FINDING THE RIGHT GROUP CLASS FOR YOU
So you are considering joining a Pilates class - great! Perhaps you are thinking of kickstarting a new wellbeing habit, or maybe Pilates has been recommended to you to help get your body feeling good and get rid of pesky aches and pains. There are lots of Pilates classes out there, so how do you find the right one for you?
Believe me when I say finding the right class matters. I’ve been there. When I first started on my Pilates journey I would occasionally try a class at a local gym or studio but I never really fell in love with it or stuck with it regularly. And then, finally, I found the right class for me, at great Pilates studio with a teacher who finally made it all click. She challenged me; made me find the work in each exercise. I started to understand what Pilates was all about and I loved the challenge. I quickly went from dabbling with Pilates to absolutely hooked and then, well, the rest is history! :)
So how do you find a class that is right for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a Pilates class. There is no right or wrong to any of the questions. We all have different preferences and that’s what makes us so beautifully unique.
What do you want to get from the class?
There are a lot of different types of Pilates class around these days. You may be looking for a traditional style class, a gentler Pilates-based movement class, or a more dynamic and contemporary fitness-Pilates based class. Do you want a mat class or an apparatus class? If the latter, do you want an open studio style class where you work on your own tailored programme, or a more choreographed group class where you are all doing the same thing at the same time? Are you looking to focus on technique? Perhaps you want a fusion of Pilates with stretch or cardio work? There are a lot of different types of class out there, all with something different to offer.
What teaching style do you respond best to?
Do you want a teacher that will give hands on assistance and guidance? Or do you prefer to be led from the front of the class? What sort of class atmosphere do you want? Do you like your teacher to be strict, supportive, or relaxed…? There are lots of very good teachers out there all with different teaching styles - think about what teaching style you respond best to.
How visible do you want to be in the class?
Do you want to be in a small class where you will receive lots of individual attention and guidance, or would you prefer to be in a larger class where you can blend in and do your own thing?
What will make you motivated to stick with it?
This can be very personal to you - what will make you stick with a class? It might be the ability to see and measure progress. Perhaps the simple enjoyment of what you are doing and how good it makes you feel when you do it. It could even be as simple as enjoying the social side of the class, going with a friend or just getting out of the house for some “you time”. After all, the best exercise programme is one that you stick with!
Do you have any specific needs, injuries or conditions?
Does the class you are considering work according to your body’s needs? Does the teacher have training and experience to understand your needs and help you work with your body? Do they specialise in an area relevant to your needs? Are you supported to tailor the work to your body and needs?
How often do you want to attend classes/workout?
Some classes run in set blocks, which can be great for motivation as you are committing to and paying for a run of classes. Others may run a more flexible pay as you go system that allows you to choose the classes that best suit your schedule on any given week - great if your own schedule is variable. Some may offer more than one class a week. Some studios may also offer online options that help you fit more practice into your week in addition to your face to face class/es.
What is your budget?
There is no dancing around this one - prices can vary depending on the type of class you attend. If you are specifically looking for a small group class where you will receive high quality technical teaching and individual guidance then you can expect to pay more for it. Budget can play a significant impact on our choices - especially in today’s climate! This doesn’t necessarily mean missing out if your budget is stretched. Look at ways you can work within your budget and still achieve what you are looking for from your class - after all it is an investment of your time and money so you want to get the best from it.
Once you have an idea of what it is you are looking for, take time to research the classes in your area that might fit your needs. Look at class descriptions, local recommendations and/or even have a chat with the teacher to get a feel of whether they will be a good fit for you.
It really is worth taking the time to get the right class. A class that you enjoy attending and feel like you are getting something out of is going to be one you are more likely to stick with. Pilates is a truly wonderful form of exercise for the whole body - let’s make it work for you
POST-BLOG NOTE - THE BE:POISED PILATES TEACHING STYLE
Be:Poised Pilates Ltd classes may be a good fit for you if you are looking for:
Small group classes where each person receives individual guidance and support
A hands on teaching style, applying hands on assistance to help guide and enhance your work
A class that stays close to the framework of the traditional Pilates method, applying variations with purpose and intent where necessary for the client
A focus on helping you understand each exercise and how to get the most out of your body
A supportive teaching style; I will encourage you to work hard and put 100% into each exercise, and I will support you every step of the way. I get to know all my clients so that I can help you get the best out of your practice…and we make sure we also have fun at the same time. Smiling faces in class are important to me :)
A teacher with specialist training and experience in working with clients who have orthopaedic conditions, are pregnant or have recently had a baby, are peri-post menopausal, have endometriosis, are recovering from breast cancer surgery, have osteoporosis, or have scoliosis.
A flexible approach to fit in with today’s busy lifestyles. I run my classes on a book-as-you go basis so that you have flexibility to book according to your schedule each week. I also run a studio membership subscription that offers online live and video resources, as well as discounts on your studio classes.