How did I go from "just wearing whatever and practicing" to carefully choosing my Pilates outfits (a somewhat amusing but very real process)?
If you had asked me a few years ago, "What would you wear for Pilates?"
I'm pretty sure I'll be rummaging through the closet while replying to you: "Just make it move, okay?"
Yes, I'm the kind of person who would wear an old university T-shirt and loose sweatpants to class, and confidently think that I'm very laid-back.
One day, while doing a particularly elegant (theoretically) movement on the reformer, I ended up with the clothes sliding off completely, and I ended up looking like a cat wrapped in a blanket.
The coach gave me a glance, said nothing, but that glance I still remember to this day.
That day when I got home, all I had in my mind was:
Alright, it's time to take this Pilates outfit thing seriously.
That day, for the first time, I realized: Clothes can really "hold things back"
In that class, we did a very basic movement called "roll-up".
It sounds quite simple - just lie down slowly and then sit up slowly.
But here comes the problem.
The waist of that pair of pants is not too low, but it's not too high either.
When I rolled my body up, it started to slide down.
Not just a little bit, but in a way that was very determined - it kept sliding down.
While performing the action, I secretly pulled up my pants.
The overall state was like:
The left hand is working on the core strength, while the right hand is dealing with the pants.
The coach walked over, looked at me for two seconds, and said:
"Honey, at the moment you are focusing on training your arms, not your core."
I burst out laughing right there, but it also made me feel a bit embarrassed.
Later I came to understand: The Pilates outfits are not designed for appearance, but to avoid causing any inconvenience.
Really, it's that simple.
Good clothes won't make you feel
"Wow, I look so sexy today."
Instead, it makes you feel:
"Oh, I completely forgot that I was wearing clothes."
This is the ultimate state.
I have also bought many "seemingly impressive" sports clothes before.
You surely understand that feeling too.
Seeing a pair of trousers:
- The model is very cool.
- The color is very upscale.
The comment section is filled with people saying "life-changing".
You thought to yourself:
OK, this pair of pants will definitely make me stronger.
After buying and putting it on:
- Squat down and your thigh gets stuck
- Sweat a little and it sticks to your bottom
- When doing the plank, roll your waist downward
You stand in front of the mirror with only one thought:
I spent so much money. Did I just buy some kind of decoration?
The one event that truly changed my perspective was a particularly ordinary Tuesday morning class.
That day I wore a new outfit.
It wasn't particularly flashy or had any strange designs.
It was just a style that looked neat and tidy.
But throughout the entire class, I actually didn't adjust my clothes even once.
Not even once.
You might think this is nothing.
But if you have practiced Pilates, you will know:
This is simply like winning the lottery.
After that class, for the first time, I seriously thought: What exactly constitutes a good Pilates outfit?
Later, I gradually came up with several particularly "down-to-earth" criteria.
They were either non-technical terms or based on life experiences.
Rule 1: It shouldn't constantly remind you of its existence.
If you were thinking about the following during class:
- Will the pants fall off?
- Will the shirt bunch up?
- Will the underwear be tight?
That piece of clothing has failed.
Clothes should be like a reliable friend.
You know it's there, but you don't have to keep staring at it.
Rule 2: High-waist design is not just a gimmick; it is a life-saving feature.
I used to think that high-waisted pants only made the legs look longer.
It was later discovered that the real function of the high-waist design is:
Let you focus on practicing instead of concentrating on sorting out your clothes.
Now I basically only wear high-waisted pants.
Not because of fashion, but because I'm lazy.
I don't want to have to negotiate with my pants while being the sidekick.
Rule 3: The fabric must be obedient.
This is really important.
Some fabrics may look very luxurious, but they don't fit at all.
As soon as you stretch it, it starts to resist.
Just like that kind of friend:
You said to go for a walk,
but he insisted on running a marathon.
Very tired.
Now I really like that kind of fabric which is soft but has a certain sense of strength.
It's neither loose nor stubborn.
It's just right.
I remember once I tried on a pair of trousers recommended by a friend (later I found out it was the kind with a slightly lightweight and supportive design like that of duskyonder). My first impression was:
"Hey, this thing actually moved along with me."
It is not that I adapt to it; rather, it cooperates with me.
That moment was really quite surprising.
Rule 4: Avoid purchasing overly complex designs
I used to really like that:
- Many straps on the back
- Zippers on the legs
- Decorations on the waist
It looks very cool.
But when you practice, you will find:
All of these are a nuisance.
Once I wore a pair of pants with side zippers.
When I was in the side-lying position, that zipper kept pressing against the ground.
Throughout the entire class, I was thinking:
Did this designer never do Pilates?
Someone asked me: Can regular sportswear be used for doing Pilates?
Sure, you can.
Just like you can go hiking even in jeans.
It's just that the experience might be a bit strange.
Pilates is a very delicate form of exercise.
It doesn't rely on speed or strength.
What it emphasizes is control.
So if the clothes are too thick, too loose or too slippery,
your body's feedback will become very unclear.
You may think you are working very hard,
but your actions are actually all over the place.
Let me be honest: When you wear the right clothes, you are more likely to be willing to go to class.
This is not a psychological effect.
Really.
In the past, I would sometimes find excuses:
"I'm a little tired today."
"The weather is bad."
"Let's practice another day."
Later, when I had several sets of particularly comfortable outfits,
things changed.
I will think:
Anyway, the clothes are so comfortable. It won't hurt to move around a bit.
It's amazing, but it's also very real.
If you are just starting to practice Pilates, I'll give you a few particularly simple tips.
It was not an expert who suggested it, but a friend.
Just buying two sets will be enough.
Really.
Don't stock up on ten pairs of pants at once.
You're not running a gym.
Two sets will do.
- A set of clothes
- A set of laundry
Life is so simple.
Choose comfort first, not the most popular option.
The most popular on Instagram may not be the best fit for you.
Sometimes, the most ordinary styles turn out to be the best to wear.
When trying on the clothes, be sure to move around a bit.
Don't just stand there looking at the mirror.
You should:
- Squat down
- Bend over
- Take a deep breath
If all these movements are comfortable, then there's basically no problem.
If you've always wanted to change your clothes, then just get a new set.
Don't hesitate.
Clothes are there to serve you, not to make you endure.
One last thing to say, which might sound like a waste of words but is actually very important.
Good Pilates outfits won't make you any better.
But it will make you:
More concentrated
More comfortable
More willing to persist
And these are the very things that truly make you stronger.
If one day you walk into the classroom,
from the warm-up to the end,
you didn't pull your pants, didn't straighten your shirt, and didn't get distracted.
Then you will understand what I'm saying.
That feeling is like:
The world has finally fallen silent,
leaving only you, and your body.