Pilates, an early 20th-century workout developed by Joseph Pilates, has been around for decades due to its range of health benefits. Today we’re seeing a major boom in pilates studios and classes. But not all pilates studios, classes, and instructors are the same.
This is why if you’re on the hunt for a local pilates class, it’s essential you know how to find the best studio and instructor. Keep reading to learn what you should look for in a pilates studio near you.
Local Pilates Class With Well-Trained Instructors
Pilates was developed with the intention to be taught in a private setting. But over the years we’re seeing more and more group pilates mat and reformer classes.
Obviously, you’ll get more of an individualized experience from a private class. But in both settings you’ll want to make sure you’re working with an experienced, certified, and hands-on instructor. Here’s how you can tell if your pilates instructor is legit.
Make Sure The Instructor Is Certified
The pilates industry isn’t as closely regulated as other areas of fitness might be. Which is why it’s key that you do your own research before settling on a pilates studio. You’ll want to confirm that the instructor you’re working with is from a reputable certification program.
Be aware that there are some trainers out there who think pilates is just another thing they can teach after a weekend training course. Avoid these types of teachers and studios. Experienced and actually certified trainers have gone through a reputable pilates certification program with more than 500 hours of training.
This training includes practice and student teaching. For just pilates mat training, the teacher only needs 200 plus hours of training. The teacher should be recognized by the Pilates Method Alliance.
There’s nothing wrong with asking a perspective pilates studio about the training of their instructors.
The Style Of Teaching
When deciding between local pilates studios, you want to try out different classes with various certified teachers. Teaching styles differ, which is why it’s key that you find a teacher who no only you connect with but who’s class you also enjoy.
You’ll find that some teachers are more hands-on than others. You might also find that some classes are louder and more energetic, while others are more gentle with more of a soft-spoken instructor. You want to find a studio and teaching style that you feel comfortable with.
You also want to make sure the teacher is paying attention to you. Make sure your teacher is making modifications for you and other students. If you need an adjustment, let your instructor know; they should be able to help you out.
How The Instructor Handles Injuries
If you are recovering from any physical injuries (such as from an accident or playing a sport), a certified Pilates instructor should be accommodating, patient, and gentle. Pilates has a ton of rehabilitative benefits. Joesph Pilates actually developed it in the 1940s in his New York studio to help injured dancers and performers.
You can make pilates as intense or gentle as you need it to be. If your doctor has recommended that you do Pilates for rehabilitative reasons, you’ll want to work with a certified that can work with you at your own pace. If you can afford it, you might even consider a private instructor.
You’ll also want to make sure that your certified instructor is not only gentle but also caring for your needs.
Make Sure You Like The Vibe Of The Studio
This might sound silly, but it’s actually important. Especially if you’re working out in the early mornings before work or at night after a long day of work. You want to make sure your prospective pilates studio is warm and inviting, with a vibe that’s relaxing.
You should be excited to go to your pilates studio, and not dreading it. This is why it’s key that you find a clean, welcoming studio with a friendly and warm staff, nice classmates, and an overall atmosphere you not only enjoy going to but also feel comfortable in.
Convenient Classes And Offers
Make sure you check out the pilates studio schedule before committing to buying a class package. If the classes are at times you can never realistically make, or if the classes you can make are not at the right level or the classes you enjoy, you might need to find another studio.
Also, make sure the studio has the type of pilates classes you want before you commit. Pilates studios can offer a range of classes like one-on-one training, barre, reformer, and mat classes. Make sure the classes that meet your needs are offered at times that work for your schedule.
There’s nothing worse than buying a class package at a studio because it’s a really great deal, only to learn you can’t make any of the classes you want to attend.
The Difference Between One-On-One Pilates and Private Pilates
One-on-one Pilates training and private pilates might sound like the same offering, but actually, they’re not the same type of class. A lot of studios will advertise one-on-one pilates classes which you might think are totally private. When really these classes are shared with four to five other students.
You might still be getting personalized one-on-one training in these types of classes, but they are not private. If you want a pilates class that is just you and the instructor with no other students, then you’ll want to do a private training session.
Private classes are ideal if you’re totally new to pilates. In these classes you’ll learn the basics at your own pace, giving you the confidence to join a group class.
Location
You’ll also want to make sure that your local pilates studio is actually local. Meaning it’s easy to get to even in traffic. You don’t want a pilates studio that’s far away from your home and office and makes you drive through rush hour traffic. This can make your pilates experience more stressful than it needs to be, making you late or even missing classes.
It’s key that your pilates studio is in a convenient location that’s easy for you to get to on a regular basis.
Find Your Local Pilates Studio Today
Now that you know what to look for in a local pilates class, find the studio that’s right for you. You’ll want to make sure that the studio has certified teachers who can meet your needs, and the class schedule and location fits your daily routine.