If you're just starting Pilates, here are the 3 most common mistakes I see — and quick fixes for each:

1. Holding your breath during exercises

Most beginners instinctively hold their breath during core work (especially The Hundred). This actually increases tension and reduces the exercise's effectiveness. Fix: exhale on the exertion phase (the hardest part of the movement) and inhale to prepare. Breath is one of Pilates' 6 core principles for a reason.

2. Using momentum instead of control

Pilates is not about how fast you move — it's about control. Swinging through Single Leg Stretch or rushing Spine Stretch Forward robs you of the muscle engagement that makes Pilates effective. Fix: slow every rep down by 30-50%. If you can't control it slow, you're not ready to do it fast.

3. Skipping the pelvic curl / neutral spine setup

Jumping straight into harder exercises without mastering pelvic tilts and neutral spine leads to lower back strain — the #1 reason beginners quit. Fix: spend real time on Pelvic Curl and breathing basics before progressing. It's not "too easy" — it's the foundation everything else is built on.

Start slow, focus on form over reps, and your body will thank you in a few weeks. 🧘