The Importance of Clothing for Movement During Pilates

By Dominic Pereira

Pilates is all about form and intentional movement, so when it comes to having a successful session, anything that can restrict or limit your motion is best avoided. Keep this in mind when choosing an outfit for your next session.

The Importance of Movement and Form in Pilates

Pilates is a series of low-impact exercises to help strengthen your stabilising and mobilising muscles to improve movement, posture and flexibility.

Pilates is about creating body awareness and in so doing it helps you to understand where you are in space (proprioception), to control your movements, and hence move better.

For you to get the most out of your Pilates session, your instructor must be able to observe your form and posture, helping you make minor adjustments as needed. With this in mind, the ideal Pilates outfit must be form-fitting, as very baggy clothing makes it more difficult for your instructor to see your movement and also for you to move well. However, it’s equally important that you are comfortable physically and psychologically in what you are wearing. So skin-tight clothing is not necessary! If you’re not comfortable about how you look then you won’t move with ease either.

“It’s equally important that you are comfortable physically and psychologically in what you are wearing.”

Ideal Pilates clothing

Footwear

According to Jessica Schatz, certified master Pilates instructor and integrative wellness coach:

“Kinetic energy starts from the ground up, and wearing sneakers will restrict some of the movements. Barefoot activities like Pilates can be more beneficial for balance and posture, as well as help prevent injuries such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis.”

Pilates is best done barefoot or wearing non-slip Pilates socks, depending on your session type. For example, your reformer session will benefit significantly from the extra grip you get from socks. Many studios will insist on socks for the sake of hygiene and safety.

Comfort is Key

Another essential aspect to keep in mind is your comfort. Pilates involves a lot of different movements and positions, which ill-fitting clothing can hinder. Imagine squatting in pants that are too tight or having your legs up in the air when your loose, flowing pants legs come tumbling down.
A woman performing a difficult Pilates pose.

Another aspect of comfort is breathable fabric for when sessions get sweaty or during summer. In winter it’s a great idea to layer up and then peel off as you warm up 🙂

While there are plenty of things to consider when it comes to Pilates, if you manage to strike a balance between form, flexibility and comfort, you’re well on your way to a great session.

“Our activewear should enhance our movement sessions, not hinder mind or body!”

Join a Pilates Class at moveOn 89 ​

At moveOn 89, we offer both group and individual Pilates classes with skilled instructors, ready to help you with your form and posture to have the best session. Book a class today!

Book a Class

References

If you liked this, you'll love these...

© 2024 moveOn 89 | pilates | fascia | physio • Built by Silicon Overdrive
Privacy Policy
© 2024 moveOn 89 | pilates | fascia | physio
• Built by Silicon Overdrive
Privacy Policy

We use cookies to track visitors, measure ads, ad campaign effectiveness and analyze site traffic. We may also share information about your use of our site with 3rd parties. For more info, see, our Cookies Policy, our Privacy Policy. By clicking “Accept All” you agree to the storing of all cookies on your device. In case you don’t choose one of these options and use our website, we will treat it as if you have accepted all cookies.

Accept All

We use cookies to track visitors, measure ads, ad campaign effectiveness and analyze site traffic. We may also share information about your use of our site with 3rd parties. For more info, see, our Cookies Policy, our Privacy Policy. By clicking “Accept All” you agree to the storing of all cookies on your device. In case you don’t choose one of these options and use our website, we will treat it as if you have accepted all cookies.

Accept All