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It is always a good idea to perform a brief Pilates warm-up exercise session before starting any class.
The reason why Pilates warm-up exercise is beneficial is because it will really help to loosen up your muscles so you will be able to utilize a greater range of motion during the actual class. Furthermore, because your muscles will not be cold and stiff you will reduce the chances of being injured after performing a Pilates warm-up exercise.
Since this type of exercise incorporates a great deal of flexibility requirements into it, if the ligaments around the muscles are tight there is a good chance they may tear when you try and push them past their limits.
The type of movement itself that you will find best is a swinging motion. Start slowly and then gradually increase the intensity and speed that you swing your arms and legs with. Bring your arms up and down and then across your body. This will really loosen up your shoulder joint so it can move with ease. Moving to the lower body you can stand holding onto a bar and then begin swinging your leg side to side. As you progress through the movement try and bring your leg higher and higher. After this is completed end with some gentle static stretching.
So before your next class, arrive 10-15 minutes early and perform a session of swinging and stretching. Not only will your joints and ligaments thank you but you will find you are much more mentally prepared to focus in the class because this pre-session will help to reduce your stress and prepare you for what is to come.
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