We’ve recently had many questions at the studio about the differences between the classes that we offer. How do you choose which class to take? What kind of class will meet your goals? What are the different benefits? What should you consider when choosing a class? These are all fabulous questions and I hope this blog post will answer some questions and serve to help progress any Pilates practice in Western Massachusetts.
When choosing a Pilates practice many factors can be a part of the equation. The first question to ask may seem irrelevant, but I actually think it is the most important factor. Is exercise a social part of your life? When coming to the studio do you want to meet people? Do you want to make friends? Or are you coming to a pilates practice with a desire to focus on yourself without distraction? Do you spend most of your time in social situations and the one-hour pilates session is the time in your week that you get to breathe without speaking? None of these situations are wrong or right, but it is important to consider these questions so that your pilates practice can be everything you want it to be.
If, for instance, you are a person that lets exercise be a part of your social life, you might choose a pilates mat class over a pilates private session. At The Pilates Studio the mat classes create a sense of community. The teachers are well versed in supporting this community while teaching a great mixed level workout. In a previous post I wrote about the art of teaching a pilates mat class. This post speaks about the art of fostering community, keeping people safe, and giving a great workout. On the other hand, if you are someone whose life is hectic and in your exercise you want to focus on you and you only. You might want to choose a private pilates apparatus session. In this session you and your teacher will create a space in which you are strengthening your body and relieving your nervous system of social stressors.
Your fitness goals are another factor to consider when choosing what kind of pilates class to take. Do you want a personalized workout that is created just for your body? Do you want to get stronger fast? Are you training for an endurance race? Are you looking to improve your game? Are you fascinated by resistance training? Are you interested in strengthening your core?
All of these questions can point you to the kind of class you want. If you are looking for resistance training a pilates reformer class will be perfect. In this class you will spend 50 minutes on the reformer with up to three other students. You will be lead through a full body general workout that incorporates full body movements with spring resistance. The workout will feel great and leave you moving efficiently. Your body will feel longer and leaner.
If you are looking for a personalized workout designed just for your body, then the introductory package is the place to start. In this package (three private sessions) your first session is an assessment in which the teacher hears your medical history and takes both a postural and movement assessment. Then in the next two sessions your teacher will teach you the workout that is designed specifically to meet your goals. This workout will contain a homework component (if you so desire) and an apparatus component. Then as your practice progresses you can move on to semi-private and small group sessions in which you continue to do the workout that you have developed with your instructor.
The introductory package works best if you are recovering from an injury too. The most fabulous thing about the pilates method is its adaptability. Whether there is a physioball under your feet, or straps attached to your thighs, all of the Pilates exercises can be modified to prevent and rehabilitate injury. Together you and your instructor can make a satisfying workout that keeps your body safe and pain free.
Whatever you decide The Pilates Studio has the right combination of classes for you. We encourage people to let us know what their desires are so that we can structure a program that fits every need.
Katrina Hawley
Co-owner The Pilates Studio
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