Make it stick. - Sucessfully jumping into Pilates.
So you want to get started with Pilates… You’ve heard it’s great. Maybe someone you know has had success with Pilates? Maybe it’s been suggested to you by a medical professional? Maybe you’re just intrigued by the equipment?
The first thing to ask yourself is why you want to do Pilates.
I believe whenever we start ANY new activity it’s good to have a solid reason why you want to do it. Knowing your motivators for doing Pilates is also going to help you set yourself up for success. The factors below should help you better determine your personal motivators and expectations for starting Pilates.
Where will you do Pilates?
Pilates is typically done in a Pilates studio. Studios vary from small spaces for 1 on 1 training to larger spaces with group offerings. I recommend finding studios that offer more than just reformer work. The reformer has become one of the standard pieces of equipment for doing Pilates but there’s many other apparatus out there and having access to a variety such as tower/springboard and wunda chair may be desirable to mix things up and challenge you in different ways.
Having proximity to your Pilates practice is also important. You may want to find a Pilates studio close to where you live or work. Proximity to your fitness routine is a big factor on being able to stay motivated. If getting to Pilates is stressful you most likely won’t stick to it.
Virtual training is a great way to bring Pilates into your home. Many teachers offer great comprehensive mat training virtually allowing you to do it from home. Working out at home is not for everyone though. Getting out of the house and in a different space might be a personal motivator for you.
Lastly the type of studio is going to make a difference in your Pilates experience. Some studios have more of a rehab or holistic focus while others may be more focused on higher intensity workouts. It’s great to figure this out BEFORE you commit to a program. Many studios also offer a discounted intro session or package to test the waters. Teachers have a wide array of training so finding a studio with teachers that match your needs is important. Many teachers have passions specifically for prenatal, neuro conditions, spinal conditions, pain management, or group fitness. Finding a more niche teacher may be the best fit for you. You also may feel more comfortable working 1 on 1 in a more intimate space or you may be more interested in a larger more social or community atmosphere for Pilates.
One other piece of the puzzle is “classical” or “contemporary” Pilates. Classical Pilates typically follows Joe Pilates’ original exercises and sequences as it was taught to first generation students. Classical is great if you want to work on set repertoire and do Pilates as it was taught in the 1940’s. Joseph Pilates died in 1967 and a lot has been discovered about human movement since then. My experience is “contemporary” teachers often incorporate more modern knowledge of movement while staying true to the original concepts of the work. This may fair better for someone coming out of physical therapy or with a particular motivation for doing Pilates. I have met and worked with teachers from both camps that really hit the mark for my body so don’t count anyone out immediately just by the terminology.
At the end of the day you need to find someone knowledgable and someplace that is comfortable and convenient for your Pilates time.
What is your budget?
I am going to flat out say it. Pilates is expensive and for a good reason. You need to be sure the amount you are investing in Pilates is going to equal the outcome. If the budget you are putting forward is stressing you out before doing Pilates then that’s not going to work for the long term.
Private training typically costs anywhere from $75-$150+ for an hour of private training. This is typically the going rate for ANY 1 on 1 personal service and with the amount of time most Pilates teachers train and spend becoming skilled at their jobs it’s very fair rate.
Not everyone has hundreds of dollars a month to invest in their movement health. Some studios offer classes that vary in sizes. Typically the larger the classes the more affordable the rate. Group classes typically cost anywhere from $20-$55. I recommend starting with at least a couple of private sessions before jumping into classes. This will deepen your awareness of what you need to focus on, get you acquainted with Pilates concepts, and also give you a thorough introduction and deeper connection to the teachers you’ll be learning from.
Mat Pilates is the most affordable and accessible form of Pilates. I remember discovering Pilates this way through the famous Mari Winsor Pilates tapes. There are lots of free options for mat Pilates online if you’re self motivated to work out at home. Most gyms and group fitness studios also have mat Pilates on their schedules so if you’re already a member of a YMCA, JCC, or local gym you may already have access to Pilates mat classes. It is good to note that the training that group fitness instructors often receive is not always comprehensive Pilates training. Sometimes you really get lucky though and find an awesome mat teacher in the most economical places. You may also find mat classes at a Pilates studio for $15-$35.
How often will you practice?
This completely depends on you. We typically need to move our bodies every day whether you are doing Pilates or some other activity. This comes back to those motivations and ties in that budget and your goals. I believe aiming for 2x weekly Pilates is a great place to start and then seeing what you need from there. Your motivations may also lead you to want to take one class weekly at a local studio and dabble with Pilates workouts you find free on youtube. Your goals motivation and budget may also allow you to practice privately multiple times a week as well. Theres many factors involved for all of us.
Studio structures also play a roll in how often we practice. Some studios have membership offerings that help hold you accountable for a certain frequency of sessions. This can be great for some and too overwhelming a commitment for others. Some other options are package based or pay as you go studios where you pay per service or purchase a package that funds your Pilates time as you go. If you don’t want to commit looking for “drop-in” options may be what you’re looking for.
At the end of the day your Pilates practice needs to be about you and your goals and motivations. Budget is of course the other piece of that puzzle. Feel free to reach out to me at steven@z-moves.com for advice on starting a Pilates practice that’s right for you and where you are at. My offerings start as low as $15 per week for weekly virtual mat class. I also have in-person classes with affordable pricing and availability or private 1-1 training. The right Pilates studio, teacher, and budget is out there for you. I hope this helps point you in the right direction.
