1. Focus on Slow, Controlled Movements

• The key to Mantra is slow, controlled movements to engage muscles fully. Resist the urge to rush through exercises.
• Use a slow tempo to maintain constant tension on the muscles, which helps build strength and endurance.

2. Engage Your Core

• Core engagement is critical in every move. Focus on pulling your belly button towards your spine, even during leg or arm exercises, to protect your lower back and improve overall stability.

3. Listen to Your Body

• Mantra is intense, so pay attention to how your body feels. It’s okay to take a break or modify exercises, especially as you’re building strength and endurance.
• Don’t push past pain. Discomfort is normal, but sharp pain is a signal to stop or adjust.

4. Start with Lighter Springs

• Mantra Pilates uses a spring-based resistance machine like the Megaformer. Start with lighter springs to get a feel for the exercises and control.
• As you become more confident, gradually increase resistance to challenge yourself.

5. Master the Basics

• Spend time learning basic exercises like planks, lunges, and squats on the Megaformer before moving into more advanced variations.
• Understanding foundational movements ensures better form and prevents injury.

6. Mind Your Alignment

• Proper alignment is crucial in Mantra. Keep your hips, shoulders, and spine aligned during every move.
• Check yourself in mirrors (if available) to maintain correct posture and avoid compensating with other muscle groups.

7. Embrace the Shake

• Feeling your muscles shake during exercises is normal in Mantra, and it’s a sign that you’re working to muscle fatigue. This is where the magic happens, and strength builds.
• Don’t be alarmed by the shaking; it means you’re pushing yourself in the right way.

8. Focus on Breathing

• Controlled breathing helps you maintain focus and endurance throughout class. Exhale during exertion (the hardest part of the move) and inhale during the release.
• Proper breathing also helps reduce muscle tension and keeps you grounded in challenging movements.

9. Consistency is Key

• Mantra is challenging, and it can feel overwhelming at first. But consistency is key! The more classes you attend, the quicker your body will adapt and get stronger.
• Aim to attend class 2-3 times a week to see noticeable improvements in strength, flexibility, and endurance.

10. Ask for Help

• Don’t hesitate to ask the instructor for modifications or help with form. Proper form is essential to avoid injury and maximize the effectiveness of the workout.
• Mantra exercises can be intense, so it’s better to modify a movement than risk injury by pushing through incorrect form.

11. Hydrate and Recover

• Stay hydrated before and after class, and consider adding a recovery routine like stretching or foam rolling to relieve muscle soreness.
• Mantra is a full-body workout, so give your body the time it needs to recover.

These tips will help ease your beginners into the intensity of Mantra-style Pilates and encourage them to stick with it as they build strength and confidence.