch your calves. And on the Mat well alter some of our traditional breathing patterns for a calming challenge!

You won’t need any special props, just your fabulous, Deep-Breathing selves!

See you in class,

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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, a theraband and a reformer!

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

THE BOSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In the states its the week of Thanksgiving which means a lot of things to do and little time for you. And whether you live in the states or not I wanted to give everyone an excuse to leave any room so they can "meet with the boss" aka take class!

And you are the boss! The meeting is with you, your practice and OPC! Tell people The Boss called. They'll let you go and they'll totally understand that 30 min is a legit time to talk to The Boss.

The prop needed on the Mat: Pillows or a bolster or ball. I'm thinking about things you might have in any bedroom to take a call.

Reformer: if you happen to have access to a Reformer this week YAY! The Reformer is going to be the boss. The sounds it makes, the way it feels, its got feedback for ya!

See ya in class,

xx~LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, pillows or a bolster or ball 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.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’ll focus on Teaser because we can! It’s hard! And when in need a pretty great party trick.

The end of the year brings lots of parties you want to go to, some you have to go to and some you wish you could get out of.

Let this workout be and excuse for not going to a party or as a prep for the party trick you might just need!

Props: On the Mat and Reformer a theraband for your Tinsel!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

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

SLEIGH THE DAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sleigh or Slay? This time of year we say both!

Reflecting on the year and recognizing all of the work we put into our practice hopefully feels like we slayed the year!! Now we are getting ready for the holidays and heading into a new year so we can sleigh and get it done!

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No props needed for these classes!

See you in class,

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

There are some Rocking Moves in Pilates! This whole month we’ll be getting our Jingle On as we use each piece of equipment to prepare for and expand on those rolling & rocking postures. Bring that holiday spirit, let's rock!

Mat - no props needed
Reformer - Reformer Box and Pole
Cadillac - no props needed
Chair - no props needed

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

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

Did you know that a Superstar has definitions surrounding it that call out words like “prime attraction”, “prominent”, and “public appeal”?

I’m laughing as I write this description because this month’s theme is about the exercise STAR and I think these words are usually disassociated with that exercise! LOL!!!

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Our focus this month is side body work to help you not only be a SuperSTAR and try STAR, but to help you connect to these muscles to do all the other exercises.

Let’s have FUN this month and forget about the stigma STAR may or may not have :)

Equipment needed:

Reformer = the box

Cadillac = no props needed!

Chair = no props needed, but you might want a yoga block to prop up your pedal

Mat = no props needed!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋