As many people do, I suffer from back pain, especially in my lower back. Having a herniated disc, it has been quite a journey to find the ideal solution to enjoying a normal, healthy life in spite of back pain. I am thrilled to say that several years ago I finally found my perfect solution in mat Pilates. Developing a strong core has relieved pressure from my back and also improved my posture that helps prevent further damage. If you also have decided to begin adding Pilates into your life, let me first say, congratulations! What a wonderful gift to give yourself! As you begin your journey, there are some things that you may want to consider to ensure a smooth start and better your chance of sticking with the practice.

Now that you have made up your mind to start Pilates, you will want to decide if you taking classes or individual one on one training is right for you. I prefer taking the classes with an occasional one on one session. By taking the class, I have met other like-minded people who show up regularly, which encourages me to also attend regularly. In addition, it can be more fun to have others who are also on the journey. Sometimes laughing at ourselves reminds us to have some fun with it and enjoy the ride. Every now and then, I do like to get private training so I can get specific feedback about my moves. The Pilates Studio I attend offers both; I encourage you to find a place that does as well.

Next you will want to get a schedule of their classes and find the beginner class that works fits your schedule. I highly recommend starting out in a beginner’s class so that you can learn the technique and not try to accomplish too much too soon. The key with Pilates is focus and technique. I have been doing Pilates for years and still take beginner’s classes regularly because the Instructor reminds us what to focus on throughout the entire session. I can get just as good of a work out in a beginner’s class as an advanced due to this buffer focus.

By this point you have gone to a few sessions and are starting to learn some of the specific techniques you will need to create a solid foundation. You might want to start doing some of the moves on your own at home, so picking up a good Yoga/Pilates Mat will be essential. I use the thick mat the Pilates Studio offers, but I also bring my mat to put on top as many people are using the mats in one given day. There are many good mats on the market; one of my favorites is YogaRat’s RatMat. My other favorite Pilates accessory is the magic ring. I love to do stretches with my magic ring in front of the television at night. I have my RatMat out and enjoy some leg stretches and at least the basic ‘hundred’ that really warms up my core.

As you continue to learn Pilates moves in the Studio, picking up a set of Pilates flashcards for home can be really helpful. I found a set at a chain bookstore and they are fabulous. Each card has photos of how the position should look with a step-by-step description of the move. This is an excellent supplement to your Beginner Pilates Class. My favorites at home Side Leg Circles, Single Leg Stretch and of course the Back Extension. You will find your favorite soon and the flashcards will come in very handy as you continue your routine at home.

Mat Pilates is good for so many aspects of your health. Pilates helps with pelvic stabilization, flexibility, strength, as well as postural alignment, with an added bonus in helping you obtain better mind/body awareness. And because you do very few repetitions and do not take the muscles to full fatigue, Pilates mat can be done on a daily basis and from the comfort of your own home.

Lisa Illman is the Publisher of Kritters that Twitter, a Blog dedicated to pets and the people who love them. Lisa is also the Inventor of a kitty cat product line called the Kritter Kondo that was inspired by her two adorable felines, Madison and Abigail. Lisa loves to blog about her cats, Pilates and Social Media.