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What to Eat Before You Do Pilates

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • March 28, 2021
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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

     

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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.

HAPPY FEET

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

During our lives, our feet carry us up to 100.000 miles (160.000 km)! I would say "Great job!". Unfortunately, we often don´t give them the attention they deserve. Joe Pilates saw the importance of foot strength and mobility and invented special appartuses and exercises like for example Foot Corrector and Footwork.

In this weeks classes on Mat and Reformer we are going to focus on integrating our feet in our routines. With strong feet that are mobile and stabilizing we gain a healthy posture, a better circulation and good connection to our Thass! Lets get started.

See you in class,
Yasmin

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, firm small ball (for example tennis ball), small towel and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle, 2 Yoga blocks (both not absolutely ncecessary!) and a reformer!

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


BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Wondering when to breathe in an exercise? If you're new to Pilates I don't love to overwhelm you with instructions on how to do an exercise, what to focus on AND when to breathe. So, if you're brand new please don't let the breath cues overwhelm you. Please just keep breathing. If you've been doing Pilates for a while, this week focus on your breath. Does it help you get more out of an exercise?

Also, if possible, breathe in and out through your nose.

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

BUILD IT UP

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

We are extra excited for this month’s theme: Build It Up! It’s the perfect theme to meet you where you are in your practice.

We’ll start each exercise by doing a few reps of a basic version of the exercise, then we’ll gradually build into the full expression by adding more pieces. We are giving you options to work on any version you feel confident with, so you can find the best version for your body this month. How cool is that?

Props needed:
Mat: No props needed
Reformer: Reformer box and pole
Tower: No props needed
Chair: Reformer box, foam roller is optional

See ya in class,
xx-LL ????

IT TAKES 2!

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

Yaasss, it does take 2 to make a thing go right! This month, we’ll only be doing 2 reps of each exercise on the Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac/Tower. This is such a fun challenge for our bodies. Have a towel nearby because we’re gonna’ work up a sweat!

Props needed:
Mat: Magic Circle
Reformer: None
Tower/Cadillac: None
Wunda Chair: None

See ya in class,
xx-LL

UNDER THE SEA

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week’s theme is water named exercises - swan, swimming, seal, and crab. Here’s what’s awesome about these exercises - you learn swan before you learn swimming, and you learn seal before you learn crab. So, when it comes to swimming or crab, you can always replace it with swan or seal as you build yourself up to swimming and crab. And you may be able to practice the crab exercise today if it’s not in your regular practice because we’re going to break it down.

On the reformer, there are swan and swimming exercises, but no seal and crab exercises. However, there are exercises that are similar, and there are exercises that can support you so you can practice seal and crab exercises. Maybe even give it a go after your reformer practice to see how it helps!

See you in class,
Christine

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle 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.


SUMMER SUMMER SUMMERTIME

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Summertime brings all types of fun activities such as paddle boarding, hiking, biking, swimming and more! This class will focus on some of the strength needed for these activities. Mindi loves paddle boarding, so she will show you some of the exercises that help her with that activity! Let's work the whole body and have some fun with Summertime!

Mat - stretch band or leggings to use as a stretch band
Reformer - no props

See ya in class,
Mindi

SUMMER SUMMER SUMMERTIME

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Summertime brings all types of fun activities such as paddle boarding, hiking, biking, swimming and more! This class will focus on some of the strength needed for these activities. Mindi loves paddle boarding, so she will show you some of the exercises that help her with that activity! Let's work the whole body and have some fun with Summertime!

See ya in class,
Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, stretch band or leggings to use as a stretch band 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.


HAPPY FEET

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

During our lives, our feet carry us up to 100.000 miles (160.000 km)! I would say "Great job!". Unfortunately we often don´t give them the attention they deserve. Joe Pilates saw the importance of foot strength and mobility and invented special appartuses and exercises like for example Foot Corrector and Footwork.

In this week's classes on Mat and Reformer we are going to focus on integrating our feet in our routines. With strong feet that are mobile and stabilizing we gain a healthy posture, a better circulation and good connection to our Thass! Lets get started.

Mat Props: Mat, firm small ball (for example tennis ball), small towel
Reformer Props: Magic Circle, 2 Yoga blocks (both not absolutely necessary!)

See you in class,
Yasmin

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Wondering when to breathe in an exercise? If you're new to Pilates I don't love to overwhelm you with instructions on how to do an exercise, what to focus on AND when to breathe. So, if you're brand new please don't let the breath cues overwhelm you. Please just keep breathing. If you've been doing Pilates for a while, this week focus on your breath. Does it help you get more out of an exercise?

Also, if possible, breathe in and out through your nose.

No props needed.

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.


TREE HUGGERS UNITE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Tree & Hug a Tree are 2 of my favorite Pilates exercises! They both have fun variations, promote amazing posture, and help us feel more powerful every time we do them. Let’s increase our connections to these 2 faves!

You’ll need a Magic Circle. A ball or a pillow can be used as a substitute.

See you in class,
Tami

UP, UP, & AWAY

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