In part 2 of the article, we make our assessment on the pilates studios in the market. As different pilates studios specialise in different areas, it is important that you choose the right one for yourself.
Questions About The Studio/ Training:
1. How do beginners in pilates get started?
2. What is the studio's speciality and what is the group class size? How are the group classes conducted?
3. Comparison between a normal pilates session vs pilates rehabilitation session? And its validity period? What is the studio's major clientele like?
4. How old is the studio? What about the instructors' credentials and experience?
Things To Look Out For in Deciding a Pilates Studio
1. Identifying a Real Pilates Studio
Joseph Pilates has never intended Pilates to be a "cardio" program ever! And it should not be taught like one . It should not be undertaken as a sport to lose kilos.
You definitely feel better and more toned after practising Pilates and if you manage to lose some weight with it, that is great! But don't be dependent on it as a "lose weight" tool or program because Pilates is not about feeling the "burn". Pilates exercises work on the deep stablizers and deep muscles of the body, while cardio programs work on the superificial muscles. Pilates is eccentric and it works hand in hand with any cardio exercise which is concentric.
2. System & Culture of the Studio
Visit and tour the studio you are interested in. Beware of studio with no regular location. They are not authentic. An authentic pilates studio should have at least 1-2 pilates reformers. Check out the people who trains at the studio and find out their likes and dislikes of the studio. Learn about the studio's history and what kind of programs they have for pilates beginners.
Here are more tips to look out for:
Health Screening
How does the studio handle the call? Do they inquire about previous health history for any medical conditions? What are the arrangements for people with special needs (e.g. back injuries)? Pilates beginners should always start with private sessions to understand the Pilates fundamentals before attending group sessions.
And group class should never be recommended for people with injuries or medical condition until they have recovered.
Does Price Reflect Quality?
Would you take price as an indicator of how much your health is worth?
You probably can answer this questions if you have experienced excruiating pain before.
If you need to visit a doctor for a serious aliment, would you go to a general practitioner or a specialist doctor who is an expert in the field? Chances are, the specialist because he/she is in a better position to guarantee you results.
Understand that experts who have the skills and experience invest a fair amount in themselves in order to be experts! Hence, invest your pilates journey with a skilful pilates instructor for a good start.
Do They Really Care About You?
So you just got a package and can't wait to get started! If your package has no expiry date, would you be seriously committed to your program? The answer is likely to be a BIG "no"! There can be no great success without great commitment!
Package with a time frame works in favor of the client and not the studio! Be warned of packages with extended or no expiry dates. For some studios who are after your monies, as long as you paid up, their after sales service stops and they do not bother to remind you of your expiry dates. They don't really care, the monies is taken. That is all that matters! Long expiry dates will hinder your progress rather than accelerate it!
By now, you should be quite well-equipped about the questions to ask the pilates studio. In part 3, I would be focusing on pilates studio that deals with specific needs and how to assess the pilates studio's credentials.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joanna Ng runs an authentic Pilates Studio, Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation and has more than 15 years of experience in Pilates. Joanna uses various techniques like myofascial release, gyrotonic and pilates to nurse many of clients who has suffered serious injuries such as slipped disc, herniated disc back to health. She specialises in using these techniques as a means to instant Pilates Pain Relief. Visit her at http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg
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