Tips on Finding a Pilates Studio
Monday, July 21st, 2008When it comes to buying a house, a car or anything that involves a major investment, there a quite a few boxes that need to be checked before the ink is dry. Out of necessity and in hopes to make a balanced and well thought out decision, a list is compiled of needs and concerns before diving head first into such a purchase. The same goes for choosing a Pilates studio, even though it may not seem as important, it is a major investment in the bank of our personal health. And it needs to be decided upon with great care.
The first step is to decide what type of environment you will need to make Pilates most efficient for you. Some people need light, space and vibe to jumpstart their mind-body connection. Other people don’t necessarily care about aesthetically pleasing environments, but are particular about which type of equipment they prefer to use, or are more comfortable choosing a studio with a certain level of certification or renown within a community.
When choosing a studio, it is best to try a few different ones in your area. Most search engines and phone books can give you a start in the right direction. From there it will be a process of elimination to determine which studio best fits your needs.
Cleanliness should be of concern when searching for a studio. After a class you should be directed to clean off the equipment or mats with disinfectant and a cloth. This is basic protocol for any exercise environment. Needing to know a studio’s janitorial routine is the client’s prerogative, and if that is a factor in determining your interest in a studio, just ask.
As beings connected to our environments, it is highly recommended that you find a place which allows you to focus, clear your mind, and engage in Pilates. Some gym environments offering Pilates do a great job of making the Pilates studio its own entity. However there are others that make it rather difficult to focus on proper breathing, which takes a lot of mind control.
Gyms tend to have loud music from other classes, aerobic rooms, and televisions overflowing into other areas of the gym. These distractions if sensed or heard in the Pilates studio can affect the mind and cheat you out of a great Pilates workout.
This is why some people choose to use privately owned studios. Not only will there be less distractions but usually the class sizes will be smaller and they will offer one-on one training to help you progress in your training. When looking for a privately owned studio, be sure that they are well equipped to offer you a variety of exercise options and classes.
Variety is the spice of life, and it isn’t any different in Pilates. The body adapts to exercise over time, which can counter productively affect all of the results you used to get from previous Pilates routines. A studio should offer a choice of private reformer classes as well as small group classes.
In addition to the types of classes offered, each class should range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate to advance. When one is transitioning from one level to another, it is highly recommended that you have an on-on-one Pilates training class in the interim. When segueing into more intense levels of difficulty a little extra instruction will help make the change seamless and safe.