Time to start Pilates?
Someone has suggested Pilates would be good for you; your chiropractor, your girlfriend, your mum? It will be good for you, and is most definitely worth a try, but where to start?
If you are considering trying Pilates your options include sessions with a physiotherapist specialising in Pilates, group mat classes in a church hall or fitness centre, or group classes or private or semi-private personalised sessions in an equipment-based Pilates studio.
There are pros and cons to each, so let’s go through a few.
Physiotherapist sessions
Your sessions with a physiotherapist may be claimable through your health insurance, and for some that is of primary concern. You are in the hands of a musculoskeletal expert, so will be treated safely and appropriately for your needs. Physios specialising in Pilates are hard to find, so you may not have one near you, or there may be a waiting list at their practice.
Group mat classes
These are conducted by an instructor who may have undergone as little as a weekend training course in Pilates, or with a very experienced instructor; you won’t know until you ask. The sessions can have as few as six or eight clients, but in some fitness centres I have seen 25 or more people in a class. This doesn’t allow for adequate training of the principles, correction of technique or modification of exercise as is needed for some individuals. They are generally conveniently located and are a cheaper option than studios.
Equipment-based Pilates studio
These are common these days and not hard to find. Instructors will have been trained under a variety of training programs, these include Aust Pilates Method Assn (APMA), Polestar Pilates, STOTT Pilates and Pilates International Training Centre (PITC) to name a few.
Some studios do offer mat or allegro (reformer) classes, but generally you would go here for personalised Pilates sessions, conducted following an assessment to determine your needs. If they don’t assess you before you start, try another studio.
These things may be helpful to consider when you are starting:
- Make sure you undergo an assessment. A number of Pilates exercises are high load on joints and muscles and may be contraindicated for you, especially when you are new and unfamiliar with the principles. You may have a history of injury or pain conditions that will affect how you commence with the Pilates equipment. This needs to be determined before you start to ensure your safety, and the appropriateness of your program.
- Enquire about the standard of training of the instructors, are they all accredited with a professional association and have they undergone a training program of at least six months? Is this studio a training facility? This is a good sign that they prioritise training standards and are keeping on top of Pilates education.
- Visit the studio and ask to watch a session in action, ask the receptionist questions about how long clients have been coming, about any other services the studio offers, and read their website for testimonials. Enquire with a client who is leaving or arriving for their session if they can recommend the studio to you. You can do this discreetly, and it is a real insight for you.
Pilates can be hard-core, it can be stretchy and relaxing, it can make you hurt for days or lift your spirits and help you connect with your body. Whatever you need it to be, seek out the right place for you, try out the different instructors and get your groove happening, Pilates style.
Love to hear from you with questions or requests for further information.
Melissa Turnock
Level 3 Pilates Professional Practitioner (APMA)
melissa.turnock{at}pilatesscene{dotcom}
