Did you know that Pilates is a whole-body workout with numerous health benefits? That’s right, some of these benefits include increased core strength, decreased risk of injury, improved energy, and overall improved quality of life. These benefits are actually backed by science, and they are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s no wonder people are looking for a Pilates studio where they can practice this amazing exercise. Keep reading to find out what to look for when finding the right Pilates studio for you.
What Is Pilates?
First, let us cover the basics.
Pilates is a method of exercising that aims to develop functional and sustainable movement patterns throughout the body. This movement can improve daily activities and overall well-being.
It was created in the 1920s by a physical trainer named Joseph Pilates. He developed the practice for rehabilitation purposes and treated people like retired soldiers who wanted to strengthen themselves and mitigate aches and pains.
Core work and spinal alignment are important factors for Pilates movement, but core strength is not the main goal. Instead, building proper core strength is used as a building block to improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness.
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that can be incredibly effective when practised with good form. This is what makes it a fantastic practice for people of all different fitness levels.
That also contributes to its common recommendation for people who are looking to improve their health, rehab injuries, or prevent them altogether.
Pilates With Equipment
Performing Pilates with equipment can improve your workout and increase the benefits to your body.
With just two sessions weekly over 12 weeks, it shows improvements in lower limb muscle strength, static and dynamic postural balance, functional mobility, and improved quality of life, especially for older adults.
There are many types of equipment you can use to bolster your work including reformer, chairs, stability barrels, and various other small equipment.
Storing this equipment at home can quickly take up a lot of space. It can also be difficult to know how to use the equipment in the best way for your individual needs. Choosing a fully equipped Pilates studio is a great way to take advantage of the different forms of equipment available to you, without having to invest the money, space, and time required to create your own home Pilates studio.
How to Choose the Right Pilates Studio
Finding a Pilates studio is not as easy as searching “Pilates studio near me” and clicking the top result. Not all Pilates studios are created the same, for instance, some focus on private classes while others will prioritize group classes.
Pilates is designed to be modifiable to each person’s individual needs.
Do some research to find the Pilates studio that will meet your facility and instruction preferences. It is helpful to consider the following few criteria.
Use Certified Instructors
Whether you want to attend private or group sessions, it is important to use an Instructor that is certified with an internationally recognized certification. This is the best way to ensure instructions are safe and appropriately modified.
It may be easy to think any professional studio would hire only certified instructors, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Due to a booming industry and lack of certifications, many studios are allowing uncertified instructors, or ones whose certifications have expired, to teach at their locations.
Check the certifications for the instructors at every studio you consider. Double-check to make sure they are legitimate, as some people have been known to print them online from illegitimate sources.
Studios that are part of the STOTT PILATES brand, like Pilatique Pilates Studio, are recognized as internationally certified. Attending our studio you can be sure all instructors are certified professionals who can safely help you with your practice.
Know What Your Body Needs
Each person will have a different set of needs when it comes to their movement. Make a list of what you want to prioritize with your practice and make sure the studios you are considering will accommodate them.
For example, if you are looking for a studio that can help with injury rehabilitation you may want to find a studio with excellent one-on-one sessions.
Different studios might also have a different set of equipment, some that fit into your practice and some that might not. No matter what you choose, look for a studio that uses quality equipment from a trusted brand like STOTT PILATES. These trusted sources are the ones that have consistently provided safe and certified equipment, free of any problems that might come from knock-off brands.
Certified STOTT PILATES Equipment and Props at Pilatique:
- V2 Max Plus Reformer
- Cadillacs
- Ladder Barrels
- Split-Pedal Stability Chairs
- Stability Balls (55cm ,65cm)
- Arc Barrells and Spine Supporters
- Cardio-Tramp Rebounders
- Fitness Circles
- Flex-Bands
- Toning Balls (1,2,3 lbs)
- Foam Cushions
In addition to our array of equipment and props, we also have a shower and changing room for your post-workout needs. You can get your workout in and still feel ready to take on the rest of your day afterwards.
Know Your Budget
It’s one factor we all hate to consider, but take a moment to figure out a budget you are comfortable with. This can be wildly different for each person, but remember, it is an investment that will help you improve the overall quality of your life if done right.
Look at the fine print for studios that fit your budget and compare different options. Take advantage of studios that offer free trials so you can be confident you are investing in the studio that is right for you.
Set Expectations
If there are a couple of studios that have made it thus far in your decision-making process, it is time to see if they will fit into your lifestyle and expectations.
Some people expect to have an instructor available to fit into their schedule anytime. Others want to be able to drop in for a quick session without having to plan appointments. Some are only looking for an aesthetically pleasing studio that gives them an Instagramable background.
Whatever your expectations are, it’s important to be realistic and honest when deciding on the right studio. Drop by the studio, if you can, to check things out. See how friendly and responsive the administration team is, what the lighting is like, if everything is clean and tidy, and anything else that is important to you.
Join the Pilatique Team Today
As long as you have considered your needs, compared the studio spaces, and set your budget, you can rest assured your chosen studio will fulfil your expectations.
Always choose a studio that has internationally certified instructors and prioritizes client safety. If you are ready to begin your Pilates journey with a Pilates studio that checks all of these boxes, then contact us today.