The Case For Homework

The best way to become a star Pilates pupil—whether you’re a beginner or pro—is to implement a daily athome routine.

- Joanna Powell

THE WORD MAY STILL DREDGE UP SCHOOL NIGHT MEMORIES OF TORTUROUS MATH PROBLEMS AND ENDLESS BUSY WORK . But when it comes to Pilates, homework has far more pleasurable payoffs–including a stronger, shapelier body and increased mastery of the method.

By revisiting and reinforcing key movements and skills, homework deepens the Pilates connection. While personal workout techniques and actual exercises can vary, the unifying theme is consistency. Here, six experienced teachers share their approaches to homework with a big payoff.

STREAM QUEEN

ASHLEY BENSON, owner of Ashley Benson Fitness in Nashville, TN

HER PERSONAL HOME WORK : As often as possible, I do Pilates Anytime classes at my house. I get a good workout and can choose different time lengths, intensity levels and whether to use props or not. One of my new favorites is Carrie Pages, who I started following on Instagram before she recently became a Pilates Anytime instructor. I also stream Kristi Cooper’s Reformer Workout (Class 2032). Sadly I don’t have a Reformer at home, so I mimic the moves with the Tye4, a harness with straps that connect to your hands and feet.

WHAT SHE ASSIGNS HER CLIENTS: I generally give my clients 30 minutes or less of homework because everybody is so busy. I have a workout on YouTube called Morning Routine. I like my clients to do that because it wakes up the back muscles, releases the chest and shoulders so that the posture is set and wakes up the glutes. I also suggest Pilates Anytime classes that are suited to their individual needs–usually a mat workout; Class 2808, Standing Workout with Marika Molnar, is an osteoporosis-safe class that’s good for my older clientele.

MUST-HAVE GEAR: